ETAP 28s

Hull length 8,60 m / 28.2 ft
Waterline length 8,45 m /27.7 ft
Beam over all 3.35 m / 10.9 ft
Draft 1,10 / 1,76 m //3.6 ft /5.7 ft
Keel weight 2843 / 2579 lbs
Displacement 8421 / 8157 lbs
Mainsail 277 sq.ft
Genoa 161 sq.ft self tacking jib / 204 sq.ft
Spinnaker 645 sq.ft
Design Category CE B
Cabins 2
Berths 4 adults + 2 children
Engine 19 hp

1. Construction

 

In common with all members of the ETAP family, the ETAP 28s has ETAP’s unique double-skinned structure. This makes the yacht unsinkable, provides extra hull stiffness, insulates hull and deck to ensure almost condensation-free cabins and gives a unique interior finish. The ETAP 28s complies with the Recreational Craft Directive approved to category B certification. It is a comfortable cruising yacht with a modern hull profile and a long waterline, which give it the capability to show a fast turn of speed. The boat’s most attractive features include a well-organised deck layout combining wide gangways and a large, deep cockpit with ample stowage space. In its class this yacht features a new concept in having a spacious technical compartment aft where the fuel tank and additional options as water heater, autopilot, heating and holding tank can be installed in a conveniently arranged and accessible way.

 

 

2. Hull

 

The hull is built using fibreglass-reinforced polyester (ortho and iso) with a protective iso-NPG gel coat to give a totally waterproof finish. The first layer of laminate is made up entirely of short, separate glass fibres (rovings), with no chopped strand mats or wovens. This layer is laid up entirely by hand to provide optimum protection against osmosis. The inner hull modules are laminated into the outer hull (ship-in-ship method). This double hull construction creates a number of unique benefits, including:

 

 

Polyurethane foam with a minimum 95% closed cells is injected into the space between the two hulls, providing sufficient buoyancy to ensure that the boat will stay afloat even if it suffers serious damage. Substantial volumes of polyurethane foam are located fore and aft to provide impact protection and stability in the event of damage.

 

 

3. Deck

 

The deck is also double-skinned, resulting in a very high standard of interior finish, eliminating the need for additional decorating materials, most of which would not be waterproof. The unique ETAP (ship-in-ship) method fully insulates the deck to obtain a practically condensation-free structure. Highly effective TBS non-skid material covers the deck surface and each non-skid area is protected by a raised bumper.

 

Aluminum toe rails are fitted along the entire length of the deck to provide better support. Fenders attach to the toerail without burdening the lifeline. The toerail also acts as securing point for mooring lines and for lifelines in heavy weather. Four mooring cleats are fitted, plus a 60 cm-high (approx 2 feet)  plastic-coated stainless steel double lifeline with 6 stainless steel stanchions. Stainless steel grab rails are secured onto the deck superstructure. The deck is designed to allow crew members to walk upright on the non-skid surface when the boat is heeling, while remaining fully protected by the lifeline.

 

The stainless steel pulpit and split pushpit facilitate boarding.

An instrument console above the escape hatch facilitates the installation of navigation instruments.

Fuel and water caps and vents are located diametrically opposite each other to avoid any possibility of confusion.

The ETAP 28s has a self-draining anchor and chain locker.

 

Other deck fittings:

 

The laminate is reinforced and aluminum reinforcing plates are positioned at locations where deck fittings are installed (or may be installed as options).

 

4. Hull-to-deck connection

 

Stainless steel tie rods on the shroud plates in the hull take up the tension in the standing rigging. Placing the shroud plates as far as possible outboard imposes fewer loads on the mast and hull structure. Moreover the deck of the ETAP 28s is laid into the hull. This creates an optimum triangle of forces between the standing rigging, mast, deck and hull.

The deck is first fixed to the hull mechanically, and then bonded to form a whole with it, using reinforced polyester resin. Finally, a heavy-duty PVC rubbing strip is fitted to give mechanical protection.

 

 

5. Cockpit

 

The ETAP 28s has a very spacious and ergonomically designed self-draining cockpit, with extra-safe seating on the coamings behind the back rests for when the boat is heeling.

