2017 NauticStar 28 XS Offshore

Step aboard and the first thing you notice is how much room there is to move. The wide beam, deep cockpit, and tall gunwales give you a secure, big-water feel, while the fold-away aft seating and roomy bow loungers let you shift from serious fishing to sandbar socializing in a heartbeat. The helm layout is clean and modern, with great visibility over the bow and plenty of shaded protection from the hardtop. Abundant in-deck fish boxes and clever storage keep gear organized and out of the way. At idle, she’s easy to handle in tight quarters, and once on plane, the hull rides solid and dry, even when the afternoon breeze kicks up.

This 28-foot center console really suits local waters where conditions can change quickly. The offshore-capable hull inspires confidence when you push past the inlet for a run to the grounds, yet the boat still has a shallow enough draft to sneak into coves and enjoy quiet anchorages. Twin power gives you the range and redundancy you want for longer coastal days, while the generous freeboard and deep cockpit keep crew comfortable when a chop builds. It’s a versatile size for trailering or keeping in a slip, and it transitions easily between morning fishing missions, afternoon cruising with family, and evening harbor runs.