Designed by Rod Johnstone and produced between 1986 and 1988, the J/28 is a performance-oriented sloop that reflects the J/Boats legacy of building fast, responsive sailboats with broad appeal. With only 75 hulls ever produced, it remains a relatively rare find on the used boat market, which makes it a distinctive choice for sailors seeking something a little off the beaten path. The J/28 carries a masthead sloop rig and a fin keel with spade rudder — a configuration well-suited to lively, responsive sailing. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio points to a boat with solid performance potential, particularly in moderate to fresh breeze conditions, making it well-matched for both club racing and spirited coastal daysailing. The hull speed suggests capable passage-making for coastal cruising as well. The comfort ratio indicates a firmer, more performance-focused ride rather than a plush offshore cruiser, so prospective buyers should approach this as a sporty coastal boat rather than a long-distance passagemaker. For sailors who prioritize helm feel, competitive sailing, and the pedigree of a classic J/Boats design, the J/28 offers an engaging and rewarding experience on the water.
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- Based on asking prices — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition, year, location, and included equipment are not factored in.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering.
- See our full analysis: What Thousands of Sailboat Listings Tell Us About Used Boat Prices.
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What is the J/28's sail area to displacement ratio?
The J/28 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.64. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the J/28's comfort ratio?
The J/28 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 24.57. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the J/28 safe for offshore sailing?
The J/28 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.71. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the J/28?
The theoretical hull speed of the J/28 is 7.41 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a J/28 weigh?
The J/28 has a displacement of 6,800 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 28.50 ft.
How much does a used J/28 cost?
Based on 1 recent market listings, used J/28 sailboats typically sell for between $19,500 and $19,500, with a median asking price of $19,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the J/28?
The J/28 was designed by Rod Johnstone, first built in 1986.