Vancouver 28

Vancouver 28 – Hull No. 55 – Northshore Yachts Ltd, 1997

A rare opportunity to acquire a 1997 Vancouver 28 (Hull No. 55), built by Northshore Yachts Ltd, widely regarded for producing some of the finest small cruising yachts ever built. The Vancouver 28 has an enduring reputation as a fantastically constructed, go-anywhere pocket bluewater cruiser – compact, immensely strong, and designed with long-distance comfort and safety in mind.

This particular example stands out as one of the few Vancouver 28s built with a separate forward cabin and V-berth, making her especially desirable for extended cruising. Extensively upgraded in recent years, she benefits from a new Yanmar engine (2018), new sails (2021), and modernised navigation and electrical systems, alongside a very comprehensive inventory.

Vancouver 28 – Rare Layout with Separate Forecabin

A superb and particularly rare example of the highly regarded Vancouver 28, benefiting from the sought-after separate forecabin layout and an impressive inventory of recent upgrades. Built by Northshore Yachts in 1997 (Hull No. 55), this robust long-keeled bluewater cruiser has been meticulously maintained by experienced owners and is presented in excellent condition throughout.

With her Yanmar 3YM20 (new 2018) engine, recent sails (Sanders, 2021), modern Raymarine electronics suite, and Coppercoat epoxy antifoul (2019–20), she is equipped for serious offshore adventures or comfortable coastal cruising alike.

Accommodation

Four berths in two cabins, offering full standing headroom (up to 6’2” in the saloon) and excellent stowage throughout.
A rare separate forecabin with V-berth, complemented by a self-contained heads compartment featuring a marine toilet (pump and hoses replaced 2018), washbasin to starboard, and hanging locker opposite.

In the saloon, two comfortable settee berths with storage outboard behind backrests flank a dropleaf table. The galley, to port, is well appointed with a Plastimo Neptune 4500 gimballed cooker (two burners, grill, oven), stainless steel sink with manual freshwater pump, refrigerated cool box under the navigation seat, and flexible freshwater tank (replaced 2022).

Warm and dry aboard thanks to Eberspacher diesel-fired hot-air heating serving both cabins. All opening ports fitted with mosquito nets.

Mechanical Systems

• Yanmar 3YM20, 3-cylinder 21hp diesel (new 2018), approx. 250 engine hours
• Brunton’s SigmaDrive flexible coupling and new prop shaft
• Brunton’s Autoprop with rope cutter (spare fixed 3-blade propeller)
• Fuel capacity approx. 127 litres in stainless steel tank, professionally cleaned (2025)
• Single lever controls (Lewmar s/s)
• Engine serviced professionally twice yearly
• Engine spares and manuals included

Electrical Systems

• Two 130Ah AGM domestic batteries (2022)
• One 130Ah AGM engine start battery (2022)
• Alternator charging + Mastervolt battery mate regulator and charger
• 240V shore power system with outlets (galley and chart table)
• Mastervolt Battman Pro battery monitor
• Galvanic isolator and splitter diode

Sails and Spars

• Masthead rigged Bermudan cutter, deck-stepped Selden aluminium mast and boom
• Standing rigging replaced 2017
• Running rigging (2017), all lines removed, washed, and stored each winter
• Mainsail (3 reefs) with single-line reefing, lazy jacks, and stackpack (2021)
• Furlex 204S genoa and 104S staysail furlers, serviced 2025
• New Sanders sails (2021): main, yankee, staysail
• Cruising chute with snuffer (Arun, original)
• New sheets (2025)
• Winches: 2 × Lewmar 30 ST primaries, 2 × Lewmar Evo 15 ST halyards (2025), 2 × Lewmar 6 staysail

Deck Equipment

• Spade anchor with chain and warp
• Lewmar electric windlass (2018) with both wireless and wired cockpit remotes
• Sprayhood, dodgers (2022), and stackpack (2021)
• Six fenders, five mooring warps, long rafting lines, jackstays, ensign and staff
• Outboard bracket, horseshoe lifebuoy, motoring cone and anchor ball

Navigation & Electronics

• Raymarine ES75 chart plotter in hatch garage
• Raymarine Quantum radar (mast-mounted)
• Raymarine ST4000 autopilot, p70s control head, ACU100 course computer
• Raymarine i70s displays ×3, configured for wind/speed/depth/GPS
• Raymarine AIS 700 transponder (2022)
• Raymarine iTC5 converter, 70 DSC VHF with RayMic remote in cockpit
• Plastimo Contest steering compass
• Brass clock, barometer, and hygrometer
• Full navigation lighting: pulpit/pushpit, masthead tricolour, anchor, steaming & deck lights

Safety Equipment

• Ocean Signal RescueMe EPIRB1
• SeaGo 4-person cannister liferaft (serviced Dec 2024)
• Jackstays and cockpit harness points
• Two fire extinguishers, fire blanket, CO & smoke detectors
• Manual bilge pump (Whale 5)

Construction

• Built by Northshore Yachts, 1997 – Hull No. 55
• Hand-laid GRP hull and superstructure in cream/white gelcoat
• Long keel with encapsulated lead ballast, keel-hung rudder, tiller steering
• Self-draining cockpit, stainless steel stanchions and guardwires
• Mooring cleats fore, aft, and amidships, additional foredeck bollard
• Twin stemhead fittings, stern fairlead
• New washboards plus Perspex storm boards
• Epoxy treatment and Coppercoat antifoul (5 coats, 2019–20)
• Full documentation, builder’s certificate, and VAT evidence included

Summary

A beautifully presented and comprehensively equipped Vancouver 28, offering exceptional seaworthiness and comfort for her size. Her rare two-cabin layout, upgraded systems, and rig make her an ideal choice for those seeking a solid, go-anywhere pocket cruiser with the quality and pedigree expected of Northshore Yachts.

Documentation

Complete with all original documentation, builder’s certificates, and VAT status confirmation.

Broker’s Comment:
The Vancouver 28 remains one of the most respected pocket cruisers afloat – admired for her quality of build, sea-kindly performance, and ability to cross oceans safely in comfort. This particular yacht has been meticulously maintained, continually upgraded, and represents a rare chance to purchase a well-sorted example of this highly sought-after design.