Built by Ontario Yachts in Canada between 1978 and 1985, this Henry Adriaanse-designed 28-footer represents a thoughtful approach to coastal cruising with performance potential. With only 45 hulls produced during its seven-year production run, the Ontario 28 remains a relatively rare find on the used boat market. The design showcases classic late-1970s thinking with its fin keel and spade rudder configuration, delivering responsive handling and decent pointing ability. At 6,800 pounds displacement with 2,900 pounds of ballast, the boat strikes a reasonable balance between stability and performance. The masthead sloop rig provides straightforward sail handling, while the moderate sail area suits both leisurely cruising and spirited sailing. The Ontario 28's comfort ratio of 20.41 suggests motion will be quick in a seaway, typical of boats designed with some performance bias, while the capsize screening value indicates good inherent stability for coastal waters. This makes it well-suited for weekend cruising, club racing, and day sailing in protected waters. For sailors seeking an uncommon boat with decent sailing characteristics and Canadian craftsmanship, the Ontario 28 offers an interesting alternative to more common production boats of the era. Parts availability may require creative sourcing given the limited production numbers.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
What is the Ontario 28's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Ontario 28 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.89. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Ontario 28's comfort ratio?
The Ontario 28 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 20.41. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Ontario 28 safe for offshore sailing?
The Ontario 28 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.11. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Ontario 28?
The theoretical hull speed of the Ontario 28 is 6.29 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Ontario 28 weigh?
The Ontario 28 has a displacement of 6,800.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 28.58 ft.
Who designed the Ontario 28?
The Ontario 28 was designed by Henry Adriaanse, first built in 1978.