The Top Midsize Offshore Boats

[WavetoWave]

Here's our latest article for the top midsize offshore boats available right now. A really popular category, 28 to 32' but we focused on the 28-30 to keep it short.

We put the Shockwave 29' Magnatude and the Lavey Craft 28 Evo on the list. I love that Evo, what an incredible looking boat. I think the Outerlimits SV 29 is my favorite though.

https://www.wavetowave.com/home/2018/1/30/best-midsize-offshore-boats-right-now

29 Hustler Rockit

 

[l84theriv]

Im really liking that 28 Saber.

 

[WavetoWave]

Im really liking that 28 Saber.

Me too, it's a classic. The outboard option is great too.

 

[RodnJen]

I have always really liked those Formulas.

 

[Gelcoater]

Here's our latest list of midsize offshore boats available right now. A really popular category, 28 to 32' but we focused on the 28-30 to keep it short.

We put the Shockwave 29' Magnatude and the Lavey Craft 28 Evo on the list. I love that Evo, what an incredible looking boat. I think the Outerlimits SV 29 is my favorite though.

https://www.wavetowave.com/home/2018/1/30/best-midsize-offshore-boats-right-now

29 Hustler Rockit

Interesting that you chose the Evo vs the 29 or 32 Nu Era, either would be more livable for day to day use.

 

[RiverDave]

Kind of interesting that the fastest single engine Vee Bottom in history didn't make the list somehow? Howard 28 Bullett, tested at 130 mph.. There was videos floating around of it running Upper 130's / 140 if I remember right? Actually I can think of a whole list of West Coast 28's that would compete or beat some of that list.. But for some odd balls that I figured Jarod would've been all over being from back east, what happened to the Tuff 28 as well? Sutphen?

We are gonna need a longer list..

RD

 

[HST4ME]

No Sunsation?

 

[Gelcoater]

Kind of interesting that the fastest single engine Vee Bottom in history didn't make the list somehow? Howard 28 Bullett, tested at 130 mph.. There was videos floating around of it running Upper 130's / 140 if I remember right? Actually I can think of a whole list of West Coast 28's that would compete or beat some of that list.. But for some odd balls that I figured Jarod would've been all over being from back east, what happened to the Tuff 28 as well? Sutphen?

We are gonna need a longer list..

RD

I guess I never really paid attention?
How does it do in big snotty water?

 

[RCDave]

Nothing against the Howard but they always seemed more like a lake boat than offshore

 

[spectras only]

I'm surprised the 28 Pantera didn't make the list. That hull is one of the best wave crushers out there next to Saber 28, Donzi 28 etc.....

 

[DILLIGAF]

I have owned the closed bow Howard that ran the 130.1 before I got it and would never run it off shore. I have the video of the run somewhere but can't find it right now.

I also owned a Shockwave 29 and had no issues running to Catalina and back. Hell, also owned a SW 25 that I would run to Catalina. Both were open bows by the way.

Two different boats and the Howard belongs in the fresh water while the SW is capable of both with ease.

 

[RiverDave]

I owned the Howard that ran the 130.1 before I got it and would never run it off shore. I have the video of the run somewhere but can't find it right now.

I also owned a Shockwave 29 and had no issues running to Catalina and back. Hell, also owned a SW 25 that I would run the Catalina.

Two different boats and the Howard belongs in the fresh water while the SW is capable of both with ease.

That was an extremely light layup boat though as well Tom.. The heavier ones aren't nearly as flighty or light (or fast) as the one you had. I'm not even sure you could've walked on the deck of that one?

RD

 

[DILLIGAF]

That was an extremely light layup boat though as well Tom.. The heavier ones aren't nearly as flighty or light (or fast) as the one you had. I'm not even sure you could've walked on the deck of that one?

RD

You could walk on it as it was stronger than you think however....I didn't want anybody up on there unless necessary. That deck was absolutely beautiful but there was no flex when walking on it.

If I remember correctly it was 500lbs lighter than the other 28 Bullets out there....

 

[DrunkenSailor]

I would think that the Tuff 28 would be pretty high on my list. So would the Apache 30.

 

[WavetoWave]

Kind of interesting that the fastest single engine Vee Bottom in history didn't make the list somehow? Howard 28 Bullett, tested at 130 mph.. There was videos floating around of it running Upper 130's / 140 if I remember right? Actually I can think of a whole list of West Coast 28's that would compete or beat some of that list.. But for some odd balls that I figured Jarod would've been all over being from back east, what happened to the Tuff 28 as well? Sutphen?

We are gonna need a longer list..

RD

It's actually hard to keep the list tight, and although I love the Howard 28 and Tuff 28, offshore they aren't as good as the others in general. For a top speed shootout, they are tops for sure. I love Sutphen too, but they aren't making a 28-30 right now.

 

[WavetoWave]

I'm surprised the 28 Pantera didn't make the list. That hull is one of the best wave crushers out there next to Saber 28, Donzi 28 etc.....

Pantera is no longer in business.

 

[WavetoWave]

Interesting that you chose the Evo vs the 29 or 32 Nu Era, either would be more livable for day to day use.

Ya, we kept it 28 to 30' and as much as I love the NuEra, the windscreen on the R is better for offshore use. All awesome boats though.

 

[spectras only]

Pantera is no longer in business.

Ok, got it. I thought you were talking about any midsize boat in general>
The Top Midsize Offshore Boats
The top midsize offshore boats in production title would have made it more clear.

