This page contains my personal thoughts on the RL28 and other boating equipment

My RL28

I had boat number 106, Peaches and Cream, for 26 years. She was used mainly for family sailing.

I have since moved on to a bigger boat more suited for longer distance cruising, but I still acknowledge the near perfect design of the RL28 for sailing in the waters of Moreton Bay.

I bought the boat in 1984 as just hull and deck and fitted out the rigging and interior over six months. After 26 years of near trouble-free sailing I have great admiration for Rob Legg's design for a low-cost, safe but roomy yacht. I moored her in a marina and did not have a trailer but the features which make the boat trailable also make it ideal for exploring Moreton Bay which is shallow but with lots of islands.

Many years ago I added a bimini over the cockpit and should have done it years before. I was afraid that it would sail poorly but I have noticed little difference. But the comfort of getting out of the tropical sun more than compensates, and with the knowledge we have now of the damage that the sun can cause, a bimini should be on everyone's boat.

Outboard vs Diesel

I prefer the outboard option because maintenance is so much easier. The motor can simply be lifted from the boat and taken to the outboard dealer for service. They also cost a third that of the diesel and weigh much less which is important with motor located near the transom. The disadvantage of the outboard is the poor fuel consumption, shorter life, and apparently less available power for the same rating. I fitted a 15 hp outboard so as to have plenty of power in an emergency and to allow a good speed to be maintained with lower revs and hence less noise. In the never ending argument of 4 stroke vs 2 stroke, I come out on the side if the light-weight 2 stroke. Also a 15 hp Mercury will fit comfortably in the well of the RL28 which no 4 stroke of similar power, that I have seen, will do.

Where the motor is not intended to be used much, except getting in and out of the marina, and on windless days the outboard is better. But for more motor-sailing where long distances under motor are the norm, the diesel would be preferred.

Dinghy Choice

With a 28 foot boat the choice of dinghy is very limited. An alloy dinghy rows well, lasts forever, but slows down a boat of this size when towed and there is no room on deck. Inflatables are much lighter but still cannot be fitted on deck unless deflated and constantly reinflating them is a pain. Worse, they damage easily. The only other option I found was a folding boat.

I bought an 8 foot Porta-bote which fits inside the cabin without imposing on the space too much. It rows easily and is very tough. On the other hand the Porta-bote is difficult to unfold on deck and tends to fill with water when towed in big seas. So I can't fold it and I can't tow it, but I can mount it on the transom on a couple of boards that project out past the rudder. In reality I only use it when anchoring in the one place for several days. The new models of Porta-Bote are a big improvement on mine in that they are much easier to unfold, but the price has risen accordingly.

Really, a dinghy is not all that necessary. The RL28 can be beached easily provided you watch the tides. But in my opinion, if you need a dinghy, the folding type is a great way to go.

Your Thoughts?

I would like to hear from you if you have an RL24, RL28, RL34 or a Status. You can send me a message

Please be sure to add your boat to the register of owners.