Welcome to the forum Robert.

I haven't sailed on a W28—only my W32—and I'm no expert. I did seriously consider a W28 and I think they're beautiful boats.

You might already know this, but all displacement hulls have speed limitations based on the length of the boat. A longer boat's top speed will generally be faster. The W28's top speed through the water is 6.5 knots, vs 7 knots for the W32. So the W32 can technically sail faster.

W28s are lighter so they need less wind to get them going, and the sails and tiller will be physically less demanding. The downside of being lighter is that the W28s will also be a bit more bouncy at anchor and at sea.

W28s also have a more cut away forefoot (the front part of keel) which allows them to turn more sharply. Conversely, the W32 would track straighter and heave-to nicer.

W28s have a less full hourglass shape meaning they would tend to stand upright allowing the keel to dig into the water. An upright boat sails upwind better. The W32 with its more full hourglass shape rolls on it's side a bit easier but is harder to knock down (more secondary stability). If a W32's skipper trims the sails and keeps the boat upright, I think it will sail upwind just as well. I think the W32's "wet" label also has to do with skippers sailing with too much heel.

W28s are less boat to maintain and less dock space to pay for. On the other hand, there are fewer of them for sale and asking prices from what I've seen tend to be pretty close to the W32.

You could say the W28 might be less boat for the buck, but great savings longer term for a more maneuverable boat that's easier to sail.

Or for a similar dollar amount, you might opt for a steadier, roomier W32.

My W32 has sort of become an obsession.

Robert,

I have sailed a number of W32's and owned 2 different W28's, as others have stated the theoretical maximum sailing speed of any displacement sailboat will be determined by its waterline.   That said the W28 will have a slight disadvantage in top speed, but as most sailors will admit it all depends on who is sailing the boat and how it is equipped. 

A standard Westsail 28 will point slightly higher and has better windward ability when trimmed well, but again it all depends on the sailor, sails and sail trim.  Above deck maintenance is slightly less in overall area, but still requires the same type of work.  Below the waterline you will use less bottom paint.  Moorage if billed by the foot will be less, my W28 measures 36' overall, a W32 will measure at least 6 feet more overall.

The W28's narrower beam lends towards its windward ability's, but also takes away some room below deck.  The W28 side decks are narrower and the standard deckhouse has only one hatch forward.  The W28 forefoot is tapered compared to the W32's full forefoot, this does help with maneuvering and also has less wetted surface (drag).

If you are looking for a comfortable cruising boat you cannot go wrong with either one.  If you are looking at PHRF ratings and wanting performance you will need to talk with Dave King about how to race a Westsail.

My2 cents,

Kevin

Kevin,

Many thanks for those good insights.   One point I did not raise is the relative stability.  It would seem that the W28 is more tender than the W32.  Less ballast, less depth and less beam.  How have you found this to be in real life?

I love the photos your posted of Starwhite.  She really looks lovely.  The Lewmar hatch is a great addition.  Was that a straight forward swap?  I made a similar swap on a boat years ago.

Sizewise, I think I would be very happy with a W28. A little less boat/sails to deal with all around. I can see that sailing on the SF Bay would usually mean a reefed main plus staysail, but your 120 on the roller makes a lot of sense too.  You don't seem to use the staysail boom. Could you comment on that?

The search goes on, but right now the 28 seems like the better choice for me.  

Thanks again.  Look forward to more discussion.

Safe sailing

Robert

Kevin

Many thanks for all your comments.   All the W32s on which I have stepped were certainly not "tender", but I have not yet stepped onto a W28, hence the question.  Also, I read the story that the first few 28s that were built were not stable at all and Westsail had to add ballast which pushed the boat 4" deeper into the water (with no change to the hull).  Your personal experience is the best testimony to the stability of these boats.

As to the foresails, I appreciate your insights.  I agree that one has to try the many combinations to see what works best.  That will be a lot of fun.

I'll keep you posted on how the search turns out.

Robert

Hi Mark.  Thanks for your comments.  I can see that I'll be reefing often on the SF Bay whether its a W28 or W32 I end up with. The W28 in question is a 1977 version called "Alexis Marina", for sale at Corinthian Yacht Brokers in Channel Island Marina.  Do you know this boat?

Bob