 

[ToMorrow44]

I read the article and thought it was pretty spot on. I like how everyone gets butt hurt their boat didn’t make the list when the company isn’t in business anymore lol (from Facebook, not here). The Tuff 28 is fast, but it’s a very very small 28, it would get dwarfed by a 292 Formula or the 29 Lavey.

 

[Enen]

Cool article. Are all of these boats single engine?

 

[fat rat]

Does this record still hold?

http://www.hotboat.com/frm/showthread.php?t=4751

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Cool article. Are all of these boats single engine?

You can do twins on the magnitude

 

[Sunset]

You can do twins on the magnitude

Yes

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

The Formula 292 only comes with twins.

 

[jet496]

I have owned the closed bow Howard that ran the 130.1 before I got it and would never run it off shore. I have the video of the run somewhere but can't find it right now.

I also owned a Shockwave 29 and had no issues running to Catalina and back. Hell, also owned a SW 25 that I would run to Catalina. Both were open bows by the way.

Two different boats and the Howard belongs in the fresh water while the SW is capable of both with ease.

I live in San Diego & want to be able to do some trips down to Ensenada, Catalina & up the coast.

It looks like I can get a new shockwave 29 magnitude for around $100k. This sounds like a pretty decent boat for the money.

Thoughts?

 

[ToMorrow44]

I live in San Diego & want to be able to do some trips down to Ensenada, Catalina & up the coast.

It looks like I can get a new shockwave 29 magnitude for around $100k. This sounds like a pretty decent boat for the money.

Thoughts?

If you’re planning on a lot of offshore ocean running, you need twins, which you can get in the 29 magnitude, but not sure you’ll get one for under $100k new. Closed cooling on the motors (pretty much all Merc motors now..?) and an aluminum trailer, you’d be all set. The 29 Mag is a great big, wide boat, lots of freeboard, it would feel very comfortable offshore.

 

[FreeBird236]

In that size range my vote is for the Eliminator 30' Eagle, very aggressive V and was designed for offshore racing, and good to look at.

 

[FreeBird236]

Does this record still hold?

http://www.hotboat.com/frm/showthread.php?t=4751

I think the Outerlimits beat that by a few MPH.

 

[FreeBird236]

I live in San Diego & want to be able to do some trips down to Ensenada, Catalina & up the coast.

It looks like I can get a new shockwave 29 magnitude for around $100k. This sounds like a pretty decent boat for the money.

Thoughts?

Those are nice, but I'd be very surprised if you could get even a single at a $100k.

 

[jet496]

If you’re planning on a lot of offshore ocean running, you need twins, which you can get in the 29 magnitude, but not sure you’ll get one for under $100k new. Closed cooling on the motors (pretty much all Merc motors now..?) and an aluminum trailer, you’d be all set. The 29 Mag is a great big, wide boat, lots of freeboard, it would feel very comfortable offshore.

Why do you need twins to run offshore?

 

[DrunkenSailor]

Why do you need twins to run offshore?

Insurance lose a motor offshore and still make it home. Bad things can happen when you cant point the bow into a wave.

 

[28skater]

 

[Tank]

Does this record still hold?

http://www.hotboat.com/frm/showthread.php?t=4751

Outerlimits took the speed record in 2014 at 180.464.
Fountain (both Reggies) are working on a new kilo boat and pushing for 200mph with twin 1,900 HP power.

 

[DILLIGAF]

If you’re planning on a lot of offshore ocean running, you need twins, which you can get in the 29 magnitude, but not sure you’ll get one for under $100k new. Closed cooling on the motors (pretty much all Merc motors now..?) and an aluminum trailer, you’d be all set. The 29 Mag is a great big, wide boat, lots of freeboard, it would feel very comfortable offshore.

I agree with this......I only had a single but always boated with others. If you are going to spend a lot of time in the big blue twins are definitely the way to go.

The SW29 is a good choice but your price point is going to change.

 

[jet496]

I agree with this......I only had a single but always boated with others. If you are going to spend a lot of time in the big blue twins are definitely the way to go.

The SW29 is a good choice but your price point is going to change.

Sounds good to me. I'll get twins for sure if I do it. Much appreciated.

 

[ToMorrow44]

Insurance lose a motor offshore and still make it home. Bad things can happen when you cant point the bow into a wave.

That’s probably the best way to put it. Sure you can have sea tow or boat us (I do) but if you’re adrift, beam to the seas waiting on someone that’s gonna suck. Same reason we feel comfortable flying a twin engine helicopter offshore, but not a single engine.

 

[DILLIGAF]

Sounds good to me. I'll get twins for sure if I do it. Much appreciated.

It really is a well built boat. Tell Bob and Jennifer Tom Winters said hello.

Make sure you mention to him you want any and all protections included that will help off set any salt water issues. He might have a few extra suggestions on layup or parts to use. His word is gold and will build you a very nice product.

 

[lavey jr]

Ya, we kept it 28 to 30' and as much as I love the NuEra, the windscreen on the R is better for offshore use. All awesome boats though.

Nice write up!

For reference - the fastest Lavey Craft 28 EVO with the Ilmor 710 ran 106mph and the fastest to date has a GT1100 and has ran 127mph.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Could a Lavey 29 be built with twin small blocks?

 

[lavey jr]

Could a Lavey 29 be built with twin small blocks?

Yes it can be! Lavey has built a handful of various 29 NuEra's with twins - (2) 496HO's, (2) 500's, (1) 525's, (1) 600's. The attached picture is the 29 NuEra with twin Merc 600's

 

[HB2LHC]

I'm surprised the 28 Pantera didn't make the list. That hull is one of the best wave crushers out there next to Saber 28, Donzi 28 etc.....

Notice how level that Warlock 29 flies.