Licensed Yacht BrokersSales and service of yachts and shipsThe Great Dane 28byCUSTOM BUILTis a compact and capablesail yachtwith a classicsloop rigand a robustfiberglass and plastic hull. Designed by Aage UtzonKlaus Baess, it blends a reliable Volvo Penta inboard diesel with cozy accommodations for two.
Selecting a Great Dane 28
Choosing the Great Dane 28makes sense if you want manageable dimensions (LOA 28 ft / 8.53 m; beam 8 ft / 2.46 m), straightforward handling of asloop, and the durability of afiberglass and plasticbuild. As a compactsail yachtwith a single inboard Volvo Penta diesel, 2 berths and 1 head, it suits couples and solo sailors seeking simplicity and function.
Features of the Model
- Design pedigree: hull by Aage UtzonKlaus Baess
- Dimensions geared for easy berthing: 28 ft LOA and 8 ft beam (8.53 m / 2.46 m)
- Construction: fiberglass and plastichull; fiberglass deck
- Propulsion: single inboard Volvo Penta, diesel fuel
- Layout: sleeps 2; 1 head
- Tankage: fuel capacity 25 gal
- Rig and role: classic sloop rigin a versatilesail yachtpackage
Technical Specifications
- LOA: 28 ft (8.53 m)
- Beam: 8 ft (2.46 m)
- Engine: 1 x Volvo Penta, Inboard, Diesel
- Fuel capacity: 25 gal
- Sleeps: 2
- Heads: 1
- Hull material: fiberglass and plastic
- Deck material: Fiberglass
- Hull designer: Aage UtzonKlaus Baess
- Category: sail yacht;sloop
Pricing and Ordering
For pricing, current availability, and to arrange inspections of the Great Dane 28, contact Andrey Shestakov and the team at Shestakov Yacht Sales. We’ll coordinate viewings, documentation, and brokerage formalities for your purchase of thissail yachtbyCUSTOM BUILT.
Questions and Answers
- What type of yacht is the Great Dane 28? The model is asail yachtwith asloop rigand afiberglass and plastic hull.
- What are the key dimensions? The LOAis 28 ft (8.53 m) and thebeamis 8 ft (2.46 m), providing compact proportions for easy handling.
- What is the engine setup? Power is by a single engine: Volvo Pentainboardrunning ondiesel.
- How many people can it accommodate? The boat sleeps 2and has1 head, ideal for a couple or solo sailor.
- Who designed it and whom should I contact to buy? The designeris Aage UtzonKlaus Baess. For brokerage assistance, contactAndrey ShestakovatShestakov Yacht Salesto discuss theGreat Dane 28.
Owner Experience Review
Owners describe the Great Dane 28as a compact, capable cruiser with real offshore credibility. It is often treated as a pocket bluewater boat for extended passages, yet many also use it for single-handing, family coastal cruising, weekend hops, and the occasional club regatta. The long-keel, heavy-displacement hull tracks straight and feels forgiving; in a fresh breeze it settles into a steady rhythm, while very light airs reveal its lack of pace.
Underway, reports point to a comfortable motion in waves and solid progress once the breeze builds past roughly 12 knots, with typical hull speeds around 6–6.4 knots. The overall impression is of a sea-kindly boat that rewards patience rather than chasing line honors, matching the experiences of owners who prioritize cruising over competition.
Below, the plan is traditional: V-berth forward, a compact galley and head, and a dinette that owners regularly praise for livability. Headroom of about 6 feet and classic teak joinery create a warm feel, though interior volume is modest versus modern 28–30-footers; four to five berths are typical and long-term liveaboard is compact. As with many older examples by CUSTOM BUILT, maintenance histories vary: original inboards were often Volvo Penta MD2/MD2B or Bukh and repowers are common; buyers watch for osmotic blistering on older GRP, balsa-cored deck soft spots from past leaks, and chainplates hidden behind cabinetry that may need inspection or renewal. Numerous refits are documented—from rudder stock and cockpit wood to windows, electrics, and engines—with at least one listing citing around €80,000 invested; individual boats will differ.
Pros and Cons
- Sea-kindly long-keel design that tracks straight and feels forgiving offshore and coastal.
- Proven as a pocket bluewater cruiser yet manageable for single-handing, family trips, and weekends.
- Practical interior with about 6 ft headroom, classic joinery, and a well-liked dinette.
- Sluggish in very light airs and not a quick boat for its length.
- Interior volume is limited versus modern 28–30 ft designs, making long-term liveaboard compact.
- Age-related upkeep: potential osmotic blisters, balsa-cored deck soft spots, and hidden chainplates requiring inspection or rebuilds.
Comparison with Other Models
| Model | LOA | Beam | Draft | Speed (Cruising/Max) | Gross Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Dane 28 | 28' 0" (8.53 m) | 8' 0" (2.46 m) | - | - | - |
| Classic Gaff Schooner | 99' 0" (30.44 m) | 21' 0" (6.40 m) | 7' 3" (2.20 m) – 9' 2" (2.80 m) | 8 kn / 10 kn | 100 |
| HOUSEBOAT ISLAND LIFESTYLE 2 | 40' 0" (12.19 m) | 20' 0" (6.10 m) | - | - | - |
| 38 Alfa Houseboat | 38' 0" (11.58 m) | 12' 0" (3.66 m) | - | 5 kn / 8 kn | - |
| Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe | 54' 0" (16.46 m) | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | - | - | - |
| NOVA LUXE ELIGHT 44 | 44' 0" (13.41 m) | 21' 0" (6.40 m) | 11' 3" (3.42 m) | 7 kn / 14 kn | - |
| Navisyo Homes 28 Navis V.08 | 28' 0" (8.53 m) | 9' 0" (3 m) | 5' 6" (1.67 m) | 6 kn | - |
| NOVA LUXE FARO 5 ELECTRIC BOAT | 16' 0" (4.88 m) | 6' 0" (1.96 m) | 3' 3" (1 m) | 10 kn / 22 kn | - |
| Power Catamaran | 102' 0" (31.09 m) | 43' 0" (13.11 m) | 25' 5" (7.75 m) | 11 kn / 12.6 kn | - |
| NOVA LUXE ELIGHT 50 GE SOLAR POWERED | 48' 0" (14.78 m) | 24' 0" (7.32 m) | 10' 8" (3.25 m) | 8 kn / 12 kn | - |
Learn more on the “CUSTOM BUILT - Great Dane 28”
To learn more on the “CUSTOM BUILT - Great Dane 28” or to get advice on how to buy or sell a yacht or get a great price for a yacht charter
please call +1 (954) 274-4435 USAOnly deal with professionals!