Introduction

Choosing a boat is about understanding how each feature fits into your routine, your hobbies, and even those spontaneous trips with family or friends. For many, the Buddy Davis 28 Center Console becomes a practical choice because of its accessible size, robust design, and thoughtful features that are straightforward and work for all levels of boating experience. This deep dive takes you through every detail—from its real-world deck plan and hardware to fishing setups, onboard tech, and everyday routines like trailering or maintenance. By sharing actual product specs, features, and everyday uses, this guide aims to make your decision process easier and help set expectations. It’s not about promises or sales talk—it’s the specific, hands-on information you need to picture how the Buddy Davis 28 Center Console might work for you. At the end, we’ll briefly mention why Fly Yachts can help make boat ownership simple and approachable.

Size, Space, and Day-to-Day Fit

Core Specs and Why They Matter

The Buddy Davis 28 Center Console is 28 feet long. This length is a sweet spot for a lot of owners—it’s small enough for easier solo trips or outings with one or two friends, but still large enough to bring the family and have everyone move around. The beam on this model is about 9 feet 6 inches. Width like this means great deck stability and no feeling of crowding, which is something folks notice right away when stepping on board. The draft, normally just under 2 feet, lets you get in and out of shallow areas with much less worry, and makes launching from most public ramps simple—a big deal if you like exploring bays, inlets, or smaller rivers. Gross weight is kept low to make towing an option for most pickup trucks and full-size SUVs. That means weekend explorers and seasoned anglers alike can hitch and go without heavy equipment or complicated launch routines.

Layout for Real Life

The open center console plan is the standard for versatility. Walking from the bow to stern is unobstructed—safety rails, handholds, and non-skid deck patterns are set up for real use, whether that’s handling lines or just carrying beverages and snacks for a beach picnic. The T-top gives shade where you need it and stands high enough that you won’t duck or worry about bumping your head as you move past the helm. The console itself isn’t oversized, leaving more room for traffic on busy days. There’s no wasted space; every inch from bow to swim platform is practical. You’ll notice storage bins under seats, dry lockers up front, and even little thoughtful details like slots for IDs, wallets, or sunscreen.

Construction: Tough Where It Counts

Build Quality

Some boats skip steps you might not spot until years later, but reports and user experiences on the Buddy Davis 28 agree it’s designed for real, repeated use. The hull is all fiberglass—none of the cheap fillers or wood that can rot or delaminate over time. The deep-V shape at the bow lets you move smoothly through chop, and there’s solid spray protection down both sides. The hull’s thickness is consistent and reinforced in stress areas. Stainless steel grabs, hinges, and cleats mean things stay in place—no cheap alloys that pit or snap when you’re docking or tying up. Deck hardware is through-bolted and sealed, so loosening up is not a common complaint.

Attention to Details

Flush-mounted cleats, rubber-lined hatches for watertight sealing, and deck drains routed for quick water removal are included features. The livewell plumbing uses marine-grade hoses, built for saltwater. Electrical wiring is run with drip loops and bundled neatly, which prevents problems with moisture or vibration. All fittings on the deck are sturdy, with no wobble or rattle. Hatches sit level with the deck (no stubbing toes), and every latch is reachable, even with one hand or wet fingers. Owners often mention that nothing feels flimsy: even the anchor locker lid is solid.

Fishing Features and Practical Boat Setup

Rod Storage, Fish Boxes, and More

The Buddy Davis 28 Center Console is designed for fishermen, but without going overboard on gadgets that take up space or get in the way. There are rod holders along both gunwales—enough spots for trolling, storage, and quick grabs during action. A leaning post behind the helm has extra rod slots and sometimes a built-in tackle center, depending on configuration. The main insulated fish box is built into the sole and is easy to reach whether you’re working the aft deck or walking forward—important if you want to keep the main deck clear. It doubles for drinks and ice on more relaxed outings.

