h28 yachts

Most H28 in New Zealand were produced in GRP by Compass Yachts Ltd in the 1970’s. Consequently the value of the yacht today will depend very much on how well it was finished originally and also on how well it has been maintained over the years. The condition of the yachts will vary greatly and this will usually be reflected in the asking price. However, it can be a rewarding and satisfying experience renovating a yacht that has been neglected, so if you have the capability and the time, such a yacht should not automatically be ruled out. Apart from general condition it is important that the potential purchaser takes into account any expensive items that may need to be replaced either immediately or in the near future. The following checklist should be treated as a guide only and it is recommended that you have the boat surveyed prior to purchase, or at the very least checked over by someone with good knowledge of the H28. In this regard we have members within our Association, particularly in the Auckland area who would be willing to offer their expertise.

Auxiliary Engine

Hull numbers, refrigeration, sails, sail cover, dodger, mast, boom, standing & running rigging, keel ballast.

What are the differences between lead and the iron punching ballast and how do I find out what type has been used?

Compass Yachts learnt of the use of iron punchings for ballast from Choy Yachts. So long as the iron punchings were properly mixed (encapsulated) with resin there should be no rust problems. Although problems with the iron punchings ballast are rare isolated cases do exist.

The iron punchings ballasted keels were topped up with a foam concrete mix. Sometimes the ballast wasn’t cleanly poured into the keel so if there are traces of punchings under the bunks then chances are its not lead. Compass Yachts did make H28s with lead ballast. These were solely lead with no iron puchings and the gaps between the lead ingots were filled with resin.

Lead has a higher weight per volume than the iron punchings. Hence less ballast is required when lead is used. The lead ballasted keels are 150 ~ 200 mm lower from the cabin sole than the iron puchings. So if the gap between the cabin floor and the bilge is significantly greater than other H28s chances are it is a lead keel.

Hull & Decks