Design and Construction
The 28-2 displaces 7,000 pounds on a 24-foot 4.5-inch waterline and has a 9-foot 10-inch beam. Its hull is solid fiberglass, while the deck has an end-grain balsa core for rigidity. Pearson Yachts claimed to have originated this construction approach to limit water migration within the core.
The hull and deck meet at an outward-facing flange that is through-bolted and covered by a plastic rubrail, with an oiled teak toerail above it. The joint is simple, but the flange looks a little ungainly and is exposed to collision damage. Inside, molded hull-and-deck liners keep the structure tidy.
The boat has a fin keel and spade rudder. Standard draft is 4 feet 10 inches, while an optional shoal-draft, externally fastened cast iron keel reduces draft to 3 feet 6 inches. The lead keel is also externally fastened to the hull.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The Isomat mast is deck-stepped on a stout stainless steel compression post. Pearson placed the traveler on the raised bridgedeck near the boom end, although some owners have moved it to the coachroof in an effort to open up the cockpit. Deck hardware is a good-quality mix of Harken and Lewmar, and the boat came with Edson pedestal steering.
Moderate wetted surface, a fairly flat forefoot, and flat sections aft help the 28-2 make good speed downwind. Testers found that the wide beam provides enough form stability to keep the boat on its feet when the wind pipes up. The same combination isn’t especially well suited to light-air sailing. That profile is consistent with both the builder’s claim of sea-kindly motion and its performance cruiser-racer brief.
Cockpit and Machinery
The cockpit is practical, with two long settees, a small port lazarette, and a large starboard sail locker. Edson pedestal steering was standard.
The two-cylinder Yanmar diesel was offered in 15- or 18-horsepower form. It is paired with a 16-gallon fuel capacity and drives a 1-inch stainless steel shaft supported by a bronze skeg.
Owners have made several sensible upgrades. Some have relocated the traveler, while many have replaced the fixed two-bladed propeller with a folding propeller to gain a little speed under sail. The tester’s own boat received a 150-percent genoa and an asymmetrical spinnaker to ease the boat’s light-air deficit.
Accommodations
Below, the 28-2 makes a serious case for privacy and room in a 28-footer. The brochure advertised two full double berths: one forward and another in a private stateroom in the port aft quarter. The aft cabin is roomy enough to include a hanging locker and standing room for changing clothes, though the berth loses inboard headroom beneath the cockpit well.
The enclosed head sits farther aft than on recent Pearson models, where it makes good use of the hull’s wider section. It contains a marine head, sink, and shower.
The galley is amidships. Its main section is to port, with a single sink, a two-burner alcohol stove, and storage. To starboard, a large icebox has a lid that doubles as the chart table.
In the saloon, two long settees flank a centerline folding table mounted on the compression post. The cabin sole is traditional teak and holly. Ventilation is average, provided by a large forward hatch, two small hatches in the head and aft cabin, and a few opening portlights.
Known Issues
The outward flange and externally fastened keel are the principal structural concerns. The flange can suffer damage in a collision. Although the keel, stub, and bolts are robust, most externally fastened keels are at risk in a grounding, and this arrangement remains vulnerable in a hard one.
It isn’t unusual for these boats to develop a slight “smile” at the hull-to-keel joint, where the filler and fairing compound can crack. Small deck leaks around the portlights and hatches are also known, and the plastic-framed portlights themselves can crack.
Hulls without a barrier coating may show mild blistering, as with most boats of the era. Above-water plastic through-hull fittings serve the cockpit scuppers and deserve a careful look.
The Verdict
The Pearson 28-2 is a Shaw-designed cruiser-racer that trades light-air sparkle for steadiness and interior volume. Its beamy hull, private aft cabin, and molded-liner construction make it a practical small cruiser. The outward flange and externally fastened keel, however, call for disciplined inspection.
For a couple or small family looking for enclosed berths and a sea-kindly ride, the 28-2 remains a well-aged choice.
Pros
- Two genuine double berths, including a private aft stateroom with standing room
- Wide-beam form stability keeps the boat upright in a breeze
- Solid fiberglass hull and balsa-cored deck for rigidity
- Practical cockpit with a deep sail locker and Edson steering
Cons
- Outward flange and externally fastened keel are vulnerable in a collision or grounding
- Sluggish feel in light air without genoa and spinnaker upgrades
- Plastic portlights can crack; deck leaks and hull blistering are possible
- Aft-berth headroom is limited beneath the cockpit well
