The H28 was designed by L. Francis Herreshoff, the fifth of Nathanael Herreshoff's six children, in 1942. The style was undoubtedly influenced by his father's design. Although L. Francis was initially discouraged from following a career in yacht design by his father, he eventually convinced himself and his father of his commitment and talent after serving a short apprenticeship.

The Herreshoff Boatyard where it all began

The design philosophy kept in mind:


The fact that "most of the owners of H-28's will have to report to the office without fail on a Monday morning, so had best have a motor".


"Maximum room for the cost without sacrificing looks and speed."


"A shape that should stay entirely tight even if exposed to considerable strain or twisting."


"A draft that is deep enough to allow good windward performance in heavy weather but shallow enough to avoid the need to row miles to shore when anchored in a picturesque bay."

The Original H-28

It is perhaps these four key points that explain why so may H28s have ventured off shore. Not one of the fast modern designs but a very sea worthy and durable vessel.

Manufacturers of H-28s

H-28s have not only been built in the USA but in a number of places around the world including Japan, Hong Kong, Spain, Australia, and of course New Zealand.

• Compass Yachts H28
• Far East Yacht H-28
• Bermuda 30
• Middleton Marine H-28
• Walker H28
• Parkins H-28
• Samurai 28
• Cheoy Lee Offshore 31

References:

• L. Francis Herreshoff Sensible Cruising Designs USA, International Marine Publishing
• L. Francis Herreshoff An L. Francis Herreshoff Reader USA, International Marine Publishing, 1978
• Maynard Bray and Carlton Pinheiro Herreshoff of Bristol, USA, Woodenboat Publications Brooklin, Maine 04616 1989
• Brian O'Donaghue The H 28 Story New Zealand, Sea Spray August 1962
• Jenny Green The H 28 Story New Zealand, Sea Spray August 1978
• A Boat For Peace
• John Welsford Buying Second Hand, The Compass Yachts' H28, New Zealand, Boatingworld May 1993