Sailing Performance & Handling
The Sirius 28 is characterized by a high-aspect masthead rig and a hull shape that prioritizes stability over outright light-wind speed. With a displacement of approximately 7,000 to 7,500 pounds and a ballast ratio approaching 40%, the boat is notably "stiff," meaning it resists excessive heeling when the breeze freshens. This characteristic makes it a forgiving platform for family cruising or for sailors transitioning from smaller, more tender dinghies.
Under sail, the boat tracks well due to a balanced underwater profile. It was typically offered with a deep fin keel (approximately 4' 4") or a shoal draft version (approximately 3' 6"), the latter of which is highly sought after by sailors in the Chesapeake or the Florida Keys. While it may not point as high as a dedicated IOR-era racer, the Sirius 28 maintains its momentum through waves effectively. Reviewers from the era, including those at Canadian Yachting, often noted that the boat’s wide 9' 8" beam provides a generous righting moment, allowing the crew to delay reefing longer than in narrower 28-footers.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The defining feature of the Sirius 28 interior is its "big boat" feel, achieved through a combination of a wide beam and a coachroof design that provides roughly 6' 2" of headroom. The layout is traditional yet efficient, usually featuring a V-berth forward, a head to port with a hanging locker opposite, and a main salon with a convertible dinette.
Materials used in the cabin were typical of the premium Canadian builds of the 1980s, featuring a significant amount of teak trim and cabinetry that provides a warmth often missing in modern "all-white" fiberglass interiors. Unlike its smaller sibling, the Sirius 21, which focused on positive flotation, the 28 utilized the hull's volume to maximize storage for extended cruising. There were few major structural variations during its production run, though later models often featured upgraded interior finishes and improved galley arrangements with better ventilation.
The Sirius 28 also shares heritage with its smaller "cousins," the Siren 17 and Siren 21, which were also built by Vandestadt and McGruer. However, the Sirius 28 was built to a higher specification of offshore capability, moving away from the swing-keel configurations common in the Siren line in favor of a fixed-ballast keel.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Sirius 28 with a checklist focused on the longevity of its 1970s and 80s construction methods.
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Sirius 28 utilizes a balsa-cored deck. Areas around stanchion bases, cleats, and the mast step should be inspected with a moisture meter or a percussion hammer to check for delamination or soft spots caused by water ingress.
- Keel-to-Hull Joint: For fin-keel models, the "Sirius Smile"—a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint—is a common find. While often cosmetic, it should be inspected to ensure the keel bolts are torqued to specification and that no structural movement is present.
- Saildrive Diaphragm: Many Sirius 28s were equipped with original Volvo Penta or Bukh diesel engines using saildrives. It is critical to verify the age of the rubber saildrive seal (diaphragm); manufacturers generally recommend replacement every seven years, a task that requires pulling the engine or the drive unit.
- Window Leaks: The large side ports are a signature of the Sirius look but are prone to leaking after decades of UV exposure and fiberglass flex. Rebedding these windows is a common necessary maintenance task.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical data and owner support is the Sirius Owners Group, which maintains archives of original brochures and technical specifications for the 21, 22, and 28 models. Additionally, the Great Lakes Sailors community remains a strong advocate for the brand, as the majority of these hulls remain in the Ontario and Michigan regions.
The Verdict
The Sirius 28 is an overbuilt, voluminous cruiser that punches above its weight class in terms of interior livability. It is an ideal choice for a couple or small family looking for a sturdy, "honest" boat that prioritizes safety and comfort over racing trophies.
Pros:
- Exceptional headroom (6' 2") and interior volume for a 28-foot boat.
- Robust construction capable of handling heavy Great Lakes or coastal chop.
- Predictable, stiff sailing characteristics that inspire confidence in novice sailors.
Cons:
- Slower in light air compared to lighter, more modern "performance" cruisers.
- The aging saildrive units found in many hulls can be expensive to maintain or repower.
- Balsa-core decks require diligent inspection for moisture damage.
