The handy and more affordable yachts are not exactly well represented on the market - or so it seems. But this impression is deceptive. If you take a look at the offerings around 28 feet hull length (8.5 metres), you will find a considerable and very heterogeneous market portfolio with remarkable types and many exciting ideas. The following overview provides an insight into a market environment of current boats with hull lengths of between eight and nine metres that are habitable and therefore suitable for touring.
Market overview of 28-foot compact cruisers:
We present the following 20 touring boats in this article:
The 28-foot hull length class is positioned between the small and compact cruisers and the yachts with a hull length of around ten metres, many of which are also produced by large series shipyards. The offerings are of interest to the masses because the purchase and maintenance can usually be managed on a smaller budget.
The enormous variety on offer, the compact format and the simple, clear handling make this class even more attractive. And many boats in the 28-foot class are flexible in terms of areas of use, as they can be used in many areas with variable draughts and narrow widths and can sometimes be trailered without much effort.
Compact cruiser 1: Beneteau First 27
With the First 27, Beneteau has developed a somewhat tamed and more touring-orientated version of the sporty First 27 SE (Seascape Edition / formerly Seascape 27). Although the interior design is pragmatically simple, it offers generous living space for cruising and family sailors. Compared to the SE version with a swing keel, the First 27 has a fixed T-shaped keel with lead ballast and a draught of 1.70 metres. The two rudder blades are attached to the stern. Hull length 7.99 m; width 2.54 m; weight 1.77 tonnes; from 99,720 euros
Compact cruiser 2: Speedlounger 8500
It is hard to beat in terms of peculiarities. The sporty design with its special hull lines is built in Holland from aluminium. The space below deck is reduced. Nevertheless, two people can live comfortably. Hull length 8.50 m; width 3.08 m; weight 2.1 tonnes; from 132,280 euros
Compact cruiser 3: Biga 270
With the Biga 270, the German Bicker shipyard has built a real all-rounder. In the YACHT test, the boat with its classic look demonstrated very sporty sailing characteristics. It offers cosy living below deck and can also be trailered. Hull length 8.50 m; width 2.55 m; weight 2.3 tonnes; from 104,100 euros
Compact cruiser 4: Beneteau Oceanis 30.1
The imaginative cruising concept has earned the entry-level model from Beneteau the title of European Yacht of the Year 2021. The compact tourer is available with a fixed keel or as a centreboard with variable draught. Hull length 8.99 m; width 2.99 m; weight 4.0 tonnes; from 110,790 euros
Compact cruiser 5: Pointer 30
The new flagship from the Dutch Pointer range was presented as a world premiere at the Interboot in Friedrichshafen, albeit still in the shell. The pretty weekender is now being completed by Jachtwerf Heeg in Friesland. The concept is highly versatile. The boat is available with a folding wheel steering or with a tiller, and there are also variants for the hull appendages with different draughts. A large bathing hatch is also fitted at the stern. Four people can sleep comfortably overnight, and a wet room in the foredeck can be completely partitioned off. Hull length 9.20 m; width 2.90 m; weight 2.4 tonnes; from 132,670 euros
YACHT test: follows
Compact cruiser 6: Cornish Crabber 26
The cuddly gaffer from Cornwall is unlikely to win any regattas, but offers all the more comfort and safety for a longer cruise. The interior is very ship-like and matches the generally classic look. Hull length 7.99 m; width 2.76 m; weight 4.0 tonnes; from 202,100 euros
Compact cruiser 7: Bente 28
Growth for the Bente brand, which is now part of the Meichle & Mohr group of companies in Kressbronn on Lake Constance. The new Bente 28 is intended to transfer the characteristics of the popular 24 (YACHT 13/2015 test) into a slightly larger format with significantly more living space. The open-plan interior features two double berths, a permanently installed galley and a separate toilet area. The first Bente 28 boat has just been completed. Hull length 8.65 m; width 2.99 m; weight 3.2 tonnes; price still unknown
YACHT test: to follow in YACHT 24/2022
Compact cruiser 8: Django 8S
Sporty performance boat from the Marée Haute shipyard in Brittany. The design comes from Pierre Roland and is specifically tailored to the needs of single-handed and double-handed sailors. The interior fittings are sufficient for touring sailing for four people. Hull length 8.01 m; width 2.99 m; weight 1.95 tonnes; from 135,000 euros
