ajax 28 sailboat

The Ajax 28 is a 27.95ft masthead sloop designed by C&C and built in fiberglass between 1978 and 1982.

12 units have been built..

The Ajax 28 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser.

Ajax 28 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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• Sailboat Guide

Ajax 28 is a 27 ′ 11 ″ / 8.5 m monohull sailboat designed by C&C Design and built by Ajax (CAN) between 1978 and 1982.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

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Review of Ajax 28

Basic specs..

The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season. And outside the sailing season, just bottom cleaning and perhaps anti-fouling painting once a year - a few hours of work, that's all.

The Ajax 28 is equipped with a fin keel. The fin keel is the most common keel and provides splendid manoeuvrability. The downside is that it has less directional stability than a long keel.

The boat can enter most marinas as the draft is just about 1.52 - 1.62 meter (4.99 - 5.29 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Ajax 28 is 1.96, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.4 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Ajax 28 is about 129 kg/cm, alternatively 725 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 129 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 725 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is a Ballast Ratio?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio) Indicates how fast the boat is in light wind: - Cruising Boats have ratios 10-15 - Cruiser-Racers have ratios 16-20 - Racers have ratios above 20 - High-Performance Racers have ratios above 24 Sail-area/displacement ratio (SA/D ratio): 17.07

Maintenance

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 23m 2 (247 ft 2 ). Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Ajax 28 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

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Converting a sailboat to a power cruiser?

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Hello, What is the Ajax 28 keel made of and can it be chopped in 1/2(sorry)? If so, how effective is a Rudder Craft swing up rudder for a boat this size? I have owned many type of boats but not a sailboat, not yet any way. A sailboat like Macgregor 26m or an Oday 272 drafting under3ft is ideal for my needs but this Ajax 28 drafts 5ft. The boat will be use for cruising the Trent Severn Waterway during summer months and may be motor down from Toronto to Florida on the ICW once awhile. Then I saw an ad for this sailboat, the mast was damaged during a recent wind storm. I want to convert it into a liveaboard power cruiser. There is a video on Youtube by smacksman1 "Cruiser verses Sailboat on the ICW" pretty much described what I want to do. Thanks. Here's the ad for this sailboat: FOR SALE - AJAX 28 [A C&C DESIGN] - THE STORY - A TREE FELL ON THE MAST! THE HULL, ALL EQUIPMENT, CRADLE, YANMAR 2GM, BOOM, ALL RIGGING, FURLING [NOT DAMAGED], BIMINI, DECK HARDWARE, WINCHES, VHF, CHART PLOTTER, ALL OPENING PORTS, AND TWO LARGE DECK HATCHES AND MUCH MORE. ALSO NEW MYLAR MAIN, NEW MYLAR 135JIB, NEW MYLAR GENOA 150, SPINNAKER AND GEAR. All for $4500 Canadian!  

That boat weighs 6,200 lbs with almost half of that weight in the keel to keep it right side up. There were only 12 of those race boats built so I would be inclined to leave it as intended and keep looking for something else. In that price range you should be able to find a boat that is undamaged and already designed for cruising where a less than 3 foot draft is required.  

Sail boats without a mast have little resale value. Very difficult to sell as a new mast is much more expensive than the total value of the boat.  

I found the ad, the boat isnt exactly cheap for a boat that age with no mast. By the time you cut up the keel and do the rudder modification, you will be pretty close in price to a Macgregor or Oday 272. A few thoughts for a mastless sailboat for the Trent Severn; the idea makes sense. Motoring is definitely good way to go on the Trent Severn, purpose built trawlers are expensive, old sailboats ready for conversion are cheap. However, I personally would not want to get into cutting up keels, you could end up with something unsafe and of no value for resale. I can think of a few options. One is to go with a boat that was designed from the outset to be a canal sailboat. The Nimble Arctic comes to mind. This options going to cost a few more bucks. Go with a shoal draft sailboat. Two boats that are commonly available in Ontario that fit this description are the Diesel powered Bayfield 25, which also has nice accomodations. Or the outboard powered Tanzer 7.5 shoal draft version. Or, you could go with a swing keel. There are too many to list, but you can get one cheap in your size range. Catalina 25 swing keel is a good place to start. I would try to avoid buying something that involved a lot of cutting and modifications below the waterline, there are just too many better options out there.  

Too much work to convert this boat into power cruiser. The keel might be encapsulated, so cutting it is a major, major job. Rudder can be cut very easily. Also an issue is prop shaft angle, which makes all sailboats not very good motor boats - not efficient under power, as well as slow. I would look for a different boat to convert. Something flat bottomed with external keel and outboard engine.  