A non-skid structure is incorporated into the cockpit floor gel coat for ease of cleaning.

The bathing platform is fitted with a folding ladder.

The ETAP 28s comes standard with tiller steering and an optional traveller mounted across the transom.

Alternatively, the optional EVS® (ETAP Vertical Steering System) can be selected, with an optional removable traveller in the cockpit.

The engine control panel is protected by an extra cockpit seat lid on the starboard side. The manual bilge pump is also located here and there is space for the optional installation of a deck shower, shore power connection and autopilot operating screen. An engine control lever is fitted in the cockpit on the port side.

A very spacious cockpit locker is located on the starboard side.

The self-draining gas locker on the port side is fully separated from the boat’s interior. The gas installation has triple safety protection through a pressure relief valve on the gas bottle, the main stop-cock in the aft cabin and a flame-failure device on the gas cooker. The gas locker is supplied with an on/off tap, relief valve and flexible hose.

 

 

6. Rigging

 

The ETAP 28s has a mast with one set of aerofoil spreaders and a 7/8th  Bergström rig. The spinnaker pole ring is fitted standard. The mast is deck-stepped, not stepped through, thus ensuring that the construction is watertight and easily stepped.

The mast is supported by a stainless steel mast support that steps directly onto the keel. Junctions with all electric cables from the mast are located in the saloon.

The boom has an outhaul and 2 single line reefing lines led aft to the cockpit.

All standing rigging is in stainless steel wire with swaged terminals and stainless steel tensioners on deck. The forestay, top and lower shrouds have a 6 mm diameter. The boom is supported by a combination of rod kicker and permanent gas-sprung vang, so that it cannot drop onto the deck or the spray hood when reefing.

Mainsail and jib halyards have D-shackles for easy sail attachment. A flag line is fitted on the starboard spreader and a Windex is mounted on the masthead.

Pilot lines are provided for all unsupported running rigging such as spinnaker halyard, etc.

 

 

7. Sails

 

The ETAP 28s has a partially battened, loose-footed mainsail, made by internationally renowned sail makers. The mainsail area is 25.8 m² (277 square foot) and it has 2 sets of reefing points and a rounded leech. The two upper battens extend from leech to luff for ideal shape stability, while the two lower battens are shorter in order to avoid excessive pressure on the cringles and to facilitate hoisting and reefing.

The detachable sail cover is attached to the boom and is not attached to the mainsail. Lazy jacks guide the mainsail into the sail cover.

The self-tacking jib has an area of 15 m² (161 sq.ft) and is cut with a straight leech.

The mainsail carries the ETAP logo. Both sails are fitted with tell-tales and leech tensioners and all sails come with sail bags.

 

 

8. Engine and engine compartment

 

The ETAP 28s is equipped with a 3-cylinder Volvo Penta D1 – 20 marine diesel engine. Its closed-circuit cooling system ensures longer service life and greater operational reliability. The engine has a rated capacity of 14 kW (19 HP) at 3,200 rpm.

The engine is efficiently mounted on a specially designed base integrated in the inner hull with rubber engine mounts to absorb vibration and reduce engine noise. The engine is accessible from fore and aft through hatches fitted with quick-release clips.

Transmission is by Saildrive with a zinc anode, giving better vibration absorption and maintenance-free, watertight transmission through the hull. A fixed-pitch, two-bladed Volvo Penta propeller is fitted.

The engine is equipped with optical and acoustic oil pressure and temperature alarms, rev and hour counters and oil pressure, engine temperature, battery charging and glow plug warning lights. The engine compartment is fully insulated with sound-absorbing insulating material and is permanently ventilated by an electric fan blower. The stainless steel fuel tank has a capacity of 65 litres (17 gallons) and is fitted with an extra take-off for diesel-fired heating as well as an electric fuel gauge. The fuel supply can be shut off at the tank. An additional fuel pre-filter, complete with water separator, is fitted in an easily accessible location.

The engine is installed according to the specifications and procedures set out by Volvo Penta.

 

 

9. Electrical equipment

 

The chart table has a switch panel equipped with circuit breakers for the 12 Volt installations, digital displays for fuel and freshwater levels, a full holding tank warning light, voltmeters and a 12 Volt electrical socket.

