The Twister 28, a long-keeled sloop, was designed by Kim Holman and built in the UK by Tyler Boat Co Ltd and Uphams Ltd.
Underwater Configuration: Long keel with transom-hung rudder
Hull Material: GRP (Fiberglass)
Length Overall: 28' 3" / 8.6m
Waterline Length: 21' 6" / 6.6m
Beam: 8' 1" / 2.5m
Draft: 5' 0" / 1.5m
Rig Type: Masthead sloop
Displacement: 9,968lb / 4,521kg
Designer: Kim Holman
Builder: Uphams (UK) and Tyler (UK)
Year First Built: 1964
Year Last Built: 1983
Number Built: 200
Owners Association: Twister Class Association
1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 12.1
2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 46.4
3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 448
4. Comfort Ratio: 40.5
5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.5
The designed ratios for a sailboat provide information about how the boat will behave in certain conditions.
Based on these ratios, the Twister 28 will perform well in rougher weather conditions and offshore cruising. Its strength lies in its comfort and stability at sea, not in speed or light wind performance.
The Twister 28 was the brainchild of British yacht designer Kim Holman. Originally drawn in the 1960s, the early builds were crafted by Uphams of Brixham, a traditional and versatile wooden boat builder. They gained their reputation through the construction of wooden boats of all kinds, from commercial fishing vessels to racing yachts.
Later, the Twister 28 was also produced by several other boat builders, the most notable being the Tyler Boat Company, who made a fiberglass version alongside the original wooden incarnation. Both builders were credited for the boat’s success due to their high-quality construction methods.
However, Uphams of Brixham no longer exists as it closed its doors in the 1980s. The Tyler Boat Company also ceased operations, although the molds of the Twister 28 were believed to have been passed on to other builders for a period of time.
Despite the original builders no longer being in operation, the Twister 28's strong build and timeless design led to their continued popularity even decades after they were first built. Twister 28 boats are often found in used boat markets and are sought after due to their durability and performance.
The Twister 28 is a classic, long-keeled cruiser, originally designed by Kim Holman in the 1960s. It has a reputation for outstanding sea-keeping abilities, largely due to its traditional design featuring deep and narrow hull, solid construction, and heavy displacement.
The Twister 28 measures 28 feet in length, with a beam of just over 8 feet, and a draught of approximately 5 feet. It’s made predominantly of fibreglass although early versions were made from wood.
Affectionately described as "overbuilt", the structural robustness of the Twister 28 makes it an ideal choice for those planning extended voyages or ocean crossings. Despite its sturdy build, it is easily handled by a small crew or even single-handed.
This boat features a spacious cockpit and comfortable accommodation below deck, typically comprising of a forward cabin with two berths, a main cabin with additional berths, a small galley, and a head.
One iconic characteristic of the Twister 28 is its classic lines and distinctive shape, making it easily recognisable in any anchorage.
The Twister 28 is a highly sought-after sailing yacht for those seeking a mix of adventure, reliability, and classic elegance. Despite its age, it continues to hold its value well and is often coveted by sailing traditionalists.
I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com
Nov 02, 24 09:45 AM
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