BoatsImpala 28-2 (Thomas)

Impala 28-2 (Thomas)

Fractional Sloop · Fin w/transom Hung Rudder · 1977–1984

A David Thomas-designed fractional sloop refined for I.O.R. and C.H.S. competition with a lead-ballasted fin keel

Designed by David Thomas, built by Hunter Boats Ltd.

LOA
Beam
Draft (max)
Displacement
Ballast
Hull type
Fin w/transom Hung Rudder

Is it for you?

Character

Where this design lands on the numbers a shopper trusts — read straight from her own ratios.

LivelySea-kindly

Her moderate displacement on a moderate beam gives 18 — a quick, lively motion that feels every wave.

Comfort ratio 18
CoastalBluewater

2.09 — right around the 2.0 line, the edge between coastal and offshore.

Capsize screening 2.09
LightHeavy

199 — moderately heavy for her waterline, a balanced cruising weight.

Displacement / length 199
EasygoingPowered-up

17.1 — moderate power for her weight; steady, all-round performance.

Sail area / displacement 17.1
TenderStiff

34% of her weight is ballast — on the tender side; she'll heel readily and want a reef sooner.

Ballast 34%

A balanced, easily-driven cruiser — comfortable and forgiving for coastal work.

  • Draws more than ~84% of boats her size on file

Compared with 2113 boats of the same type within a quarter of her length.

The record

Full specifications

The complete reference set — tap any figure to switch between metric and imperial.

Dimensions
Weights
Ballast / displacement
33.8%
Rig & sail area
Rig
Fractional Sloop
Ratios
SA / displacement
17.1
Displacement / length
199.4
Comfort ratio
18.0
Capsize screening
2.09
Hull speed
6.5 kn
Pounds / inch immersion
766
Hull
Hull type
Fin w/transom hung rudder
Construction
Fiberglass
Ballast type
Cast iron with lead shoe
Production
Years built
1977–1984
Units built
155
Designer
David Thomas
Builder
Hunter Boats Ltd

Boats like this, on the water

Nobody has filmed this one — but these are close.

Comparable boats the fleet has on camera: same type, within a quarter of her length. Open the boat, or watch the video — a timestamp means she only appears in passing.

Jeanneau Aquila 278.70 mSame hull family0.2 m longerA Philippe H. Harle-designed masthead sloop offered in both standard and deep-keel Regatta configurations
Maxi Yachts Fenix 8.58.50 mSame hull familyNear-identical lengthA 1980s cruiser with a 1.5-metre bulb keel and spade rudder, designed for a balanced, stable coastal experience
Albin Marine AB Vega 278.25 mSame hull family0.3 m shorterScandinavia's most popular production yacht of her size, this 8.25-metre masthead sloop defined coastal cruising from 1965 to 1979
Pearson Yachts 27 (Triton 27)8.23 mSame hull family0.3 m shorterA Doug Peterson-influenced masthead sloop built from US Yachts molds, offering a light-displacement take on IOR design
Bristol Yachts 288.53 mSame hull familyNear-identical lengthAn IOR Half Ton racer with reduced stern overhang, serving as the performance-oriented predecessor to the Bristol 29.9
Newport 27S8.23 mSame hull family0.3 m shorterA 1974 masthead sloop with a 1.3-metre draft, offering a stable fin-keel platform for shoal-water coastal cruising

The family

Boats like this

Nearby designs by size, type, and era — worth a look alongside her.

Keep looking

Nothing filmed of this one yet

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