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Sailboat Specifications

Sunstar 28

Masthead Sloop · Fin W/Spade Rudder

Designed by E. Monk/R. Perry · Built by Spencer Boats · First built 1981

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LOA 28.00 ft  ·  Beam 9.00 ft  ·  Displacement 6,300.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 453.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin W/Spade Rudder
About the Sunstar 28 Sailboat

A compact and capable cruiser, the Sunstar 28 occupies a practical niche for sailors seeking an accessible and manageable coastal cruising experience. Designed with the weekend sailor in mind, this 28-foot sailboat offers a balance of simplicity and seaworthiness that appeals to those stepping up from smaller dinghies or looking for an affordable entry point into keelboat sailing. With its modest size, the Sunstar 28 is well suited to sheltered coastal waters, inland lakes, and day sailing excursions, though experienced hands may find her capable of handling short offshore passages in moderate conditions. The boat's proportions lend themselves to easy single-handed or short-handed sailing, making her a popular choice for sailors who value practicality over performance. While detailed specifications on the Sunstar 28 are limited, her reputation within the sailing community points to a straightforward, low-maintenance platform that rewards attentive seamanship. For buyers researching an affordable and manageable cruising sailboat, the Sunstar 28 represents a solid starting point worth investigating further through sea trials and owner communities.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.50 ft / 6.86 m
Beam 9.00 ft / 2.74 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 6,300.00 lb / 2,858 kg
Ballast 2,300.00 lb / 1,043 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 453.00 ft² / 42.09 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer E. Monk/R. Perry
Builder Spencer Boats
First Built 1981
Last Built 1985
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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Sunstar 28 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 21.31. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Sunstar 28's comfort ratio?

The Sunstar 28 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 21.6. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Sunstar 28 safe for offshore sailing?

The Sunstar 28 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.95. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Sunstar 28?

The theoretical hull speed of the Sunstar 28 is 6.36 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Sunstar 28 weigh?

The Sunstar 28 has a displacement of 6,300.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 28.00 ft.

Who designed the Sunstar 28?

The Sunstar 28 was designed by E. Monk/R. Perry, first built in 1981.