Symons 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Symons 28 is characterized by its "cruising multihull" DNA, which prioritizes a stable platform over the raw speed found in modern racing trimarans. Its wide beam provides a massive amount of initial stability, allowing the boat to remain nearly level even in stiff breezes. With a shallow draft (often less than 3 feet), the boat is exceptionally capable of gunkholing and navigating thin waters where monohulls cannot venture.

In terms of handling, the Symons 28 is known for being "stiff" but can feel sluggish in light air due to the wetted surface area of its three hulls. Unlike modern folding trimarans, this vintage design features fixed amas (outriggers), which contribute to a solid feel in a seaway. Owners often note that while it lacks the pointing ability of a modern fin-keel monohull, it excels on a reach, where the hull form can harness the wind without the burying of the lee rail. Anecdotal evidence from early multihull logs suggests that the boat is highly sea-kindly in following seas, as the buoyancy of the amas prevents the "digging in" common to narrower vessels.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 28-foot vessel of its era, the Symons 28 offers a surprisingly voluminous interior. This is largely due to the "wing" areas that bridge the main hull to the amas, which are often utilized for storage or widened berths. The main cabin typically features a V-berth forward, a central salon with settee berths, and a compact galley. Headroom is a standout feature for this size class, often exceeding six feet in the main cabin—a rarity for 1960s-era 28-footers.

The model was part of a larger family of Symons-marketed trimarans, which included the Symons 31, 33, 36, and the flagship Symons 49. While the 28 was the entry-level offshore cruiser, its larger siblings followed a similar layout philosophy, scaling up the "great room" feel of the salon. Construction variations exist; early models were often fiberglass-over-plywood, while later versions moved toward more extensive use of solid GRP (glass-reinforced plastic).

Popular Mentions & Media

The Symons 28 and its designer, Arthur Piver, occupy a legendary space in multihull history. Piver himself famously crossed the Atlantic in a 30-foot sister ship, the Nimble, a feat that helped dispel contemporary myths that trimarans were unsafe for ocean voyaging. This specific era of Symons boats is frequently cited in early multihull literature as the "democratization of the trimaran," bringing what was once a fringe "backyard builder" concept into the professional production sphere.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Symons 28 with a focus on structural longevity, as most examples are now over 50 years old.

• Plywood Core Integrity: For models built using the glass-over-plywood method, freshwater intrusion is the primary enemy. Check the deck, cabin top, and especially the "aka" (crossbeam) structures for soft spots or rot.
• Ama Delamination: The connection points where the floats meet the main hull are high-stress areas. Inspect these joints for stress cracks or signs of movement.
• Chainplate Corrosion: These boats often use external or glassed-in chainplates. Given their age, these should be carefully inspected for "crevice corrosion" hidden behind fiberglass layers.
• Rudder and Centerboard Wear: Early Symons designs often featured kick-up rudders or centerboards. The pivot pins and trunks are prone to wear and should be checked for excessive play or seizing.

Community & Resources

The legacy of Symons-Sailing is preserved through various multihull heritage groups. The Arthur Piver design community remains a valuable resource for technical drawings and restoration advice for those maintaining the Nimble-derived hulls. While Bill Symons’ original company is no longer in operation, its impact is still discussed within technical forums dedicated to classic multihulls and the history of the American trimaran movement.

The Verdict

The Symons 28 is a vintage multihull for the sailor who values stability, history, and shallow-water access over modern aesthetics and high-speed performance.

Pros:

• Extremely stable platform with minimal heeling.
• Excellent headroom and interior volume for its length.
• Shallow draft allows for beaching and thin-water cruising.
• Historical significance as a pioneer of production multihulls.

Cons:

• Aged construction requires rigorous structural inspection.
• Light-air performance is hampered by high wetted surface area.
• Dated aesthetics compared to modern, sleek trimaran designs.
• Fixed beam makes it difficult to find traditional marina slips.