Maxi 87 vs Pearson 28
How do the Maxi 87 and Pearson 28 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Maxi 87 
Pearson 28 | Maxi 87 | Pearson 28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.5 ft8.70 m | 28.5 ft8.67 m |
| Waterline length | 24.9 ft7.60 m | 24.5 ft7.46 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 9.8 ft3.00 m |
| Draft | 5.3 ft1.60 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 8,378 lb3,800 kg | 7,000 lb3,175 kg |
| Ballast | 3,307 lb1,500 kg | 3,530 lb1,601 kg |
| Sail area | 452 ft²42.0 m² | 392 ft²36.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.53 | 17.14 |
| Displacement / Length | 241 | 213 |
| Comfort ratio | 23.7 | 20.1 |
| Capsize screening | 1.94 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.7 | 6.6 |
| Average used price | €7,900 | — |
Maxi 87 vs Pearson 28: the short version
- The Maxi 87 and Pearson 28 are close in length (28.5 ft8.70 m vs 28.5 ft8.67 m ).
- The Maxi 87 is heavier, displacing about 20% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Maxi 87 carries the more powerful rig (17.5 vs 17.1), 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 2.06).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.