looking at older classic hulls, came across a cigarette 28. Are these considered a good ride? are these capable of running in a 2-3 ft sea with the low freeboard?

Probably the best riding 28 ft ever built. 3ft seas can be a little intimidating, but the 28SS will handle it with TRS drives. The transom is low at idle...

I've ran big block and small block 28SS over the years on Lake Erie. Both handle up to 3 footers very well. I always liked the balance of the small block boats better in the rough.