Thomas Impala 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Impala 28 is celebrated for its exceptional balance and "dinghy-like" responsiveness, a hallmark of David Thomas designs. Utilizing a fractional rig with a large mainsail and relatively small, non-overlapping jibs, the boat is easily handled by a small crew. Its performance characteristics are defined by a high ballast ratio—often exceeding 40%—which provides significant stiffness. This allows the Impala to carry sail longer than many contemporary 28-footers, making it a formidable contender in heavy weather.

According to technical reviews by the Impala 28 Class Association, the hull features a moderate beam and a deep fin keel that enables excellent tracking and impressive upwind angles. In light air, the boat is nimble, while in a blow, it remains predictable and secure. While the boat was originally designed with a specific sail plan for one-design racing, many owners have successfully optimized the deck layout for shorthanded sailing. The absence of a large overlapping genoa reduces the physical strain on the crew during tacks, contributing to its reputation as a "gentleman’s racer."

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel designed primarily with racing in mind, the Impala 28 offers a surprisingly functional interior. The layout is a classic example of late-70s British design efficiency, typically featuring a "V" berth in the forepeak, two settee berths in the saloon, and two generous quarter berths aft. This six-berth configuration was essential for offshore racing crews but also serves young families well.

The headroom is functional but modest, a necessary compromise to maintain the low profile and sleek lines of the hull. The galley is generally located to port, featuring a simple stove and sink, while a dedicated chart table sits to starboard. While the finish is utilitarian compared to modern French production yachts, the build quality is noted for its longevity.

The Impala shares a lineage with several "siblings" in the Hunter range. The Hunter Sonata is essentially its smaller 22-foot predecessor, while the Hunter Delta 25 occupied the middle ground. More significantly, the Impala’s success influenced the later development of the Hunter 27 OOD and the Hunter 707 sportboat. Most Impalas were fitted with small Yanmar or Bukh inboard diesels, though some earlier versions utilized an outboard in a well, which some purists prefer for racing due to the reduction in weight and drag.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Impala 28 enjoys a robust cultural footprint within the British Isles and Northern Europe. It has been a staple of the Cowes Week regatta for decades, often boasting one of the largest and most competitive one-design starts. The boat's longevity is frequently cited in editorial retrospectives; for example, Yachting Monthly has highlighted the model as a premier "second-hand buy" for sailors looking to bridge the gap between club racing and weekend cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Impala 28 should focus on a few specific technical areas common to the era and build method:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this vintage, the deck is a sandwich construction. Surveyors often find soft spots around high-load areas such as the chainplates and the mast step. Moisture ingress into the balsa core is the primary "gotcha" for this model.
• Rudder Bearings and Tangs: The transom-hung rudder is a robust design, but the stainless steel tangs and pintles can suffer from fatigue over decades of hard racing. Owners frequently report the need to replace or reinforce these components to eliminate "slop" in the steering.
• Engine Serviceability: On inboard models, the engine space is tight. Potential buyers should inspect the sail drive diaphragm (if fitted) or the stern gland and P-bracket for signs of corrosion or leakage, as access for repair can be challenging.
• Keel Bolts: While the keel joint is generally very secure, any Impala that has been raced hard should have its keel bolts and the internal glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) floors inspected for stress cracking or evidence of a "hard grounding."

Community & Resources

The Impala 28 is supported by one of the most active owner associations in the UK. The Impala 28 Class Association serves as a vital technical wiki, providing sail plans, tuning guides, and a community-driven marketplace for class-specific parts. Their involvement ensures the boat remains a viable one-design racer nearly 50 years after its debut.

The Verdict

The Hunter Impala 28 remains a masterclass in versatile naval architecture. It successfully fulfills the dual roles of a fierce one-design racer and a capable coastal cruiser, all while maintaining a price point accessible to the average sailor.

Pros:

• Exceptional handling and stiffness in a variety of wind conditions.
• Strong class association and active racing scene.
• Simple, manageable fractional rig ideal for shorthanded sailing.
• Robust construction that ages well if properly maintained.

Cons:

• Modest headroom may feel cramped for taller sailors or long-term cruising.
• Utilitarian interior finish lacks the "luxury" feel of modern cruisers.
• Susceptibility to deck core moisture issues requires careful surveying.