Here is a boat that might be ideal for a canal trawler conversion (depending on condition). Shoal draft Tanzer 7.5, $1500 including trailer, not too far from the Trent Severn. These boats have a practical layout for a cruising couple including private head and large main cabin about 5'8" of head room. You could likely get a nice Honda 4 Stroke outboard for it and still be below the price of the C&C. https://www.kijiji.ca/v-sailboat/ot...er/1353547560?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true  

Honestly, I can't think of a single good reason to spend one thin dime to change a sailboat to a motor boat. A comparably sized motor boat will have a great deal more living space, storage space and a much more livable layout. It will be easier to drive, cheaper to dock (less draft, air draft and overhangs) and most likely come with a decent fridge, pressurized heated water and possibly a generator. It may not be more fuel efficient at higher speeds (which a sailboat can never attain), but at slower speeds (sailboat speeds) it shouldn't burn much more fuel, but it will be a lot easier to drive, be less affected by current with better visibility. Most of the time access to the engine is much better on a motor boat than a sailboat, as well. Also, sailboats are designed to have a mast, and removing it will radically change the stability of the boat, causing at times very uncomfortable motion. And lastly, in most cases, small motor boats are significantly cheaper that the equivalent sized sail boat.  

I think the premise is to purchase a sailboat with little value as a sailing vessel to use as a power cruiser, unless I missed the point. If the OP had the money for a good power cruiser he would probably buy one and not be asking about wrecked sailboats.  

I agree with capta on this one. When people try to buy things on the cheap with plans of modifications, 9 times out of 10, it doesn't work out and they end up spending way more money than anticipated. Buying this sailboat and the cost of modifications....you could probably find a motorboat for the same amount of money. And it will be much roomier and more live aboard friendly.  

IF this plan has merit (it might, IMHO) how about finding a boat with a bolt-on keel? 1. You could pull off the keel and cut a piece of flat steel to match the bottom of the keel stub. 2. Weld threaded rods to it for new keel bolts. 3. Bolt that on. Choose the steel thickness to get the weight you want (you'll want some).  

If a suitable hull is selected, such as the 2'8" shoal draft Tanzer I linked above, no conversion is required, no money needs to be spent on the conversion, it's just a sailboat motoring around with no mast. It could be a very affordable solution to motor cruising. I do not think the OP could easily find a safe reliable power boat with accommodations to match a 25-28 ft sailboat for $1500-4500. I did a quick scan through Ontario classifieds (over 1000 boats) and didn't see much in the way of running power boats over 23 ft for under $4500  

Arcb said: I did a quick scan through Ontario classifieds (over 1000 boats) and didn't see much in the way of running power boats over 23 ft for under $4500 Click to expand...

I did a quick scan through Ontario classifieds (over 1000 boats) and didn't see much in the way of running power boats over 23 ft for under $4500 Click to expand...

Barquito said: I would be curious why that is. I would have assumed that the power boat market has taken a nose dive as much as the sailing market. Is there any such thing as a power cruiser with a sailboat size engine? Click to expand...

Plenty of cabin cruisers here in Florida from 22 to 30 feet for under $5,000. This 1976 25 ft STARCRAFT CHIEFTAIN MARK IV for $3,500 came from the Great Lakes and is claimed to have never seen salt water however I can't imagine the 233 hp Merc being that fuel efficient: https://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/boa/d/starcraft-25-ft-chieftain/6561607663.html  

Ur gonna need flopper stoppers BIG TIME FLOPPER STOPPERS.  

Met a couple a few years ago tied up to the side of the Rideau canal in downtown Ottawa in a McG 21 (mast left behind of course for anyone who recognizes the area). They said they had driven in from Nova Scotia and picked it up on the way with intention to cruise the canal for a few weeks, then sell it for what they paid. My two littlest kids, then 2 and 4 or so, toured the boat. Forget the couple's names but they were having a blast.  

With the large number of old power boats being sold cheap, given away or scrapped, why would anyone even consider a bodge like this? Sailboats make lousy powerboats at the best of times.  

I dunno, I think it is a viable option. I have not been impressed with powerboat accommodations nor build quality compared to even cheap sailboats. I would go for a swing keel boat with a small diesel inboard. The keel adds a lot of directional stability and makes the boat maneuver a lot better. Just crank it up when you need the draft.  

I think the kicker is at the small end - sub-25' powerboats have limited accommodations. They aren't built or sold for that. And they're usually not designed/powered for slow-speed canal cruising. A trawler yacht would be ideal but they aren't the dime-a-dozen used Sea Ray you will find for cheap.  

That's a great idea! Buy a 27-30 ft sailboat in the fall on the cheap. Remove the mast and head down south. Come back up in the spring, put it on the market. If I break ever or lose a small amount, I would consider that a win. I wonder what sailboats in the 27-30 ft range would sell quickly? There is a 1982 Mirage 27 ft for sale in Toronto that meets all the criteria. All it need is a used dodger or Bimini.  

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The Ajax is a 23 ft open keelboat designed by Oliver Lee of Burnham in 1966. It was constructed in GRP by Halmatic. Most of the boats were however built in 1968 with one or two more in recent years. As a result of the strict One Design rules, the Class enjoys excellent racing and is well known for the friendly and helpful owners. Indeed, many of the boats are owned by one, two or even three co-owners and this helps to keep the costs down. There is an active Class Association. Measurements - LOA 23ft 3in (7.07 metres), LWL 19ft 2in (5.97 m), Beam 6ft 5in (1.95 m), Draught 3ft 8in (1.12 m) Displacement 1900 lb (854 Kg), Sail area (Main and Jib) 215 sq ft (20 sq m), Spinnaker 220 sq ft (20.62 sq m)

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Genoa Sheet (Cruising) for Ajax 28

Our part #: mpr-3402-sg-cr-10-42 | mfr. part #: sg-cr-10-42.

