[Fishfiend]

We read all these boating reviews in various magazines and frankly they all sound the same. None are ever truly critical of ANY boat they review. I love bluewater fishing. But the worst part of it is the ride out into head-seas. Can anyone give a realworld assessment of the best riding, comfortable and dry boats under 28ft. Afterall, I know that most of us don't own, or can't afford, 60ft Vikings. It's nice to read about them but please let me know what you guys think of boats (old, new, center-consoles, walkarounds etc.) for regular guys like me.

Thats easy, Albemarle 280 express, Actually 27'1" Have had one and its ride is increadible. The boat is a bit tender at drift but thats the price you pay for the head sea ride. Also they make a 26 and 24 express with great head sea rides also...

I would recommend looking at a Jupiter 27. I have had one for about 3yrs and the ride is unbelievable. It is dry when it shouldn't be and cuts through the chop with ease. I may be a bit bias, but like yourself I did some pretty extensive research before buying. The jupiter 27 definitely deserves looking at.

I am in Sydney, Australia. I have owned 4 boats to date (trailerble) and been on many different types over the years of fishing and cruising with friends in theirs'. They include many types of mono and twin hull. Hands down the best performing boat that I have had the pleasure of riding in was one that my brother owned up until a couple of years ago. It is known here as a "Shark Cat" 5.6m centre console (twin hull) powered be twin Yamaha 90s'. With 6 people on board, the boat had no problem getting on the plane in no time. Trolling offshore was very comfortable but best of all you hardly had to hang on when returning in a brewing sea 1 - 1 1/2 m (3'-5'} travelling between 30 - 45 knots, which is unheard of out in the ocean without doing your joints and kidneys in. It would ride up on top of the crest and would come down without any of the impact monos give you, more like a hovercraft travelling. I have also been in Kevla cats which give a similar ride. Because of its comfort without the slamming coming down we could outrun any boat, large or small in decent seas where else others would be backing off from getting to uncomfortable. He has another cat at the moment in a walkaround which in reports was praised to its assymetric type hull being a more advance design but it doesnt even come close to performing as good. Mind you the Shark Cat was a mid 80s' hull. Seriously take a ride in one if you ever have the chance, if you cant come acroos one try KevlaCat. I've also read in US publications of your Glacier Bay and SeaCat having a very good ride at speed also.

[!hydrasport!]

Originally Posted by Fishfiend

We read all these boating reviews in various magazines and frankly they all sound the same. None are ever truly critical of ANY boat they review. I love bluewater fishing. But the worst part of it is the ride out into head-seas. Can anyone give a realworld assessment of the best riding, comfortable and dry boats under 28ft. Afterall, I know that most of us don't own, or can't afford, 60ft Vikings. It's nice to read about them but please let me know what you guys think of boats (old, new, center-consoles, walkarounds etc.) for regular guys like me.

I own a 1980 25' Hydrasport w/ new suzuki power outfits. These older boats are as solid as it gets. I've fished my buddies Contender 23T (good boat), but for the age of the HydraSport I own, cant beat it and the price. My nieghbor has a new 07' 26' Regulator on his lift and I'll say thats the boat.
If you do a lot of tournament fishing I'd say to look at the 23T Contender or 23 Palmetto, great boats. Theres plenty of boats out there you just have to get out there and test the ones that catch your attention, price and quality that is.