A livewell—generally around 30 gallons—is at the stern, plumbed for aeration, holding either baitfish or tournament catches. Occupying the starboard corner, it’s reachable but never in the way. Under-gunwale rod racks store longer rods flat, keeping them out of harm’s way when moving quickly or hosting families. Some models include extra deck sockets for plug-in outriggers or downrigger bases without custom work.

Open Cockpit and Fishability

An open stern cockpit is a must for serious fishing, so this model has few obstructions behind the leaning post—no extra seats or high rails to trip over. This is great for fighting fish from different angles or having two anglers work at the transom together. The freeboard is mid-height: tall enough so you feel secure while leaning out, but not so high you struggle to net a fish. The nonskid deck texture is aggressive enough for confident footing even with wet boots. You won’t find sharp corners—everything is rounded or padded.

Easy Access to All Areas

The bow seating can remove backrests quickly for casting room. You get room to follow big fish or set anchor lines without tangling or stepping over strangers. Bow rails are just high enough for safety but low profile, so they don’t snag lines. Cockpit scuppers drain fast (big plus after a wave or a rinse down), and all deck fittings are designed to keep water moving off the deck.

Console and Helm: Controls, Displays, Storage

Layout and Usability

The helm layout on the Buddy Davis 28 Center Console is straightforward and practical. It’s wide enough to hold two 12-inch screens, and the dash has room to fit engine monitors, trim controls, and autopilot modules. The steering wheel is stainless, tilt-adjustable, and comfortable whether standing or sitting. Throttle and shift levers fall easily to hand—no awkward reaches. Switch panels are backlit, labeled, and simple, so even first-timers won’t get confused in a hurry. The compass is centered and in clear sight.

The hard T-top or canvas option gives more than just sun coverage—it also supports overhead radio storage, extra life jacket slots, and deck light mounting. Overhead hatches provide airflow. Access to all wiring, pumps, and batteries are through gasketed doors; nothing is a struggle to reach or labeled in code.

Electronics Ready

The wiring harness is prepped for electronics installation, which cuts down your setup or upgrade time. VHF radio pre-wire and antenna mounts come standard. Stereo systems with speakers are often installed at the factory, so no tangle of old wires or speakers zip-tied to rails. You can easily pick from most major electronics brands, as there’s more than enough mounting space.

Cup holders, charging stations (USB and 12V), and phone trays are standard. Most owners add their preferred electronics—GPS chartplotters, depth sounders, and fishfinders.

Family and Everyday Comfort

Seating and Shade

Forward seating at the bow is deep and padded, turning the whole area into a sun lounge or a great spot for kids on calm runs. For longer days, backrests can be added or taken off easily. The leaning post has thick seat pads, and the stern has bench seating that folds out of the way for more fishing space. Under every seat is a dry storage bin, which is big enough for towels, extra layers, or food supplies. If you cruise with kids or pets, the padded gunwales and softer corners make everyone feel safe moving around.

A T-top is standard on most configurations, which gives serious shade for the driver and a passenger at the helm. Some boats also have pull-out sunshades or Bimini tops over the bow, ideal for beach or picnic days. The T-top’s rigid frame can also support rod holders, speakers, or even extra gear nets.

Storage Spaces

Dry storage is something buyers check first, and this boat doesn’t skip it. Forward lockers run nearly the whole width of the bow. The console itself holds a dry compartment for wallets, phones, and paperwork, with a 12V power port or USB inside for easy charging. The main deck has a drainable, insulated box—great for cold food or as backup ice storage. Behind the helm, you get a good-sized removable cooler under the leaning post, and side bins for quick-access gear.

Freshwater System and Head

Many versions include a freshwater tank and transom shower, so you can rinse hands, fishing gear, or sandy feet after a swim. The console can fit a marine head—a private toilet area with a sink—hidden behind an easy-open door.

