Santana 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Santana 28 is widely regarded for its "big boat" feel, a characteristic derived from its high ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 40%. With 2,400 pounds of lead tucked into its fin keel, the boat handles heavy air with more composure than many of its lighter contemporaries. Its Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 235 places it firmly in the moderate-displacement category, ensuring it has enough momentum to punch through chop without the "hobby-horsing" often seen in lighter 25-to-27-footers.

Under sail, the boat exhibits the classic traits of a Gary Mull design, emphasizing balance and a light touch on the helm. In light air, the Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 17.6 suggests a boat that is lively but requires a generous 150% genoa to maintain speed. Owners frequently report that the boat finds its "groove" when close-hauled, tracking exceptionally well due to the deep spade rudder. Unlike the twitchier IOR "rule-beaters" of the late 70s, the Santana 28 has a more predictable hull form that resists the tendency to spin out (broach) when pressed hard downwind, provided the sail plan is properly balanced.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 28-foot hull, the interior layout is remarkably traditional and efficient, benefiting from the 9' 6" beam. The cabin typically offers 5' 10" to 6' 0" of headroom, which was generous for the mid-1970s. The arrangement features a standard V-berth forward, followed by a full-width head compartment that provides a degree of privacy rarely found in smaller Santanas like the 22 or 27.

The main salon utilizes a settee to port and a L-shaped dinette to starboard, which can often be converted into a double berth. W.D. Schock utilized a significant amount of teak joinery and a textured fiberglass headliner to avoid the "refrigerator" feel of early production boats. In terms of siblings, the Santana 28 sits between the lighter, Lapworth-designed Santana 27 and the larger, more powerful Santana 30. While the Santana 30 shared much of the 28's design DNA and Mull pedigree, the 28 was often preferred by single-handed sailors or couples for its lower slip fees and easier-to-manage sail plan.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on three primary areas typical of Schock builds from this era:

1. Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of its vintage, the Santana 28 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step can lead to delamination. Soft spots on the foredeck are a common "gotcha" that should be professionally surveyed.
2. Keel Bolt Maintenance: The 2,400-pound lead keel is secured with stainless steel bolts. Given the age of these vessels, checking for "weeping" at the keel-to-hull joint (the "smile") and inspecting the internal backing plates for corrosion is essential.
3. Engine Access and Condition: Many Santana 28s were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine or early Yanmar diesels. While the Atomic 4 is reliable if maintained, buyers should check for manifold corrosion and fuel system upgrades. Engine access is somewhat cramped, located behind the companionway steps.
4. Rudder Post and Bearings: The spade rudder is effective but can develop play in the bushings over decades of use. Significant vibration while under power or a "clunking" feel in the tiller usually indicates that the rudder bearings require replacement.

Community & Resources

The Santana 28 benefits from the broad umbrella of the W.D. Schock sailing community. While it does not have the singular, high-intensity racing fleet of the Santana 20 or the Schock 35, it remains a staple in the W.D. Schock Corp legacy archives. Technical support is often found through regional yacht clubs on the West Coast, where the majority of these hulls remain in service. Owners frequently share technical specifications and restoration tips through the various Santana-specific forums and social media groups dedicated to "Classic Santanas."

The Verdict

The Santana 28 is an excellent choice for the sailor who values traditional design and heavy-weather stability over modern, high-volume "floating condos." It remains one of the more capable coastal cruisers of its size and era.

Pros:

• Stiff and Stable: High ballast ratio makes it a safe, predictable performer in coastal offshore conditions.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Classic Gary Mull lines with a pleasing shear and balanced proportions.
• Quality Construction: Built during a period when W.D. Schock was at the top of their production game.

Cons:

• Age-Related Maintenance: Potential for deck core issues and aging engine systems.
• IOR Influence: The pinched stern (common to the era) reduces cockpit space compared to modern 28-footers.
• Light Air Performance: Requires a large headsail inventory to remain competitive in light wind.