Im toying with the idea of looking at a 28 Skater as my next boat.
Im looking for opinions on this boat.
Ride, handling, performance ect.
What years to look at, when were the material updates or hull changes?
Anything to be keep an eye out for?

Ive never owned a cat before but am attracted by the thought of the outboard set-up for reliability and quietness. The speed factor is also impressive.
The draw backs are lack of cabin, overall size and safety.

I would also be interested in what I could expect to pay for insurance and any other costs that might be above or out of line with what Im accustomed to paying with my current Active Thunder.

Last question;
Any 28's for sale that I should be looking at?

Any info on these boats would be great, Im really on the fence here.

tantrum,

I just bought a 1999 28 in feb.After owning 3 v bottoms,I finally have the perfect boat.It handles rough water great,is fast,and my 2.5`s sip gas compared to the Big Blocks I have owned.I cant tell you about the year info. I would look for one that has beem cared for well!!! As for speeds look for 112-115 or more with 2.5`s.My buddy has one with 300x`s that does 121.Insurance if you can get it sucks 3,000-4,000 and higher!

Tanturm make the Leap. On the you must understand this is the Ferrari of boats. Not creature comforts. The Handling and the Speed makes up for it. Also resale is tough to beat on these boats. I will let you know you will have a hard time finding one for sale. All of them are good.

"Also resale is tough to beat on these boats"
Yep
Im finding it is definatly a sellers market with this boat.
Thanks for the feedback guy's
Please keep it coming.

As I have said....once you go cat...let me know when you want a ride in my buddies 28. Hope to see you soon.

Tantrum, I myself will own a 28 some day.I have a 24 now and love it.If I were to buy a 28 today I would look for a 1996 model with uipdated motors.One of the major reasons is the interior of the boat is much larger.In 1997 they changed the back seat to make a back hatch.This takes away 2 feet of space inside the boat.Some guys prefere this but I'd rather have more space.For example my 1990 24 has more space inside than a 1997 28 footer.Also you talked about comprimizing saftey.There is not a more safe 28 foot cat out there.Check out skaterpowerboats.com used inventory.

Thanks for the feedback here.
Please keep the comments coming, its a big help for my learning curve.

Tanturm, One thing I must tell you about cats. Insurance is higher than vees. After you take your first ride in a 28 you will have a grin on your face for a week. The 28 Skater is hard to beat.

Yah Ive found that out.
Im thinking I would like to try outboards for the reliability and lower cost of operation..........well the lower cost is squashed with the insurance premiums.

Im trying to find some one in my area that has a 28 to look at and get a ride in before I do anything. Right now another V seems a bit more practical but Ive never been know to be all that practical when it comes to my toys.
The girlfriend on the other hand loves our current boat and if she doesnt like the Skater, that will end the deal but so far she open to the idea.

In the classifieds there is a clean looking 28' Skater "Speed Racer"

Seems like a good price on that boat also.