UFO 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The UFO 28 is defined by its IOR heritage, characterized by a pronounced "tumblehome" (the hull narrowing at the deck level) and a pinched stern. This geometry was designed to exploit rating rules, but in practice, it creates a hull that is exceptionally stiff and weatherly. According to historical design notes from Holman & Pye, the UFO series was engineered to prioritize upwind performance. With a high ballast-to-displacement ratio and a deep fin keel, the 28 tracks with precision and maintains a low angle of heel long after lighter boats have been forced to reef.

Under sail, the boat feels purposeful. The large masthead rig provides ample power in light airs, though the oversized genoa typical of this era requires a strong crew for efficient tacking. In a blow, the boat’s sea-kindliness becomes its greatest asset; it lacks the "skittish" behavior of modern flat-bottomed designs, instead slicing through waves with a predictable, rhythmic motion. While the pinched stern can make the boat somewhat restless when running dead downwind in heavy seas—a common trait of IOR designs—the spade rudder provides sufficient bite to prevent rounding up if handled with attention.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 28-foot vessel designed with a racing pedigree, the interior of the UFO 28 is surprisingly accommodating. The layout typically follows a traditional plan: a V-berth in the forepeak, a full-width heads compartment, and a saloon featuring two settee berths, one of which often converts into a double. The use of a pilot berth or a large quarter berth to starboard was common, allowing the boat to sleep five or six people in a pinch, though four is the practical limit for extended cruising.

Because many UFO 28s were sold as "owner-finished" kits through Colvic Crafts, the interior quality varies. Professional versions by Landamores are noted for their rich teak joinery and robust galley arrangements. In contrast, home-finished versions may feature more utilitarian plywood finishes or creative storage solutions. Headroom is respectable for the era, generally hovering around 5'10", which, combined with the wide beam amidships, creates a saloon that feels more spacious than the boat’s 28-foot length would suggest.

Popular Mentions & Media

The UFO 28 shares the reflected glory of its larger sibling, the UFO 34, which gained international fame for its survival and performance during the 1979 Fastnet Race. While the 28 did not have the same singular "famous" moment, it was a staple of the UK's Round the Island Race and various JOG (Junior Offshore Group) events throughout the 1980s. The UFO range is frequently cited in Yachting Monthly as a "classic plastic" choice for sailors looking for offshore capability on a budget.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a UFO 28 should focus their survey on the specific nuances of 1970s GRP construction and the "kit-built" nature of the fleet:

• Osmosis: Colvic hulls from this period are known for their thickness, but they are also susceptible to osmotic blistering if they have not been epoxy-treated. A moisture meter test is essential.
• Deck Core Delamination: The decks often utilized a balsa core for stiffness. Check for "soft spots" around the mast step and chainplates, which indicate water ingress and rot in the core.
• Bulkhead Attachment: In home-finished models, the secondary bonding of bulkheads to the hull can sometimes be inferior to factory standards. Look for signs of movement or "working" where the wood meets the GRP.
• Engine Maintenance: Many units originally carried Bukh or Yanmar diesels. Given their age, the state of the cooling galleries and the saildrive diaphragm (if equipped) should be prioritized.
• Rigging Stress: As a stiff boat capable of carrying a lot of sail, the chainplates and stemhead fitting undergo significant loads. Inspect the fiberglass around these points for stress crazing.

Community & Resources

The UFO 28 benefits from a dedicated following in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. Technical support and class history are largely maintained by the UFO Association, a group dedicated to the preservation and racing of the 27, 28, 31, and 34 models. Owners also frequently congregate on the PBO (Practical Boat Owner) community forums to share specific refit advice regarding the Colvic-molded hulls.

The Verdict

The UFO 28 is a "sailor’s boat" that offers a level of build solidity and upwind ability rarely found in modern entry-level cruisers. While its IOR-influenced shape is no longer the fastest way to sail downwind, its security in a gale and its classic lines make it an enduring choice for those who prioritize sea-keeping over dockside living space.

Pros:

• Exceptional windward performance and stiffness.
• Heavy, robust hull construction capable of coastal and offshore passages.
• Active owner community and a design pedigree by Holman & Pye.

Cons:

• Interior quality is highly variable due to kit-built history.
• The pinched stern can lead to rolling when sailing downwind.
• Large overlapping headsails require significant winching effort.