Designed by renowned naval architect Thomas Gillmer and built by C. E. Ryder beginning in 1978, this 30-foot cutter represents classic American cruising design philosophy from the late 1970s. The fiberglass construction combines traditional aesthetics with modern materials, featuring a fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration that balances directional stability with reasonable performance. With a displacement of 8,500 pounds and 3,400 pounds of ballast, this boat offers the substantial feel that serious cruisers appreciate for offshore passages. The generous beam of 8.5 feet provides comfortable interior volume while maintaining seaworthiness. The cutter rig configuration, with its 415 square feet of sail area, delivers excellent versatility for varying wind conditions and the ability to balance the boat under different sail combinations. Gillmer's design emphasizes seaworthiness over speed, evident in the conservative sail area to displacement ratio and moderate comfort ratio of 32.66, making extended passages more pleasant. The capsize screening formula of 1.67 indicates good stability characteristics for coastal and offshore cruising. With an 11-horsepower auxiliary engine, this yacht suits sailors seeking a traditional, well-built platform for serious cruising adventures rather than racing performance.
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What is the Southern Cross 28's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Southern Cross 28 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.99. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Southern Cross 28's comfort ratio?
The Southern Cross 28 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 32.66. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Southern Cross 28 safe for offshore sailing?
The Southern Cross 28 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.67. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Southern Cross 28?
The theoretical hull speed of the Southern Cross 28 is 6.02 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Southern Cross 28 weigh?
The Southern Cross 28 has a displacement of 8,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 30.42 ft.
How much does a used Southern Cross 28 cost?
Based on 1 recent market listings, used Southern Cross 28 sailboats typically sell for between $10,500 and $10,500, with a median asking price of $10,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Southern Cross 28?
The Southern Cross 28 was designed by Thomas Gillmer, first built in 1978.