Looking at 28 Skaters and have some questions on set-up. My questions are very basic because Im new to cats and have never looked at a 28 up close. If you guy's can post some pics of your 28's it would be a great help to me.

Ive looked at some for sale (over the internet) and one in particular has the motors mounted on what looks to be an 8" stand-off plate. Im not sure this is the best set-up because Ive heard the 24's should be mounted right to the hull.
It also has a tunnel tab and no sponson tabs which Ive heard is not the best either.

These are just things Im hearing for the first time so dont beat me up if Im mis-spoken. Pics would help me figure out what Im looking at.
Thanks for your help.

Tantrum, I spent 3yrs learning all about Skaters. You will get a split response about the Tunnel Tabs. Some love them and some hate them. For me I choose not to have one. Call skater and talk to Peter about the Tunnel Tabs, He can help you. Heres my advice about buying a 28. Buy a stock 28 with no setback and no tunnel tab. Also I think the 2.5s are the way to go on these boats. You will find there is alot of Skater Experts, Stick with the experts that build the boats. Also If you want to buy a 28 post a thread looking to buy a 28 in the next two months and you will see the 28s come for sale. Thats how I found my perfect 24. The best one's are not advertised. Good luck I know you will find one be patient.

Everytime I go to the Skater site and look at that 28 I drool. What does a new 28 cost w/2.5's any ideas. At 3-4k per year to insure the boat, that makes it pretty hard.

i have a 28 300X`s awsome boat this one has a 5 inch set back runs 121 on gps! it is stock set up by Diamond marine possibly going for sale in sept. you will love these boats !!!!

i have always heard that the 28 runs great with setback. both the 24 and the 28 will run faster in smooth water with added setback , the only downfall is rough water speed decreases a bit ( with 7+ inches of setback), but how many guys run a skater in 4 foot swells wide open all day? i opted to go with the 5.5 cook plates with the 2 inches of setback built in my 15" mids to total 7.5" setback. i have a friend with a 28 with 300x's running 119 on a bad day and 121 on a good day with 5.5 of setback. there are 2 24's running 10" plates running 117 on one and 121 on the other (different power) the 24 usually runs 106 to 111 with 260-280 motors with no setback. most 28 skaters run about the same without the setback. If you talk to pete he will tell you no plates or the cooks but most of the great setups out there are done by end users experimenting with the boats. the factory hasnt spent much time trying all these different setbacks but they keep good records when they talk to the boat owners. hope this helps , john

Lets see some pics

sure no prob, heres one......

Wow, that's one big ugly barnacle on the stern ya got there mister

All summer and Ive never seen that boat anywhere else. I geuss if you let them sit long enough barnacles will grow in the driveway.

Gotta stick up for my pal Dave. I saw it on the water once.

LS JR.