The Twister 28 Sailboat
Specs, Performance Analysis & Cruising Characteristics

Key Takeaways: The Twister 28 is a compact, long‑keel cruiser with a reputation for looking after its crew when the weather turns foul. Designed by Kim Holman in the early 1960s, it blends a narrow hull, deep forefoot, and generous displacement to produce a boat that tracks well, behaves predictably, and feels secure offshore. It is not a fast cruiser by modern standards, but it rewards steady passage‑making and conservative sail plans. Buyers are usually drawn to its seakindliness, classic lines, and proven ocean miles. The trade‑offs are modest interior volume, age‑related maintenance, and the need to inspect structural details carefully.

An original wooden-hulled Twister 28

A Twister 28 moored alongside the Tamar River Sailing Club in Plymouth UK

A fibreglass Twister 28

The Twister 28 at a Glance
Design & Construction
Published Specification: The Twister 28 Blueprint
Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions
Performance Analysis: Understanding the Design Ratios
How the Twister 28 Sails
Bluewater Capability: Strengths & Trade-Offs
Configuration, Layout & Cruising Characteristics
Who This Boat Is Best For
The Buyer’s Checklist: Common Problem Areas
Summing Up
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Twister 28 at a Glance

Type: Long‑keel offshore cruiser

Designer: Kim Holman

Builder: Various (primarily Tyler Boat Co. hulls finished by different yards; later full GRP builds)

Production Years: 1963–1980s (various phases)

Rig: Masthead sloop

Best for: Coastal and offshore cruising, single‑handed sailing, traditionalists

Strengths: Tracking, seakindliness, structural robustness, predictable handling

Trade‑offs: Modest speed, limited interior space, variable build quality depending on yard

Design & Construction

Kim Holman designed the Twister as a development of his earlier Stella class, retaining the narrow beam and deep forefoot but adding more displacement and a more powerful rig. Early boats were built in wood, followed by composite hulls (GRP hull with timber decks and coachroof), and finally full GRP versions often referred to informally as “Mk II” Twisters.

Hull & Deck

Hull: GRP with a long encapsulated keel and a transom‑hung rudder.

Deck: Early composite boats used marine plywood decks sheathed in GRP; later boats were full GRP.

Keel: Encapsulated ballast, typically lead.

Rudder: Transom‑hung, simple, and easily maintained.

Versions

Wooden originals (1963–mid‑60s)
Composite GRP hull / timber deck (mid‑60s–early 70s)
Full GRP production (1970s–1980s)

Interior layouts:

Traditional vee‑berth forward
Heads forward or amidships depending on builder
Quarter berth on some later boats
Galley either port or starboard

Published Specification: The Twister 28 Blueprint

Specification	Value
LOA	28'0" (8.53 m)
LWL	21'0" (6.40 m)
Beam	8'0" (2.44 m)
Draft	4'6" (1.37 m)
Displacement	9,500 lbs (4,309 kg)
Ballast	4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)
Rig Type	Masthead sloop
Hull Material	GRP (early boats composite)
Production Dates	1963–1980s

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Rig dimensions

I: 32.00 ft (9.75 m)
J: 10.00 ft (3.05 m)
P: 28.00 ft (8.53 m)
E: 12.00 ft (3.66 m)

Sail Areas:

Mainsail: 168 ft² (15.6 m²)
Foretriangle: 160 ft² (14.9 m²)
Total working sail area: 328 ft² (30.5 m²)

Performance Analysis: Understanding the Design Ratios

Calculated Ratios

Using the published specs:

SA/D: 14.1
D/L: 339
B/D: 42%
CSF: 1.63
Comfort Ratio (Brewer): 28.5

Ratio	Value	Interpretation
SA/D	14.1	Modest sail power; steady rather than quick in light airs.
D/L	339	Heavy displacement; contributes to comfort and tracking offshore.
B/D	42%	High ballast ratio; contributes to stiffness and security when pressed.
CSF	1.63	Below 2.0; favourable for offshore work.
Comfort Ratio	28.5	Moderate motion; comfortable for a 28‑footer in a seaway.

For more on this topic, you might want to take a look at Understanding Boat Performance & Design Ratios...

How the Twister 28 Sails

The Twister’s long keel and narrow beam give it a distinctive feel. Upwind, it tracks well and holds a groove, though it will not point as high as fin‑keel designs. It rewards a balanced sail plan and benefits from reefing early. In a breeze, the boat stiffens up and settles into a steady rhythm with a gentle motion.

Downwind, the long keel keeps it straight, reducing the tendency to roll. The helm is light and predictable, and the boat can be managed comfortably by a single sailor. In confined spaces, the long keel means slow‑speed manoeuvring requires planning, but most owners adapt quickly.

Bluewater Capability: Strengths & Trade-Offs

The Twister has crossed oceans and remains a favourite among sailors who value seakindliness over speed. Its strengths offshore include:

Strong tracking and directional stability
Predictable motion
Encapsulated ballast
Simple rig
Robust rudder arrangement

Trade‑offs include:

Limited tankage (no published standard figures)
Modest payload capacity compared with larger long‑keel cruisers
Small cockpit
Slower passage times

For a solo sailor or couple who value security and simplicity, it remains a capable offshore platform.

Configuration, Layout & Cruising Characteristics

The cockpit is compact but deep, offering security at sea. Side decks are narrow but workable, and the long coachroof provides good handholds.

Below, the interior is traditional and cosy. Headroom is limited by modern standards. Storage is adequate for coastal cruising and manageable for longer passages with careful planning. The galley is simple but functional, and the saloon berths are comfortable for a boat of this size. Ventilation varies depending on the builder and the number of opening ports.

Who This Boat Is Best For

Good fit for:

Sailors who value seakindliness and predictable handling
Solo sailors and couples
Traditionalists who appreciate classic lines
Offshore cruisers who prefer heavy‑displacement designs

Less ideal for:

Those seeking high speeds or modern interior volume
Large crews
Sailors who prefer fin‑keel manoeuvrability
Buyers unwilling to take on age‑related maintenance

The Buyer’s Checklist: Common Problem Areas

Deck core issues on composite boats (plywood decks under GRP sheathing)

Chainplate knees (inspect for cracking or moisture)

Rudder fittings (age‑related wear)

Engine replacements (many boats have had multiple repowers)

Keel encapsulation (check for moisture ingress)

Bulkhead tabbing (look for detachment in older builds)

Window leaks (varies by builder)

Fuel and water systems (often original or outdated)

Refit costs vary widely, but typical items include standing rigging, sails, wiring, and deck hardware.

Could this be your ideal cruising boat?

It may well be, but before going any further, it might be worth taking a look at my eBook 'How to Avoid Buying the Wrong Sailboat'...

Summing Up

The Twister 28 is a small offshore cruiser with a loyal following. It is not a modern performance boat, but it offers a reassuring ride, a simple rig, and a proven track record offshore. Buyers should approach each example on its own merits, as build quality varies by yard and age‑related issues are common. For sailors who value traditional handling and a secure motion at sea, the Twister remains a compelling choice.

This article was written by Dick McClary, RYA Yachtmaster and author of the RYA publications 'Offshore Sailing' and 'Fishing Afloat', member of The Yachting Journalists Association (YJA), and erstwhile member of the Ocean Cruising Club (OCC).