Van de Stadt Spirit 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Spirit 28 is widely regarded as a "stiff" boat, a characteristic derived from its high ballast-to-displacement ratio, which typically hovers around 40%. This weight distribution, combined with a relatively narrow beam by modern standards, allows the vessel to carry its canvas longer than its contemporaries when the wind freshens. Its underwater profile—a deep fin keel and a substantial skeg protecting the rudder—provides excellent tracking and a predictable feel at the helm.

On the wind, the Spirit 28 exhibits the classic IOR tendency to "groove" well, though it requires active trimming to minimize weather helm in gusts. According to historical technical reviews from the period, the boat excels in Force 4 to 6 conditions, where its momentum and hull shape allow it to punch through choppy seas without the excessive slamming associated with flatter-bottomed modern designs. While it may lack the light-air acceleration of a dedicated sportboat, its ability to maintain a steady 5 to 6 knots in a breeze makes it a reliable passage-maker. The rig is a conservative masthead sloop, which is easily handled by a small crew or single-handed, provided the primary winches are well-maintained.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its era, the interior of the Spirit 28 is remarkably functional, though it reflects the "narrow-gutted" design philosophy of the 1970s. The layout typically features a forward V-berth, a compact heads compartment located between the salon and the forepeak, and a main salon with two longitudinal settees. A defining feature of many units is the high-quality mahogany or teak joinery provided by the Van Heygen yard, which lends the cabin a traditional, shipshape atmosphere.

The boat was designed to sleep five, utilizing a quarter berth tucked under the cockpit on the starboard side. Headroom is approximately 1.8 meters (5'11") in the main cabin, which is generous for a 28-footer of this vintage but may feel cramped for taller sailors. The galley is usually located to port of the companionway, featuring a two-burner stove and a deep sink. Throughout its production run, there were few radical layout changes, though some "De Luxe" versions featured upgraded interior linings and additional storage lockers. The Spirit 28 was the middle child in a family of siblings that included the smaller, more agile Spirit 24 and the larger, more ocean-capable Spirit 32 and Spirit 36, all of which shared the signature Van de Stadt "wedge" deck profile and robust build quality.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Spirit 28 with a focus on its age-related structural integrity. While the hulls are solidly laid up GRP, several specific areas require scrutiny:

• Deck Core Saturation: Like many boats of this era, the Spirit 28 often utilized a balsa or foam core in the deck for stiffness. Over decades, hardware seals (cleats, stanchions, and tracks) can fail, leading to moisture ingress and delamination. Soft spots on the side decks are a common "gotcha."
• Osmotic Blistering: Early European GRP production was susceptible to osmosis. While rarely a structural failure, a hull survey is essential to determine if the gelcoat requires stripping and epoxy treatment.
• Rudder Skeg Integrity: The skeg-to-hull joint is a high-stress area. Inspect for "smile" cracks or movement, which can indicate that the internal reinforcements have weakened over years of grounding or heavy use.
• Engine Replacement: Many original units were fitted with Bukh or Volvo Penta engines that are now reaching the end of their serviceable life. Evidence of a recent repower (e.g., with a Yanmar or Beta Marine diesel) significantly increases the vessel's value and reliability.
• Chainplate Anchors: Inspect the points where the stays meet the hull/deck. Stress cracking in the fiberglass around the chainplate mounts can indicate rig over-tensioning or age-related fatigue.

Community & Resources

The Spirit 28 enjoys a dedicated following, particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. The most prominent resource for technical data and owner support is the Spirit Yachts Association (Spirit Yacht Club), which maintains archives of original brochures and technical drawings for the entire Spirit range. While much of the primary documentation is in Dutch, the community is known for being highly responsive to international owners seeking parts or refit advice.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional seaworthiness and stiffness for its size.
• High-quality construction from the Van Heygen shipyard.
• Timeless design by a legendary naval architect.
• Predictable handling characteristics in heavy weather.

Cons:

• Narrow interior feel compared to modern "wide-beam" 28-footers.
• Potential for expensive deck core repairs or osmosis treatments.
• Performance in very light winds can be sluggish.
• Original engines are likely nearing retirement.