J/28 vs Maxi 87
How do the J/28 and Maxi 87 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
J/28 
Maxi 87 | J/28 | Maxi 87 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.5 ft8.69 m | 28.5 ft8.70 m |
| Waterline length | 24.0 ft7.32 m | 24.9 ft7.60 m |
| Beam | 10.0 ft3.05 m | 9.8 ft3.00 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 7,900 lb3,583 kg | 8,378 lb3,800 kg |
| Ballast | 3,000 lb1,361 kg | 3,307 lb1,500 kg |
| Sail area | 413 ft²38.4 m² | 452 ft²42.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.66 | 17.53 |
| Displacement / Length | 255 | 241 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.4 | 23.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.01 | 1.94 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 6.7 |
| Average used price | — | €7,900 |
J/28 vs Maxi 87: the short version
- The J/28 and Maxi 87 are close in length (28.5 ft8.69 m vs 28.5 ft8.70 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the Maxi 87 carries the more powerful rig (17.5 vs 16.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Maxi 87 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Maxi 87 rates better for offshore work (1.94 vs 2.01).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.