IMPORTANT: Sheet lengths are estimated base on sailboat manufacturer rig and deck specs. If you need any specific length or specifications, please contact our Customer Care team.

Application: Genoa sheet Recommended use: Cruising Line: Cruiser XTS Material: Polyestrer Double Braid Diameter: 10 mm (3/8 in) Length: 42 ft (12.8 m)

Shackle: n/a Splice 1: End Whipping Splice 2: End Whipping Splice 3: n/a Accessories: n/a

Cruising genoa sheet for your Ajax 28. Made out of Polyester double braid line. Includes all appropriate shackle and splicing as indicated in the technical description.

Copyright © 2024 MAURIPRO Sailing LLC.

28ft ‘Eclipse’ Sailboat

• Make: Other
• Model: AJAX
• Colour: Other

Description

Ready for your first or next sailing adventure? The ECLIPSE is an AJAX, 28 ft sailboat, Yenmar 12 hp, single cylinder, ready for her next captain and set of adventures. Recent 2024 survey sets the price point at $10,000

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18-Year-Old N.J. Girl Dies After Being Struck by Boat Propeller Days Before Starting College: 'Tragic'

Rutgers University said they were "devastated by the news" of Zeina Mahafzah's death

An 18-year-old New Jersey student was killed after she was hit by a boat propeller on the Jersey Shore over the weekend, just days before she was set to start at college, officials said. 

In an email to PEOPLE on Tuesday, Aug. 27, New Jersey State Police (NJSP) identified the victim as Zeina Mahafzah of Wayne, N.J. 

Police said troopers responded to an incident involving a boat in the waters off Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars, N.J., in the late afternoon of Sunday, Aug. 25.

According to a preliminary police investigation, Zeina was on a raft being pulled by the boat. 

“While attempting to board the vessel, she was struck by the vessel's propeller,” NJSP’s statement read, adding that Zeina died after she sustained injuries. 

“The incident remains under investigation, and no additional information is available at this time,” NJSP said.

On social media, the Harvey Cedars Police Department described the death as "a tragic boating accident ... As the investigation is in its preliminary stages, we ask that you keep the family and community in your thoughts and prayers."

According to the New York Daily News , Zeina recently graduated from Wayne Hills High School and was slated to begin her academic year at Rutgers University next week.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Rutgers University at Newark confirmed that Zeina was registered for fall 2024 classes. 

“The Rutgers-Newark community is devastated by the news of Zeina’s passing, and we are sending our support to the Mahafzah family during this incredibly difficult time,” the school said.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

On Monday, Aug. 26, Zeina’s father, Al Mahafzah, posted to Facebook a photo of his daughter and an invitation for family and friends to a prayer and burial service scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 28. 

Zeina is survived by her parents and two brothers, according to the invitation 

“We pray that Allah accept all the good she has done and raise her to the highest level of Jannah, in heaven, and grant the family patience, during this time,” the invitation reads, in part. 

In the Facebook post, Ali wrote, according to a translation: “And we say only what pleases Allah, and to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.”

At least 13 people have died after a boat carrying migrants sunk off Yemen's coast, UN says

The U.N. migration agency says a boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of Yemen, leaving more than two dozen people dead or missing

CAIRO — A boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of Yemen, leaving more than two dozen people dead or missing, the U.N. migration agency said Sunday, the latest in a string of shipwrecks that have left scores dead.

Despite a nearly decade-long civil war , Yemen — which borders Saudi Arabia to the north and Oman to the northeast — remains a major route for migrants from East Africa trying to reach wealthy Gulf countries for work.

The vessel was carrying 25 Ethiopian migrants and the boat captain and his assistant, both Yemeni, when it capsized Tuesday off the province of Taiz, the International Organization for Migration said in a statement. The bodies of 11 men and two women were recovered along the shore of Bab el-Mandeb Strait that links the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea, while the 14 others — including the two Yemenis — remain missing.

The migrants departed from Djibouti, IOM said.

“This latest tragedy is a stark reminder of the perils faced by migrants on this route,” said Matt Huber, IOM’s acting chief in Yemen. “Every life lost in these dangerous waters is one too many, and it is imperative that we do not normalize these devastating losses.”

According to the agency, the number of migrants arriving in Yemen has tripled in recent years, from about 27,000 in 2021 to more than 97,200 last year, the IOM said, and about 380,000 migrants are currently in the conflict-ridden country.

To reach Yemen, migrants are taken by smugglers on often dangerous, overcrowded boats across the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden. Over the past decade, at least 2,082 migrants disappeared along the route, including 693 who drowned, the IOM said.

In June, at least 49 migrants were killed in a shipwreck off Yemen’s southern coast that also left 140 missing, according to the IOM. Another 62 migrants died in two separate shipwrecks off the coast of Djibouti in April as they tried to reach Yemen.