Smiling 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Smiling 28 is characterized by its balance and predictability, largely due to its high ballast ratio—approximately 45% of its 2,600kg displacement is concentrated in the keel. According to technical data preserved by the Swedish Marine Industries Federation at Sök Båt, the vessel utilizes a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that offers significantly better maneuverability and lower wetted surface area than the full-keel designs of the previous decade.

The boat is notably "stiff" once it reaches a slight heel, though its narrow beam makes it somewhat tender in the first ten degrees of lean. Sailors often report that the Smiling 28 excels in upwind conditions, where its deep-chested hull and fine entry allow it to point high and slice through chop without the slamming common in flatter-bottomed modern cruisers. However, like many IOR-influenced designs of the 1970s, it can become restless on a broad reach in heavy seas, requiring an active hand on the tiller to manage the tendency to roll. The sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that performs best in moderate to fresh breezes; in light air, the heavy displacement (relative to its length) can make it feel sluggish unless a large genoa is deployed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Smiling 28 is a masterclass in 1970s Swedish joinery, typically finished in warm mahogany or teak. Because of the 2.35-meter beam, the living space is narrower than contemporary 28-footers, creating a "tunnel" effect that is nonetheless cozy and seaworthy. The standard layout features a classic V-berth forward, a small head (often just a marine toilet tucked under a cushion), and a main salon with two longitudinal settees that double as sea berths.

Variation in the model was primarily seen in the galley and navigation station arrangements. Most units were built with a compact galley near the companionway to maximize ventilation, though some "Special" versions featured slight modifications to the cabinetry to allow for a more substantial chart table. Headroom is approximately 1.75 meters in the main salon, which is generous for a boat of this vintage and beam, though taller sailors may find the forward cabin and head area cramped. The use of high-quality GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) for the interior liners makes the boat easy to maintain, while the thick wood trim provides the insulation and dampness-reduction necessary for Northern European sailing.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Smiling 28 should focus their inspections on the following high-signal areas typical of Swedish builds from this era:

• S-Drive Seal and Engine: Most Smiling 28s were originally equipped with Volvo Penta MD7A or similar diesel engines paired with S-drives. If the engine is original, it is nearing the end of its reliable service life. Crucially, the rubber S-drive diaphragm seal should be replaced every seven years; many older boats have neglected this, posing a significant sinking risk.
• Deck Core Integrity: While the hulls are solid laminate, the decks often utilized a balsa or foam core for stiffness. Check for "spongy" areas around the chainplates and stanchion bases, where water ingress can rot the core.
• Chainplate Anchoring: The Smiling 28 uses a robust rigging setup, but the points where the chainplates meet the bulkheads should be inspected for signs of weeping or rust streaks, which indicate movement or sealant failure.
• Osmotic Blistering: While the build quality was generally high, boats from the mid-70s are susceptible to hull osmosis. A haul-out inspection is mandatory to check for "vinegar" smelling blisters in the gelcoat.

Community & Resources

The Smiling 28 enjoys a dedicated following within the Swedish sailing community. Technical support and owner discussions are frequently centralized through the Smilingbåten community circles in Scandinavia. While no international class association currently exists, the boat is a frequent topic of technical analysis on Nordic maritime forums where owners share rig tuning guides and interior renovation projects.

The Verdict

The Smiling 28 is an excellent choice for the traditionalist seeking a seaworthy, aesthetically pleasing coastal cruiser that punches above its weight in heavy weather.

Pros:

• High ballast ratio leads to excellent stability and safety in offshore conditions.
• Exceptional build quality and interior woodwork compared to mass-produced modern yachts.
• Superior upwind performance and ability to handle heavy chop.

Cons:

• Narrow beam limits interior volume and makes the boat feel smaller than modern 28-footers.
• Original Volvo Penta engines and S-drives often require expensive replacement or heavy maintenance.
• Limited availability outside of Northern Europe/Scandinavia.