I went to the Grand Rapids, Michigan boat show this weekend and saw a 28 Heat. Wow, what an awesome boat for it's size. The cabin was the best I have ever seen in any boat under 30 feet. A lot more headroom and freeboard than what it looks like until you get inside. How do they ride in the rough? I boat on Lake Michigan and it gets pretty choppy here much of the time. With the 24* hull I would think it would do pretty good. You don't see many Nordics in Michigan. The cool factor would be pretty high to have one of them.

I took a look too, real nice....but then again there wasn't anything else there... what a let down...again better go to Chicago next year.

You hit the nail on the head with the cabin, freeboard and overall size of the boat. I had a '01 for three years on Long Island Sound which can get pretty snotty. The Heat does not have a sharp entry as do some of the other offshore models and I think it's a 22deg deadrise, not 24 (there seems to be some inconsistency surrounding that measurement). The ride was fine for the most part, I'd have prefered a sharper entry and no pad. It is stable at any speed and can handle big power. The boat also flys level and reacts to trim well. Make sure you get full hydraulic steering with dual ram, and get the k-planes if you can. I had the hydraulic steering and Bennet dual rams. The steering is a must in rough water, and the tabs are a bit small for the boat. I'd have gone for the k-planes or similar if I had it to do over again, although the Bennets were reliable and gave me no problems. I think some of the true offshore models have more rugged features and would be better for rough water use, but in the three years of boating in my waters, there wasn't an issue with it at all, it held up just fine.

I second Indy's reply. We had a 97 and ran it a few times on Lake Michigan. It was fine out there but you did have to watch the days you went out, it is a 28' boat. We had good luck with ours and now have a 35. I would suggest getting a ride in one in the water conditions you boat in so you can determine if it works for you. Everybody has a different opinion on what is a good ride, I know my wife has a different one than I or Indy does!

Rick

I can see where it would be a great boat for the lakes and rivers of the west coast, where it is built (actually Arizona). Very comfortable cabin, sharp looks and all. I want something with more of a windshield though when I move up. I do a lot of cruising on the big lake, 10, 20 or miles at a time, one way. The wind in your face is good but, being able to get out of the wind and talk to your passengers without yelling is good, too. On the deadrise, the Nordic brochure says 24* on the 28 and the 35.

Personally I would be shocked it the Heat could not handle the conditions and would suggest that it is more the "driver" than the boat.

I have been in all sorts and the Nordic is very, very stable and forgiving in all water conditions. With exception of the LaveyCraft NuEra, it is one of the best.

Don't confuse the deadrise with rough water capability. The Warlock has a steeper dead rise and is thought to be a better rough water boat, but get the boat up to speed and you can enjoy the ole' Warlock chine. Which make the boat much less stable at speed than the Nordic.

The real question is what are you looking to do with the boat. If you are looking for a nice comfortable day on the water with a stable ride that all can enjoy, then buy the biggest boat you can afford. If your budget dictates that you stay under 30', then go with the Nordic.

If your objective is to get the fastest "rough water" boat on the market to fly around at break-neck speeds, then go a different route. I would suggest an Activator or LaveyCraft (but they will cost you more).

We love our Nordic Heat and enjoy it for what it is. The wife (after many attempts) will not let me get rid of it. (trying to get a 30' AMT cat, but she keeps saying no).

I have tested about every boat out there in this class and I assure you will not be making a mistake with the Nordic.

Good luck with your decision,
Rick

The 28 Heat rides great for it's size. We are a dealer located in Jamestown Ky. www.unlimitedperformancemarine.com.

Here's a 2003 with 525efi power and only 40 hours.

Just in case you Nordic owners missed my post in the Tech section. I just tested a Hydromotive P5X prop on my 28 Heat. It worked great. Totally changed the personality of the boat. All of the low speed slip went away and the top end is equal to or better than a Lab finished Bravo prop. Best prop I've ever run on a 28.