A 55 Ah starter battery and a 70 Ah service battery, both maintenance-free, are fitted as standard. The installation consists of separate battery switches for each battery, a diode bridge splitter separating the two batteries and an earth interrupter switch. This allows both batteries to be charged from the 115 Ah engine alternator or from the optional shore power connection without the batteries being able to discharge one another. The starter battery is intended solely for starting the engine, which improves operational reliability. An optional second 70 Ah service battery can be provided. The batteries and optional battery charger are located in a separate compartment just aft of the V-berth. Two separate circuits are provided for interior lighting with a total of 11 lighting points including 6 halogen spot lamps recessed in the deck. Navigation lights comply with International specifications. The ETAP 28s is equipped with a 25 Watt tricolour masthead light with 10 Watt anchor light and a 25 Watt two-colour steaming light halfway up the mast. All wiring is routed through plastic conduits and all cables are numbered. Spare conduits are fitted to allow for the wiring of additional instruments. Electrical layout diagrams are supplied.

 

 

10. Water

 

A 115-litre (30 gallons) capacity rigid polyethylene freshwater tank is mounted under the V-berth. Its large inspection opening provides easy access for cleaning or in the event of electrical failure. A digital display shows the tank level on the screen at the chart table. As an option, wastewater from the galley and head may be connected to a holding tank located in the services compartment. There is a tank full warning light at the chart table. An electric freshwater pump supplies the hand basin in the head compartment and the galley.

 

 

11. Keel

 

The ETAP 28s has a cast-iron keel with a bulb at the base that lowers the centre of gravity, while its hydrodynamic shape acts like a wing and generates extra lift.

Draught is 1.76 m (5.7ft) with the standard keel. Optional, the ETAP tandem keel is available to reduce the draught to 1.10 m (3.6ft). The keel is through-bolted in the traditional manner onto stainless steel counter-plates incorporated in the hull. The keel is mounted in an integral keel housing forming part of the inner and outer hulls. This gives an extremely good watertight seal and very sturdy construction by ensuring maximum transfer of keel loading to the hull.

 

 

12. Rudder

 

A pre-balanced rudder ensures highly efficient steering. The one-piece, continuous fibreglass-reinforced rudder blade is made by a closed mould technique and the rudder-stock is certified AlMgSi1F32 aluminum alloy. A self-aligning needle bearing leads the stock through the hull in the rudder trunk to create a very direct rudder feel enabling very precise steering.

 

 

13. Skin fittings

 

The bronze or stainless steel skin fittings have fast-closing ball valves. The reinforced hoses are secured with double stainless steel hose clamps. Hulls can be supplied without skin fittings on request.

 

 

14. Ventilation and lighting

 

A sliding hatch and an escape hatch on deck allow natural ventilation and lighting. The ETAP 28s also has 7 opening portholes, 4 in the salon, 2 in the aft cabin and 1 in the head compartment. The superstructure also features a panoramic window.

The aft cabin is permanently ventilated, and an electric fan blower keeps the engine compartment ventilated when the engine is running.

 

INTERIOR

 

 

1. General

 

The interior of the ETAP 28s is designed to allow for various layouts. The V-berth is optically separated from the salon by a bulkhead with a large opening. However, part of this bulkhead can be removed in order to create one spacious area. As an option a fully closed off bulkhead can be provided with additional lockers in order to form generous forepeak stowage.

Aft, a transverse owner’s cabin likewise provides a great deal of space and sleeping accommodation.

This layout is combined with unique furnishing designed by Italy’s Stile Bertone, one of the world’s best known design bureaus. The principal colours are formed by a light oak laminate, combined with continuous grey/brown floor panels in Siam teak laminate with frequent use of stainless steel. A light cream coloured laminate is used in the head compartment. The galley work surface comes in a dark violet colour and, together with the range of colours for the seat cushions, forms a superb, contemporary combination with the furnishing.

The many rounded shapes add a special elegance to the interior with a great feeling of space and very good functionality in a sailing yacht. The preference for laminate ensures better scratch and damp resistance and ease of maintenance.

The lighter coloured materials together with the panoramic window make for a light and pleasant interior.

