In the fishing and boating world, the name Buddy Davis is legendary, and with good reason. Forty years of experience building boats and fishing the formidable waters off of North Carolina's Outer Banks has taught him a thing or two about what makes a sea-worthy boat.
In 2003, Buddy began designing a revolutionary new boat for fisherman. The following year, B&D Boatworks, Inc., began production on the new 28' blue-water, center-console boat, and they began production of a 34' version in the spring of 2005.
Production of these two models is a natural fit for Buddy, who refers to them as "niche boats" and called upon his own extensive fishing experience to create a smooth, super-dry ride that is ideal for serious fishermen as well as those seeking familial comforts. And Buddy doesn't sacrifice style in the process; the sleek 28 and 34-footers feature his trademark deep frame and Carolina bow flare and are guaranteed to provide owners with a distinctive, attractive ride.
Buddy veered away from his signature cold-molded hull to build the 28' and the 34', which are comprised of fiberglass and Divinycell. The deep-vee bottom is solid fiberglass with Divinycell core in the hullsides, cockpit and upper deck, and 25-pound density Renicell core resides in the transom for extra stiffness.
In fact, the entire superstructure is lightweight, thanks to its polyester fiberglass-cored construction. Perhaps because it is completely hand-laid and wood-free composite, the boat responds to the hydraulic steering with just the lightest of touches and turns on a dime. Steering torque is practically a non-issue. In essence, Buddy has taken a basic center console boat and enhanced it.
These boats, when powered by twin Mercury Verados, are capable of a 40-knot cruse, getting you to and from the fishing grounds quitely and reliably. The 28’ is fitted with twin 225s and the 34’ with twin 275s as part of the standard package. Along with the horse power to keep you on the water, both boats come standard with two Optima 980-amp, deepcycle starting batteries and one Optima 870-amp, deep-cycle house battery.
Seasoned fisherman will find the boats' design and layout to be quite intuitive. A molded-in handrail tops off the Ushaped seating area, which is home to dual storage bins, a 64-quart cooler and a full 360-degree coaming pad rims the boats' roomy interior. Nicely proportioned, the cockpit allows plenty of space for walking between the console and gunwales.
The console itself, which features a wide range of instrument space, accommodates a walk-in enclosure with lavatory or optional electric shower head. Tackle centers flank each side of the console, as do fresh and salt water washdowns. Just ahead of the cushioned console is another spacious storage compartment designed to conceal rods, gaffs or whatever else your needs dictate. Finally, located in the transom is a large, 200-quart fish-box which conveniently drains overboard.
Another key feature worth reiterating, as it's sure to be a hit with serious fishermen and novices alike, is the fact that the boats are packed with storage space. Be sure to take advantage of the aforementioned storage compartments: the deep locker-type compartment located forward of the console, the in-deck transom baitwell and the repositories located within the bench seats in the bow.
In the 2006 model year, B&D enhanced its boats by adding a leaning post with 50-gallon live well and tackle storage as standard equipment. Other standard features include back-lit breakers on the electric panel, cockpit lighting, pop-up cleats, under-gunwale rod storage. The 28 and 34 also come equipped with a custom T-top with optional hardtop. All you need to catch your heart's desire is located right there in a few dozen feet.
But perhaps the most coveted feature of the B&D boats is their ability to knife through the roughest seas without sacrificing being dry. Thanks to a smart application of ergonomics, you can enjoy protection from cross-winds and waves, as well as a smooth ride. No matter what the conditions, and whether fishing the Jersey Shore, the Florida Keys or the Outer Banks, these boats will give the impression of a much larger ride.
Whether you're out for a pleasure cruise with the family or a serious fishing expedition for prized game, these don't play around.
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