Quality Assurance

The 28 Enforcer from Sleekcraft Powerboats comes loaded with top-flight hardware.

For boatbuilders to get customers into an entry-level model, they often go with cheaper hardware to keep costs down. While the goal is to attract new boaters, it can sometimes come at the expense of repair bills down the road.

In building the entry-level 28 Enforcer, Sleekcraft Powerboats went with the same hardware you’d find on its higher-end models. From the Accon Pop-Up cleats to the Auto Meter Pro-Comp Marine gauges on the dash, the accessories were built to last.

Sleekcraft took the same approach when it came to building the open-bow 28-footer. No wood was used to construct the 28 Enforcer, instead Sleekcraft went with all-composite stringers and bulkheads for better durability and longevity. When it came to lamination, the builder used vinylester resin, 2-ounce chop strand mat and balsa core—the same stuff you find in more expensive models.

Stocked with a 425-horsepower MerCruiser 496 Mag HO engine, the 28-footer is clearly aimed at the family buyer. With a spacious cockpit and an open bow, it has room for the whole family for a weekend at the local lake.

The kids will probably spend plenty of time hanging out in the fully padded open bow. When the water gets rough while the boat is underway, they can hold onto the stainless-steel rails that line the open bow.

To get a break from the sun, there was a small midcabin with facing lounges. The manufacturer included coolers next to the lounges, which also could be accessed from the cockpit.

Accommodations in the cockpit included a rear bench that could seat three people comfortably and two bolsters with electric drop-down bottoms. Rarely do you find electric dropout bolsters in a boat that retails for $95,580.

In addition to a full complement of Auto Meter gauges, there was a tilt helm and a remote for the Sony stereo, which was pumped through a full set of JL Audio speakers. The Mercury Zero Effort throttle and shifter was on an extension from the gunwale. Lay-in carpet covered the sole of the cockpit as well as the midcabin and bow.

Sleekcraft equipped the transom with three billet swim steps—you read that correctly. There were two on either side of the Bravo One X drive and another above it.

When it came to performance, the 425-hp engine was a solid choice. While the hull could handle more power, it would push the boat’s asking price well beyond the $100,000 mark. With the current engine-and-drive setup, the 28 Enforcer still posted a top speed of 63.5 mph at 4,600 rpm.

With the engine turning 4,000 rpm, the V-bottom cruised along at 56 mph. At that speed, the boat was getting close to 2 mpg. Even at wide-open throttle, it was still getting nearly 2 mpg.

The 28-footer got on plane in 5.5 seconds and about 10 seconds later it was going 53 mph. In midrange drills, the boat took 6.8 seconds to run from 30 to 50 mph.

Click to enlarge.