The floor panels are secured with recessed Velcro-type fastenings underneath so that they are easy to remove.

The companionway has four curved aluminum steps incorporating non-skid panels. The washboard is made of maintenance-free material with permanent ventilation.

Standing headroom in the companionway area is 193 cm (6’3 ½”)

The deck head is characteristic of the unique ETAP double-skinned construction, with a structured polyester finish eliminating the need for extra water-repellent decorating materials. This ETAP finish is very easy to maintain and will retain its new appearance over many years of use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Salon

 

The salon contains two long, curving sofas to port and starboard and a transverse seat by the V-berth that can be used as berth. The ergonomically-shaped, split cushions are protected to port and starboard by a raised side without the use of touch-and-close type fastenings.

There is stowage space underneath the salon seats, closed off with hinged lids.

The large table in the middle secures to the mast support and can be varied in height by moving it up or down that support.

The panoramic window allows an ample supply of light into the salon, giving a uniquely spacious and airy feel. This helps to create a very welcoming, open interior, allowing the crew below decks to enjoy the sailing experience too.

There is more space behind the salon seats for additional stowage and shelf lockers are fitted along the entire length of the salon to port and starboard.

Grab rails are fitted along the entire length of the salon to port and starboard and on each side of the companionway.

Standing headroom is 189 cm (6’2”) at the mast support.

 

3. Galley

 

The ETAP 28s has a gimballed, flame-failure protected 2-burner gas hob with oven, a fixed gas installation with a main stopcock in the aft cabin hanging locker. The superb galley units have a stainless steel edging profile that also serves as a grab rail. They feature an extra deep stainless steel sink with a cover that can be kept stowed under the oven. The generous stowage space below the sink provides a cutlery drawer and bin bag holder plus ample room for pots and pans. The work surfaces are finished in dark violet synthetic material. A heavily insulated and easily accessible 65-litre capacity (17 gallons) cool box is provided, complete with drainage hose for condensation and cleaning water.

The opening porthole provides ample ventilation.

For the shore power option a separate 110 Volt connection is provided.

 

4. Chart table

 

A 70 cm x 60 cm (2’3” x 1’10”) chart table with a spacious chart storage locker is located to starboard next to the companionway.

The navigation instrument panel is removable.

The switch panel is clearly laid out with circuit breakers, a voltmeter, a multi-function screen for tank displays and a 12 Volt socket. All of the cables are numbered.

A large drawer and locker are fitted under the chart table.

 

5. V-berth

 

The V-berth has a double berth 147 cm (4’9”) long and 140 cm (4’6”) at the head end and 20 cm (1’8”) wide at the foot end. The V-berth is optically separated from the salon by an open bulkhead. This bulkhead can be partially removed to create even more spacious sleeping accommodation (198 cm x 166 cm)(6’5” x 5’5”) and to enhance that feeling of space even more in the salon. Optionally a fully closed off bulkhead can be made so that the V-berth transforms into a very large stowage space consisting of a closed locker at starboard side and an open stowage at portside.

The 115 litre (30 gallons) capacity freshwater tank is located under the berth and has a hatch for inspection and maintenance.

The V-berth has one halogen spotlight and a large trapezoidal, acrylic escape hatch measuring 67 cm x 56 cm (2’2” x 1’10”).

 

6. Aft cabin

 

By making optimum use of space, a transverse aft cabin was created with a very comfortable owner’s berth, 200 cm (6’6 ¾ ‘’)  long and 140 cm (4’7”) wide (Queen size).

There is additional stowage space under the berth and optionally additional lockers can be fitted.

Two large hanging lockers are also located by the cabin entrance.

A ventilation grille forward and two in the aft bulkhead provide permanent ventilation.

The hinged inspection hatch has quick-release clips for easy access to the engine compartment and the Saildrive. The aft bulkhead provides generous access to the services compartment.

Standing headroom is 185 cm (6’0 ¾”).

 

7. Head compartment

 

The head compartment is to starboard of the companionway. The waterproof plastics and furnishings used here are designed by Stile Bertone and ETAP itself and here too they are combined with stainless steel profiles.

The head compartment houses a traditional marine head that can be connected to the holding tank as an option.

