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

My RL28

I have boat number 106 which is used for family sailing.

I bought the boat in 1984 as just hull and deck and fitted out the rigging and interior over six months. After more than 20 years of near trouble-free sailing I have great admiration for Rob Legg's design for a low-cost, safe but roomy yacht. I moor it in a marina and do 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.

Some 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 so far I have noticed little difference. But the comfort of getting out of the tropical sun more than compensates.

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 half 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 20 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.

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. For more motor - sailing, 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. In reality I only use it when anchoring in the one place for several days. Also a worry is the fact that the local dealer and the manufacturer no longer carries parts for my 20 year old Porta-bote.

Really, a dinghy is not really 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.