The Spirit 28, designed by the prolific E.G. van de Stadt and primarily built by Bootbouwerij Van Heygen in Belgium during the 1970s and early 1980s, remains a benchmark for mid-sized cruisers from the IOR (International Offshore Rule) era. While many 28-footers of this period were designed strictly for club racing, the Spirit 28 was conceived as a robust, "go-anywhere" coastal cruiser that prioritized structural integrity and heavy-weather performance over sheer interior volume. Its design pedigree comes from one of the most respected naval architecture firms in Europe, Van de Stadt Design, which pioneered the use of GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) and established many of the standards for modern yacht hull forms. The Spirit 28 was often viewed as a more modern, slightly faster alternative to the heavy-displacement long-keelers of the time, such as the Contessa 26, offering a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder configuration that improved agility without sacrificing directional stability.
Van de Stadt Spirit 28 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Van de Stadt
- Model
- Spirit 28
- Builder
- A. J. Van Heygen (Bel)
- Designer
- E. G. van de Stadt
- Number Built
- 284
- Production Year(s)
- 1970 - ??
Below are the most recent Van de Stadt Spirit 28 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | 1 | $19,686 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | $12,527 |
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina 28 | 28.5' | $25,000 | 28 | 4 |
| Contessa 28 | 27.67' | $9,468 | 14 | 6 |
| Cape Dory 28 | 28.1' | $17,500 | 13 | 3 |
| Shipman 28 | 29.06' | $9,413 | 11 | 5 |
| Tartan 28 | 28.25' | $23,250 | 10 | 3 |
| Jeanneau First 28 | 28.21' | $28,863 | 9 | 3 |
| Mirage 28 | 27.5' | $7,439 | 9 | 5 |
| Shannon 28 | 28' | $50,500 | 8 | 2 |
| Van De Stadt Spirit 28 | $16,106 | 2 | 1 | |
| Jensen Cal 28 | $4,000 | 1 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | $16,106 | 2 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Van de Stadt Spirit 28 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Van de Stadt Spirit 28 over the past 12 months is $16,106. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Van de Stadt Spirit 28 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 2 Van de Stadt Spirit 28 listings over the past 12 months, with 1 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Van de Stadt Spirit 28 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Van de Stadt Spirit 28 has decreased by 22.22% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- What are similar sailboats to the Van de Stadt Spirit 28?
- Comparable models include the Catalina 28, Contessa 28, Cape Dory 28. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.