2014 Mercury Whitewater 28

Step aboard and you’ll see why these 28s have a cult following. The boat carries a wide, confident stance with high gunnels that keep the cockpit dry and secure when the chop stands up. The open deck layout leaves plenty of room to dance around a double-header, and the forward area can flex between extra fishing space and a comfortable spot for guests to ride. The helm is laid out so everything falls easily to hand, with clear sightlines over the bow when you’re running on plane. Thick hardware, sturdy cleats, and a no-nonsense finish remind you this hull was built to be hosed down and run hard, day after day.

This 28-footer shines where runs can be short and bouncy one day, then long and glassy the next. The hull has enough length and deadrise to soften tight, wind-driven chop, yet it’s compact enough to tuck into shallower channels, sandbar spots, and tight marina slips. The efficient outboard setup means you can comfortably stretch to distant reefs or islands without nursing the throttles. Generous storage lets you keep offshore gear aboard full time, while the open cockpit works just as well for family cruising or diving as it does for serious trolling. It’s a versatile platform built for the varied conditions in this region.