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Sailboat Specifications

Impala 28 Thomas

Fractional Sloop · Fin W/Transom Hung Rudder

Designed by David Thomas · Built by Hunter Boats Ltd. (Uk) · First built 1977

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LOA 28.00 ft  ·  Beam 9.25 ft  ·  Displacement 4,300.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 335.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Fin W/Transom Hung Rudder
About the Impala 28 Thomas Sailboat

Built by Hunter Boats Ltd. in the UK between 1977 and 1984, this David Thomas-designed 28-footer represents solid British boatbuilding from the late seventies era. With 155 hulls produced during its seven-year production run, the Impala 28 Thomas gained a reputation as a capable coastal cruiser with respectable sailing performance. The design features a modern fin keel configuration with a transom-hung rudder, providing good maneuverability and pointing ability. Her fractional sloop rig carries 335 square feet of sail area, delivering a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 20.33 that places her firmly in performance cruiser territory. The generous beam of 9.25 feet provides good interior volume and stability for a boat of this length. With a moderate displacement of 4,300 pounds and comfortable motion indicated by her 13.94 comfort ratio, this design suits coastal cruising and club racing equally well. The capsize screening value of 2.28 suggests she's best kept in protected waters rather than offshore passages. Her hull speed of 6.45 knots is typical for the era, while the standard 9-horsepower auxiliary provides adequate power for maneuvering in harbors and calms. The Impala 28 Thomas appeals to sailors seeking a well-built, affordable entry into classic British yacht design.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.17 ft / 7.06 m
Beam 9.25 ft / 2.82 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 4,300.00 lb / 1,950 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 335.00 ft² / 31.12 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer David Thomas
Builder Hunter Boats Ltd. (UK)
First Built 1977
Last Built 1984
Number Built 155
Associations Hunter Association (UK)
Related Sailboats Aloha 28 · S2 86 · Grampian 28 · Spirit 28 Finch · Ranger 28
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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model 1GM
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 9
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Impala 28 Thomas's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Impala 28 Thomas has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 20.33. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Impala 28 Thomas's comfort ratio?

The Impala 28 Thomas has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 13.94. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Impala 28 Thomas safe for offshore sailing?

The Impala 28 Thomas has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.28. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Impala 28 Thomas?

The theoretical hull speed of the Impala 28 Thomas is 6.45 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Impala 28 Thomas weigh?

The Impala 28 Thomas has a displacement of 4,300.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 28.00 ft.

Who designed the Impala 28 Thomas?

The Impala 28 Thomas was designed by David Thomas, first built in 1977.