Well that is fascinating. I had talked at length with RBeyer (purple haze) and he had told me there are two molds to the 28 Saber. It's not mentioned on the website and both the cyclone and offshore are listed at same beam. So I guess the 28 Offshore is the narrower beam than the 28 Cyclone? Are there other differences in the hulls?

I don’t believe the Offshore and Cyclone are different molds. I think what you are referring to is that they changed the bottom design after the first few boats. I don’t remember exactly but I think after the 3rd or 4th one. The original bottom (I may be wrong been a while) was more of a V and the later ones added some chines to add roll stability. The original bottom is said to ride a touch better but the newer one is more stable and handles better. Found out in an interesting experience when I drove hull 1 that a friend owned that they do not behave the same.

Hull #2 had narrow chines, rounded keel and a bit of rocker. That combined with the gas tank mounted vertically behind the back seat. Would tend to porpoise in calm water unless tabs were dragging. Rough water it was a beast. Measure how wide your chines are compared to the newer ones. Also put a straight edge on the last 4 foot of the chines to see rocker.

this is correct. i dont think the original mold exists anymore.

I can't see much of a difference in the transom with a side by side comparison of purple haze. Will check for rocker tonight. If it did have rocker would that change your engine choice? Had some good news yesterday and can pretty much blow the budget wide open so thinking I'm going to look for a pair of 500-600hp motors, but if the rocker will make for a speed wall limitation like some other boats that can't be overcome I'd just assume put in some stock mercury black 415-450hps.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...bd481cca8a.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...2083b1a812.jpg

No worries about speed wall with the rocker. These hulls run very high once you get above 50 or so. The main concern is running props that keep the bow up and carry it at speed. They are all prone to porpoise at slow speed due to the rocker, props will help this also. Generally in calm water you will have to keep trim down all the way and possibly tickle some tabs, over 45 or so the bow will carry and you can trim out. 600 a side should go low to mid 90’s. This is with the updated bottom though can’t say if yours is the original design.

where the sides meet the outer edge of the v bottom the newer ones have a wider chine. from the purple haze pic you cannot see this area as the tabs are in the way.

i dont think the old bottom hurt any speed. i ran with that boat more than once when i had stock 454's and we were about even.

Rocker is not going to hurt you for speed. Now a hook is a different story. Pair of big blocks, put 50 gallons on each side and run it. You’ll be fine.

these boats are like a completely different animal with big power, mine runs totally different in rough water with the new engines. originally 454/330 now 557/ 650. -2 imco lowers are the ticket for a 28, the drives are low from the factory.

Thank ya'll for the comments. I did put a straight edge up to the end of hull at transom and the hull was flat, didn't seem to have any rocker, but I thought hook and rocker were same thing.

How fast are you running with the 557 650hp? Do you run bravo or xr uppers? Totally different animal in a good way I presume?