Real-World Handling and Use

Ride Quality

The main reason many experienced owners stay with this boat is its smooth ride in mixed conditions. The deep-V hull cuts wakes and waves well above open-bay conditions, and you don’t get the hard slaps or spray you find on some flatter-bottomed center consoles. At speed, the boat tracks true, with no frequent steering corrections needed. It has trim tabs for balancing when loaded or in crosswinds.

Maneuverability and Shallow Access

At 28 feet, you get solid control whether backing into a slip, tying off at a sandbar, or nosing up to a crowded dock. Bow and stern rails are positioned for easy line handling. The draft under 2 feet means you can get in close for picnic stops or hit near-shore fishing grounds others skip. For loading or launching, the boat balances easily on trailers and fits most modern public ramps.

Anchoring, Mooring, and Dock Work

Split bow rails and an open anchor locker region make setting or retrieving your anchor safe and easy. Cleats are oversized and placed well for tying off—right where you want them when docking or rafting up with friends. With clear side decks, folks can step on and off the boat without needing to hand gear or bags overhead.

Storage, Cleaning, and Everyday Maintenance

Usable Storage

Rod lockers under the deck can hold rods up to 8 feet, and side storage bins take nets, gaffs, or extra dock lines. The battery compartment is fully enclosed but reachable through a hatch with built-in drainage, keeping electronics dry but easy to check before heading out. A glove compartment at the helm lets you secure wallets, permits, or phones. Anchor and dock lines fit into bow lockers with no clutter.

Cleaning and Routine Upkeep

Finished fiberglass inside and out is smooth, so it hoses clean quickly after a day’s use. All deck drains are free-running and self-bailing—the cockpit won’t pool water after a rain. Sea pumps and bilge pumps can be accessed for cleaning or low-season draining. Chromed hardware can be wiped down, and the hull can be rinsed flush in minutes. Even the fish box and livewell are designed for draining and cleaning, with oversized drains and easily removed liners.

Maintenance Chores

Owners mention the Buddy Davis 28 is basic to winterize or perform simple maintenance. Fuel, water, and waste systems are easy to empty and check. The engine compartment, when rigged for twin outboards, is open and uncluttered, so getting to filters or battery terminals is quick. Every day junk—wrappers, old fishing line, or life jackets—can be swept into bins that are easy to clear later.

Safety Features and Everyday Security

Build-In Safety

You get high, padded gunwales for kids and pets, strong bow and side rails, and plenty of non-slip deck coverage. The console holds space for fire extinguishers and emergency gear in easy reach. Self-bailing decks keep things dry, and the cockpit drains fast even after a wave or heavy spray.

Night and Low-Light Visibility

Bright LED navigation lights are installed fore and aft. Options for deck and cockpit lighting let groups stay out longer without stumbling or missing gear in the dark. Overhead T-top lights can be toggled for just the console, the rear deck, or both, keeping night vision. Stern lights are strong enough for boarding after dusk and are on switches within easy reach.

Upgrades, Options, and Personal Touches

Accessories

The T-top holds racks for rods, lights, antennas, or small gear bags. Accessory rails let you hook on extra cup holders or even action cameras. Side-mount rod holders, knife/pliers racks, and removable bait tables are common add-ons. For beachgoers, a swim ladder and stern platform allow easy in and out of the water.

Sound and Connectivity

Wired speakers under the T-top and in the forward lounge can be controlled from the helm or by phone. Mood lights can be added to cup holders or deck wells for trips out at night. The main helm has charger outlets, so no one’s phone runs out of battery, and you can add USB, 12V, or even quick-release mounts for tablets or GoPros.

Configurability

Whether you’re fishing, cruising, tubing, or even hosting dockside barbecues, the Buddy Davis 28 Center Console’s layout fits. Removable seating makes it easy to change from family mode to full fishing setup. Fitted canvas covers protect gear, and the console’s storage is deep enough for most safety and overnight items.

