Afternoons To Remember

Dayboats are in big demand as more people realize they really don’t have the time to pack up the kids and an overnight cruiser for a whole weekend away from the dock. Active families have learned how to cram a lot of fun and adventure into a single afternoon on the water, provided they have the right ride. Dayboats vary greatly in size, power and price, but if you’re looking for one that’s more mainstream, this trio of new open designs from popular production builders sized near 30 feet are worth consideration.

SEA RAY 280 SLX OUTBOARD

The general layout of this model from the Tennessee-based builder resembles a traditional bowrider, but the 280 is quite modern when it comes to performance, technology, comfort and style. And when it’s equipped with the right options, this Sea Ray is proof that no one has to rough it on the water in a bowrider.

At its core, it’s a boat designed for owners who like to entertain. Sure, it has the power to pull towable toys and there’s dedicated stowage for a 9-foot Lillipad, but the 280 excels at making it easy for the host to keep guests comfortable and engaged. Seating throughout, for instance, is designed at the right dimensions and with enough good-quality foam and upholstery to keep every passenger happy. “No one’s going to ask to go back in because they’re uncomfortable or tired,” says Joey Sharpe, director of product portfolio at Sea Ray. And the cockpit layout makes for easy conversation when the hook is down because the driver and companion seats swivel 180 degrees, to engage with passengers chilling out on the rear lounges. “Our research shows owners want to be social, so we’ve tried to create a thoughtful living space,” says Sharpe.

The 280 is the third boat in the builder’s line to carry what Sea Ray calls its new design language. It includes an updated sheerline and an elongated bow that balances the boat’s proportions while providing more space for people and gear up front. The windshield integrates nicely with the deck and it’s topped by the builder’s Power Tower, a canvas top with aluminum supports that can be lowered a few inches when you need to get under a very low bridge, into a boat house or even prep the boat for dry stack stowage.

The deep-V hull was designed for twin 250-hp Verado outboards by Mercury. No other propulsion is offered with the 280, which should be okay since most owners will be satisfied with the performance. According to Sea Ray, the boat will top out somewhere between 43 to 45 knots, and cruise between 25 and 27 knots. At cruise, the boat’s 135-gallon fuel tank will yield a range of 195 miles.

The Verados come with Mercury’s Joystick Piloting for Outboards system that places steering, throttle and shift in one fingertip control. This system also comes with Skyhook, which uses GPS technology to maintain your boat’s position and heading. So, if wind and current are against you as you approach a slip at that favorite dock and dine, you won’t have to stress about losing your table—the technology should help you land the boat quickly.

Other “smart” technology includes an inductive charging station for phones and Sea Ray’s “Digital Dash,” with a pair of 12-inch screens that display data from the chartplotter, transducer, engines, CZone digital switching system and more. Add to that list of equipment features like a private head, refrigerators, cocktail tables and a windlass package, and you have a day boat that can keep the crew happy from sun up to sunset.

LOA: 31’5”, Beam: 9’0”, Draft (motors up): 1’10”, Displ.: 8,053 lbs., Power: (2) 250-hp OB

ARKSEN 28 ADVENTURE

Here’s a boat that redefines day-boating to a degree because it can get out there in all kinds of weather, and for most of at least three seasons.

The 28 is offered by a relatively new company. Arksen is the British builder of “explorer” yachts up to 85 feet that was founded about two years ago. The 28 is the smallest boat in its line, yet it’s still made for big adventures. The company calls it a go-anywhere vessel because it’s made from military-grade aluminum and rides on a seakindly deep-V hull. It’s built tough and robust on the outside and it’s capable of keeping the crew safe and comfortable for a long day on the water, even in rough conditions.

“It’s designed to get you outside and into the wild,” says James Harris, sales manager at Arksen. At the same time, the 28 has luxury details that make it a good place for relaxing after an active afternoon.

There are three social areas. The two outdoor gathering spaces are the bow (a conversation pit where two people can kick back with coffee and Danish in the morning) and the cockpit, where wind falls away thanks to the protection of the pilothouse. Seating here is convertible, so you can clear the deck for fishing with a few friends.

Then there’s the enclosed cabin. It’s the place where the crew will head at the end of a busy day. There are nice details here, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel that will keep the skipper’s hands warm when temperatures drop. Seat upholstery is suede-like Alcantara, and there’s a sunroof overhead and sliding door aft to keep passengers connected to nature. Most impressive, though, is the amount of glazing that wraps around the salon, offering 360-degree views. “The whole ambition of this Arksen is to be tough on the outside and luxurious on the inside,” says Harris.

The boat is tricked out, too. Almost everything offered with the 28 comes standard. That includes USB ports throughout the boat—so Mom and Dad can work remotely from the cabin while the kids fire up the iPad in the cockpit—a bow thruster, windlass, heated helm seat, diesel heater for the cabin, head compartment and refrigerator. On the hardtop, there’s a roof rack for stowage and a huge LED light that can illuminate the ocean if you begin the run back home after sunset. Standard power is a single 450-hp outboard that pushes the boat to 40-plus knots at WOT and a cruising speed of 25 knots. Range is 150 nautical miles.

And then there are the big bumpers that are built into the hullsides. “Even if you have to tuck into the tightest berth when you’re short on fenders,” says Harris, “you just can’t damage this hull.”

LOA: 28’1”, Beam: 8’8”, Draft (motor down): 2’11”, Displ.: 7,055 lbs., Power: (1) 450-hp OB

BENETEAU FLYER 8 SPACEDECK

French builder Beneteau has been a player on the day boat market for years. Its Flyer range was developed for buyers who put sporty performance near the top of their must-have list. The patented AirStep hull, says the builder, produces quick acceleration, responsive manuevering and enough lift to cut through a stiff chop, which makes this series a good choice for the skipper who has a water skier or wake boarder in the crew.

For 2023, Beneteau debuts the Flyer 8, which is available in two deck plans: the Sundeck (with a small cabin) and the Spacedeck, which has an open bow and is featured here. Of the two Flyer 8s, the Spacedeck is the one for people who like to stay active. You can do a lot with this boat. The cockpit, for instance, can be set up for fishing if you fold up the benches to clear the deck, place rods in the holders and fill the livewell with fresh bait. If the fish aren’t biting, there’s a tow pole for water sports. After the gang works up a sweat, open the transom gate and take a relaxing dip from the swim platforms. To dry off, head to the bow, where lounges can be converted to a big, comfortable sunpad. For happy hour, open up the cockpit seats again, swivel the two helm seats toward the transom, fill the removable table with snacks and you’re ready for a party.

The Flyer 8 is powered by a single outboard, with a max rating of 350 horses. With that many ponies on the transom, the boat can run up to 40 knots at WOT, according to the builder. The ride is spirited, but so is the boat’s styling, says Beneteau. The builder enlisted the Andreani Design Team in Italy to create this day boat.

There’s a fair share of “smart” equipment on board, including Beneteau’s Seanapps system. It allows owners to view the status of systems—battery charge, fuel level, maintenance schedule—from their phones. Seanapps also lets you chart a course for your next adventure. And chances are good there’ll be plenty of those in your future aboard this open boat built for coastal waters. 

LOA: 26’10”, Beam: 8’4”, Draft (motor up): 1’5”, Displ.: 4,687 lbs., Power: (1) 350-hp OB

This article was originally published in the June 2023 issue.