Newport 28 or 29?

[salamandyr]

Hi folks,

New to the forum, and excited about possibly getting a sailboat soon..

I've got a line on what is reported to be a 1976 Newport, that lists 28' length on the pink slip but measures 29.5 according to the owner. No swimstep or anything funky, either... I could only find data on 28's for that year, but maybe something else snuck through.

It's been completely gone over recently and looks to be in good shape - from pics and Coast Guard inspection, but it's a couple hours away from me so I've not checked it out yet. Probably will do soon..

So - any idea how to tell "which" this is?
And anything to look for in that year Newport?

[Faster]

Originally Posted by salamandyr

......
I've got a line on what is reported to be a 1976 Ericson, .

Assuming you mean Newport? They made a 28 and a 30 (among others, of course)... the 28 is a C&C design, I believe the 30 was Gary Mull.

They look quite different. Here's the 28 (which could well measure at over 29 feet with the bow pulpit overhang)



..And the 30:

[salamandyr]

yes, thanks "Newport" and it looks a lot more like the 28 with the curved gunwales and the overhanging bow, port pattern, etc.

if it was a "Mull" i'd be a bit more excited - still looks like a nice 28 footer, though...

[Faster]

The 28s a decent coastal boat, but I've always considered the galleys very small for an otherwise fairly roomy boat.. She has the sweet C&C sheer and the classic good looks of that line.

The 30 is quite a bit more boat.. similar to a Ranger 29 (another Mull design) that's a good coastal cruiser too.

I think the Ericson line, (there's an older 29 from the 70s too, and a couple of different 30 footers) would in general be a cut above the other two assuming you found a good one. As with all boats of that age look for problems in the deck coring, rainwater leaks at various deck fittings and portlights, if nothing serious pops up at first blush then get a survey and go from there.

[salamandyr]

Thanks Faster,

I'm looking at Pearson, Islander, Ericson, and Columbia, mostly.. someone sent me info on this Newport and it's a nicely appointed one in what appears to be perfect shape for about what I'd pay for an older and dirtier P/E/C, sorta..

A non-cored deck would be preferable, of course, and I think most of those other 4 models in the 28+ length are non-cored.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by salamandyr

Thanks Faster,

A non-cored deck would be preferable, of course, and I think most of those other 4 models in the 28+ length are non-cored.

It's a virtual certainty that ANY boat you look at will have a cored deck. Solid glass hulls are likely in the 70s, but even not all of them.

It would be an extremely unusual boat to not have a cored deck, most likely (hopefully) balsa cored. Some had extensive use of plywood in the deck layup and they are more problematic than balsa.

[salamandyr]

ah ok - thanks again.. I thought some of the mid-70s had solid decks, but I'm prob thinking ply vs. balsa.