Owner Impressions and Everyday Experiences

On the Water

Owners say the ride is smooth in nearly every typical bay, sound, or river condition. You notice the boat’s balance easily, especially when loading up gear or people. Families use the bow seating as a play and picnic spot, which is separated enough from the rear deck to keep things safe and organized. Many mention the reliability of the hull in mild chop, and how simple it is to run at cruising speed for trips from dock to dock or across open water.

In the Details

Big deck drains and dry storage are often praised—”socks and towels actually stay dry,” as one user put it. Rod holders and built-in tackle lockers are easy to reach, saving time and avoiding tangles. Cabin access for the head or storage is through a wide, easy-open console door.

Towing, Launching, and Storing

Towing with a mid-size truck or larger SUV is possible thanks to moderate hull weight. Owners mention it’s easy to balance on a dual-axle trailer, and the trailer guides are set up for single-person launch or retrieval. The boat’s draft means you don’t need an extra-long ramp to launch.

Industry Comparison and Professional Perspective

How Does it Compare?

Compared to others at this size, the Buddy Davis 28 Center Console is known for its practical design. Features like wide walkways, large fish boxes, and full-length rod storage stack up well against similar center console boats. Some brands might offer bigger consoles or more electronics, but this boat’s open design remains a favorite for families and groups who want space to move.

Basics in Maintenance and Upkeep

The gelcoat on the Buddy Davis is designed for everyday use. Wipe-downs after use are simple, with no hidden holds where water sits. Pumps and hoses are routed for quick draining, and owners say there’s less routine corrosion or issues even after years in saltwater. Cockpit drains are designed not to clog with leaves or tackle, which can be common elsewhere.

Everyday Use Cases

Family Outings

Many Buddy Davis 28 owners use the boat for day cruising—visiting islands, pulling up to sandbars, or just lazing at anchor. Bow seating is protected and can hold three adults or several kids. Coolers fit neatly into under-seat compartments, and there’s enough shade for reading, eating, or napping at midday.

Fishing Adventures

When it’s fishing time, all the bow cushions come off fast, and the cockpit clears out for gear. The boat is balanced well enough for standing casts or working multiple rods, and the livewell and fish box placement leaves plenty of room for working lures or prepping bait.

Quick Trips and Overnights

A center console this size is also popular for impromptu trips—sunset runs, overnight floats with simple sleeping bags or air mattresses, thanks to the console head and the size of storage bins. You can store an ice chest, overnight bag, and spare clothing with no clutter.

Questions to Ask Before Deciding

• Will you mostly fish or mix in cruising days?
• How often do you expect to trailer or keep the boat in a slip?
• Do you need all-cushioned seating, or will you remove cushions for fishing?
• What gear do you always bring—rods, snorkels, water toys, or just coolers and safety kits?
• Do you want twin outboards for speed and backup, or will a single engine fit your days?
• Is a built-in head important, or will a portable head suffice?
• Want electronics pre-rigged or happy to add yourself?
• How many do you expect to have onboard most days?

Write down your answers—seeing it on paper helps compare the Buddy Davis 28 Center Console to your actual needs. If you need exact fit-outs, accessories, or professional setup, reaching out to Fly Yachts is a good move.

Why Talk to a Pro

The real value is seeing the Buddy Davis 28 Center Console up close, asking an expert about your typical uses, getting walkthroughs of setup for your style, and seeing which layouts and options best match your plans. For those who want advice or hands-on help, talking to a Fly Yachts team member today can help you get every detail right from day one.

Fly Yachts offers a broad selection of yachts for sale and showcases all their luxury services and inventory on their homepage, where you can also learn more about the company’s background and expert team on the About Us page. If you want a customized yacht, check out the options on Build a Yacht, or browse their worldwide charter destinations for your next trip. Stay updated with industry topics and advice in Compass Articles and the latest Gulfstream News. If you are thinking about selling, use their Sell Your Yacht service, or explore yachts charter for vacation or event options. In addition to yachts, Fly Yachts also offers aircraft for sale, and for any questions or detailed help, you can reach the team through their contact page.