Design and Construction
Robert Tucker drew the Sarum 28 for BACO Aluminium (Ravensbourne) Ltd. The builder produced an all-aluminium yacht with hulls built to Lloyds scantlings, using 4.76 mm plating for the hull and 9.52 mm plating for the keelson and engine beds.
The beamy, multi-chine hull has deep twin aerofoil iron bilge keels and a skeg-hung rudder. The builder likened this configuration to the efficient “twin fins” later seen on British Hunter boats. Early boats had bolted-on aluminium toerails, while the alloy rails on later examples were welded as part of the hull build.
The welded hull is very stiff, so the interior bulkheads are non-structural. Owners can therefore alter the fittings and layout without compromising the structure.
Dimensions, Rig and Handling
The Sarum 28 is just under 28 feet overall, with a 21 foot 6 inch waterline and 10 feet of beam. She draws only 4 feet 3 inches. Displacement is about 6,400 lbs, or 3.04 tons, including 3,240 lbs of iron ballast. That puts the ballast-displacement ratio near 48 percent, giving her a sure-footed feel for a 28 footer.
The standard rig is described as a masthead sloop carrying 340 square feet of sail. However, the original design brochure shows a 7/8 fractional sailplan, suggesting that the masthead arrangement was probably an option rather than the only choice.
Her aerofoil-section bilge keels provide the shallow-draft versatility of a twin-keeler while preserving reasonable windward ability. The 12 horsepower Yanmar YSE or Bukh diesel originally fitted is adequate for her weight.
Accommodation
The standard interior provided four berths, with a traditional arrangement of forecabin, heads, hanging locker and saloon. The 10 foot beam gives the compact hull a roomy feel below for her length.
Because the bulkheads aren’t structural, owners have been able to rework the accommodation relatively easily. One documented example had its heads moved aft. Refit accounts also describe timber saloon seating that appeared to have been reclaimed from old pallets; it was replaced during the overhaul.
Known Issues
One Sarum 28 refit uncovered a leaking forehatch that dripped onto the forecabin berth and had to be replaced. The same boat had a curious length of garden hose running from the stern gland to nowhere, which was removed.
More reassuringly for an aluminium yacht, that example showed no signs of serious galvanic action anywhere in the hull. Its electrical installation was less satisfactory: the 240V wiring used a confusing multicoloured scheme, while the batteries and charger sat unprotected beneath the wet-locker. Flimsy wooden cockpit-locker covers were also replaced with watertight aluminium ones.
Period examples may also lack a bilge pump, gas detector and proper heads door.
Refits and Ownership
Owners have modernised Sarum 28s extensively. One overhaul included a new Beta 14 engine and renewed standing and running rigging. The running rigging was led aft through clutches to a single cockpit winch for easier single-handed sailing.
The same refit included a fully battened mainsail and genoa from Westaway Sails, along with a boom cover, dodgers and lee clothes. Other additions included an Atlantic windvane self-steering system, a Rutland wind generator, a new anchor winch and 60 m of 8 mm chain. The kedge rig used 15 m of chain spliced to 35 m of multi-plait. The interior was also repainted with mould-resistant paint.
The Verdict
The Sarum 28 is a distinctive aluminium bilge-keeler. Her welded construction makes her robust, while the non-structural bulkheads allow considerable freedom to adapt the accommodation. The shallow twin keels also open gunkholing grounds that deeper fin-keelers can’t reach.
She suits an owner prepared to address period electrics, minor water ingress and other age-related shortcomings. In return, she offers a stiff, beamy hull, shallow draft and an unusually adaptable interior.
Pros
- All-aluminium hull and deck built to Lloyds scantlings, with thick keelson plating
- Non-structural bulkheads allow straightforward interior reconfiguration
- Shallow 4 foot 3 inch twin aerofoil keels combine draft access with decent performance
- Stiff, beamy hull with a ballast ratio near 48 percent for a 28 footer
Cons
- Period examples may lack a bilge pump, gas detector and proper heads door
- Forehatch leakage onto the forecabin berth was documented on at least one boat
- Confusing 240V wiring and unprotected batteries beneath the wet-locker were noted
- Some boats had flimsy original cockpit-locker covers