YACHT test: follows
Compact cruiser 9: Imexus 28
A boat that can be used for sailing, motor boating and water skiing. This is made possible by a powerful engine, optionally up to 170 hp, as well as a water ballast system for more stability under sail. The unusual boat has a cosy interior. Hull length 8.50 m; width 2.55 m; weight 1.3 tonnes; from 55,000 euros (without engine)
Compact cruiser 10: RM 890+
The special feature of the boats from RM Yachts in La Rochelle is their construction with a plywood hull, built in multi-buckling frame, and a GRP deck. The smallest model in the range is the 890+ with a beautiful, modern and very spacious open interior. The Frenchwoman can be ordered either with a fixed keel or with bi-keels for dry-docking. Hull length 8.90 m; width 3.42 m; weight 3.2 tonnes; from 159,900 euros
Compact cruiser 11: J/9
J/Boats in the USA has put together an attractive package for beginners. The new J/9 is being marketed as the successor to the legendary and best-selling weekender J/100 (YACHT 24/2006 test). The concept is geared towards simple, uncomplicated handling with unrestricted single-handed suitability. The timelessly designed J/9 will initially only be built by J/Boats in the USA. The first boats have now arrived in Europe. Hull length 8.54 m; width 2.63 m; weight 1.93 tonnes; from 131,000 euros
YACHT test: follows
Compact cruiser 12: Domani S 30
The sporty daysailer from Belgium is available in two versions, as a simple club version or as a sports boat version with better equipment and an extension below deck suitable for touring. Keels are available in various draughts. Hull length 8.40 m; width 2.46 m; weight 1.85 tonnes; from 111,200 euros
Compact cruiser 13: Sunbeam 28.1
She is a true all-rounder and comes from Austria. The slim Sunbeam 28.1 combines the advantages of a weekender with the agile sailing characteristics of a sports boat. The yacht is well-built and beautifully equipped. However, the living space below deck is reduced and designed for only two people. However, there is a completely separate toilet area. Hull length 8.50 m; width 2.49 m; weight 2.3 tonnes; from 130,780 euros
Compact cruiser 14: Odin 820 Nova
The direct competitor to the neighbouring Imexus 28 comes from Germany. The Odin 820 Nova also has a water ballast system for sailing and can be motorised to almost any level for motor boating. Hull length 8.35 m; width 2.50 m; weight 1.6 tonnes; from 50,575 euros (without engine)
Compact cruiser 15: Sarch S8
The concept of the new Sarch S8 from Spain corresponds to that of its smaller sister Sarch S7 (YACHT 19/2019 test), but offers significantly more living space. The hull and deck are made of plywood and are subsequently covered with carbon fibre. Hull length 8.00 m; width 2.40 m; weight 1.2 tonnes; from 98,770 euros
YACHT test: follows
Compact cruiser 16: JK 28
The sporty dinghy cruiser with ballast centreboard is built in the shipyard of Thomas Bergner in Schleswig-Holstein and is also available with a fixed keel and ballast bomb under the designation KK 28. The interior is simple but suitable for touring and can be trailered. Hull length 8.88 m; width 3.45 m; weight 1.03 tonnes; from 58,000 euros
Compact cruiser 17: Saffier Sc 8m Cabin
Everything you need for sailing, and something on top. The Dutch company Saffier Yachts has a true all-rounder in its programme with the larger boat in the Classic line. The interior design is ideal for short trips with the family. Hull length 8.00 m; width 2.45 m; weight 1.8 tonnes; from 104,400 euros
Compact cruiser 18: Winner 8
So small and yet already a real yacht. The Winner 8 has everything you could wish for in a boat of this size. And: the Dutch-built compact cruiser also impresses in the test with its very good sailing characteristics. Price with electric motor. Hull length 8.00 m; width 2.85 m; weight 2.4 tonnes; from 127,800 euros
Compact cruiser 19: Revolution 29
Extremely robust boat from France, built entirely from aluminium, which is a special feature in this boat size. The round scow bow is also special. The additional volume of the wide nose primarily benefits the living space in the foredeck. Hull length 8.90 m; width 3.50 m; weight 4.0 tonnes; from 148,750 euros
Compact cruiser 20: Baycruiser 26
The cute coastal cruiser with a retro look comes from Swallow Yachts in England and is packed with numerous innovative and extraordinary details with unique selling points. The ballast centreboard can be raised for shallow waters. Hull length 8.64 m; width 2.54 m; weight 2.2 tonnes; from 89,000 euros