The washbasin is fitted with a shower head fed by pressurized cold water (hot water is an option).

There is a spacious wet hanging locker with drain, cupboards above and below the washbasin and a large mirror fixed onto the door.

An opening porthole provides light and ventilation. Standing headroom is 185 cm (6’0 ¾”). .

 

 

 

 

Documentation

 

 

Every ETAP is supplied with a complete electrical diagram and a 100-page instruction manual in Dutch, French, English or German. The manual contains detailed explanations of all the boat’s functions and is illustrated with numerous schematic drawings.

 

 

 

Warranty

 

 

ETAP Yachting gives a two-year guarantee in respect of all parts manufactured by ETAP. The supplier’s guarantee applies to all other components. Full details of warranty terms and conditions are given in the company’s Standard Terms and Conditions of Trading and in the instruction manual.

 

 

OPTIONS

 

 

A full list of options for the ETAP 28s, with current prices and/or additional technical documentation, is available on request upon request. Here we list just a few of the main options:

 

1. 19 m² (204 sq.ft) genoa and deck fittings

 

The self-tacking jib can be replaced by a 110 % genoa. This offers a 30% increase in sail area, but it is not self-tacking.

The deck fittings for the genoa include tracks and cars on deck, with adjustment lines to the cockpit, and fixed sheave blocks with jammers. Extra sheet winches (type 30 AST) need to be installed in the cockpit. These are self-tailing and can also be used for the asymmetric spinnaker.

As a further option, both the optional genoa and standard jib can be fitted with a roller reefing installation for maximum sailing comfort.

 

2. EVS®-ETAP Vertical Steering system

 

Instead of the standard tiller steering the ETAP 28s can be fitted with the revolutionary ETAP Vertical Steering (EVS®system). The boat is steered via an ergonomically-shaped control, which moves in the vertical plane athwart ships.

The EVS® system combines the advantages of tiller and wheel steering, while eliminating the typical disadvantages of both. It is supplied with two teak seats mounted on each side of the split pushpit, a helmsman seat and an emergency tiller. The optional mainsheet traveller is then mounted in the cockpit forward of the EVS® so that it easy for the helmsman to use.

 

3. ETAP tandem keel

 

ETAP Yachting has developed this new type of keel to improve performance while reducing draught: the so-called ETAP tandem keel.

The system involves placing two short keels suitably spaced behind one another and joined together by a wing-bulb profile. The ETAP tandem keel gives a better aspect ratio and generates greater lift. In addition to increased stability, the wing-bulb also provides better hydrodynamic characteristics. It essentially increases the leading edge of the keel.

Fitted with an adapted rudder, the tandem keel gives the same performance as a conventional deep keel but with a significantly less draught, as has been demonstrated by various independent tests.

With the ETAP tandem keel, the ETAP 28s has a draught of 1.10 m (3.6ft).

 

4. Heating

 

A Webasto diesel heater can be installed in the aft services compartment with an insulated through-hull exhaust.

The hot air ducts lead to two closable outlets, one in the head compartment for drying wet sailing clothes and one in the salon.

Because of its superb thermal insulation, an ETAP yacht very quickly becomes comfortably warm. A thermostat mounted in the salon controls temperature.

The system can also be used to ventilate the boat by blowing unheated air.

5. Refrigeration

 

A compressor cooling system can be installed in the cool box. Evaporator coil, compressor and condenser are combined in one single preassembled unit that can be removed from the cool box. This reduces the risk of leaks from the refrigeration pipes and facilitates inspection.

The combination of excellent cool box insulation and powerful compressor can provide highly effective cooling that can keep running for several days. A voltage monitor is installed on the compressor set to prevent the voltage from dropping below 10.5 Volts, the value at which the compressor automatically switches off.

 

6. Holding tank

 

The marine head and all other discharges (galley, hand basins, etc.) can be connected to a 65 litre (17 gallons) capacity holding tank installed in the aft services compartment. The tank is self-evacuating by gravity and through a closable skin fitting. A deck outlet is provided for evacuation to a shore side pump-out facility.

An electronic level alarm is fitted on the tank itself to indicate when the tank is full. The entire installation is carefully executed to provide operational reliability and simplicity of use.