Pied Piper 28 II

Description

The Pied Piper 28 II (also referred to as Pied Piper 28 Mark II or simply Pied Piper 28 in many sources) is a classic American cruising sailboat designed by naval architect Cyrus Hamlin (a talented designer known for innovative MORC-influenced work earlier in his career, though this design adhered more to CCA rules for seaworthiness and cruising). It was built primarily in fiberglass by Liberty Yachts in Leland, North Carolina (distinct from another Liberty Yachts in Florida), with early versions (from 1960 onward) constructed in wood by various small yards before fiberglass production took over; a small number were produced (estimates suggest 10-12 semi-custom fiberglass hulls in the later years, though exact totals are low and undocumented). The "II" or "Mark II" likely denotes later iterations or specific configurations (e.g., swing keel/centerboard variants), as the design evolved with keel options including full keel (draft ~4 ft), fin keel (draft ~4 ft), or keel/centerboard (min draft ~3.25 ft / board up, max ~6.25 ft / board down). Key features include a masthead sloop rig optimized for 170% genoas, external chainplates, traditional teak/cream aesthetics (often compared to Cape Dory or Island Packet style), comfortable accommodations for 4 in a single cabin plus salon, diesel auxiliary (typically 18 hp original), full keel or adjustable draft for versatility in shoal waters, and a heavy, stable hull suited for coastal/offshore cruising rather than high performance (high displacement/length ratio, moderate sail area/displacement, low capsize risk).