Lancer 28-T Mk V

Description

The Lancer 28-T Mk V (also known as the Lancer 28T Mark V or Lancer 28 Mk5) is the final variant of the classic American trailerable cruising sailboat produced by Lancer Yacht Corp. (Irvine, California) starting in 1982 (continuing into the mid-1980s as part of the overall Lancer 28 series, which ran from 1977–1985). Designed by W. Shad Turner, it evolved from earlier Lancer 28 models (like the Mk IV masthead rig) with key updates: a fractional sloop rig (mast stepped farther forward for easier handling and better light-air performance), increased displacement and ballast for improved stability, and a slightly deeper shoal draft fin keel. The "T" designation emphasizes its trailerable nature (legal 8 ft beam for road towing). This model is a recreational keelboat built of fiberglass with wood trim, featuring a raked stem, angled transom, internally mounted spade rudder (tiller steering), and a wide, hollow keel cavity that drops the cabin sole for enhanced headroom—making it feel roomier below than many 28-footers. It's optimized for day sailing, lake/coastal cruising, or short overnights (sleeps 4–6 with long berths), with good trailerability and easy rigging/launching. Owners praise its balance under the fractional rig (less weather helm than masthead versions), though the shallow draft still limits upwind efficiency in chop. Exact production numbers for the Mk V are not documented (Lancer was a smaller builder with niche runs), but as a later variant in a short overall series, it's estimated in the low hundreds or fewer making it rarer today than early masthead models.