They Say: The Williams 28 Bass Boat can run the tide rips in quest of trophy stripers and serve as a classy and luxurious day boat with equal grace.
We Say: Yeah, baby. This 28′-by-9’6″, 2’11”-draft, 5-ton thoroughbred can work the rips with the best of the classic bass boats. Plus, it’s equipped with a new-generation diesel, so it runs smoother and cleaner. Bred to maneuver amid lee shore rocks, the hull combines agility with the ability to handle big seas. Semi-custom, the Williams 28 is a “braggin’ boat,” with classic lines, a wave-shedding foredeck, a trademark elegant and protective windshield (teak or fiberglass — your choice), and a wide open cockpit that can be built to suit fishing, picnics, or both. There’s a head with holding tank, plenty of stowage, and comfortable bunks in the cuddy. The Yanmar 6BY260 cruises at 3300 rpm and 20 mph, a speed that’s quite comfortable in any Buzzards Bay afternoon chop, and burns just 8 gph. My test confirmed that the Williams 28 runs through just about anything at that speed, though the 27.6 mph top speed is there if you need it.
Who’d Want One: Boaters seeking a classy, distinctive, and able day boat that can fish, run the rough stuff, and serve family needs.
Another Choice: The Dyer 29 bass boat ($230,000) is the obvious vessel to beat. They both run on classic hulls and sport semi-custom finishing by well-established yards. The standard engine for the Dyer 29 is Volvo’s 260-hp common-rail diesel inboard.
MSRP: As tested – $190,000
Contact: 207.244.7854 www.jwboatco.com
