288 Sportdeck

288 Sportdeck

"a deckboat that could only be described as close to a perfect ten as possible" -RDP 2015 performance review

  The “Next Generation” of Deck Boats has arrived! Announcing the “All New Howard 288 Sport Deck”. Combining the best features of our Award Winning 28 Sport Deck (2X Power Boat Magazine Boat of the Year) and our recently introduced 28 SDS series this new “Howard 288” offers features never before found in a deck boat. To start with we have designed a bimini top that disappears into the floor while mounted to the inside gunwales allowing easy unobstructed access to the rear swim platform (no more folded bimini tops lying on top of the deck to climb over). You never have to take the bimini out of the boat to store it and it is a one person job to put it up and down. Next we designed a swim step measuring 34” in depth overhanging the propeller by 6” completely covering and shielding the propeller from those sitting on the rear step. A new unique interior design was created featuring back to back seating on the passenger side including a unique one piece molded rear seat bench/engine compartment featuring molded-in steps leading to the swim platform operated by hydraulic lifts. When opened this whole assembly lifts to expose the “entire” motor compartment from port to starboard allowing easy service accessibility to everything. We gave the cockpit an open feel by incorporating open side gunwales featuring matching color coordinated gel-coated fiberglass panels with built-in stereo speaker recesses along with built-in cup holders and grab handles. The traditional L-shaped style seating (like our 28 Sport Deck) is also available with the same aforementioned benefits. Have we saved the best for last? You be the judge. The new styling reflects modern, contemporary flowing lines with molded-in sculptured ridges. An optional Acrylic windscreen (like the SDS offers) is also available. We added 8” of length and 6” of width to the forward seating area as well as an additional 2” of freeboard in the cockpit area resulting in a larger, deeper more secure cockpit and bow section. We increased the fuel capacity to 100 gallons. We added an electrically operated wind deflector between the front walk off sponsons that lifts up from the floor at the push of a button and diverts the wind flow up and over the interior, making for a more comfortable wind free ride for those inside. Featuring all of the same standard amenities as the 28 Sport Deck, coupled with the optional Acrylic windscreen (from the 28 SDS) and the award winning performance and handling that “all” Howard’s are known for, Howard has once again led the industry in performance, design and comfort..

Construction:

The Howard 288 Sport Deck is constructed using only the finest materials available. We start with full-blown 100% vinyl-ester resin and Knytex knitted Bi and Tri-directional glass fabric. The entire hull and deck are cored with the most expensive composites available (consisting of Baltec Balsa core and Diab foam from Sweden). A full inner liner consisting of the engine compartment, cockpit with molded-in front and rear seat bases along with side panels featuring built-in storage and stereo speaker mounting platforms are all molded into a one piece structure. This structure is then cored with Baltek Balsa coring to keep the weight to a minimum and strength to a maximum. It is then installed using Plexus adhesive, the strongest bonding material available resulting in a more solid, clean and rattle free boat. Decolite vacuum-bagged balsa cored panels are used in lieu of plywood to help keep the weight to a minimum. All hardware is grade A aircraft quality stainless steel. All stringers, bulkheads, floors and tanks are installed while still in the mold to insure a perfect fit. Like all Howard’s, the mold cure time is two weeks to insure proper curing and strength with no distortion. Howard’s absolute insistence on quality and meticulous attention to detail has produced the finest Sport Deck boat available..

Performance:

Exhilarating, Fast, Stable and Smooth Riding! One ride and you will be saying all of these things. A new refined version of our performance proven Award Winning 28 Sport Deck bottom matched with the advanced aero dynamic styling of our Award Winning Bullet Series, the best of both worlds has just been bridged, creating a Sport Deck unlike anything before!

Specifications:

Length	28'9"
Beam	102"
Max Freeboard	54"
Approximate Weight	4800 lbs
Seating Capacity	10-12
Standard Fuel Capacity	100 gal
Bottom Configuration	Modified Tunnel
Standard Power	MerCruiser 8.2 Magnum HO 430HP

Standard Equipment / Features:

• 100% Hand laminated composite fiberglass construction w/Baltek end grain balsa and Diab foam reinforcement
• Bi and Tri-Directional  Knytex knitted glass fabric
• Pure vinyl-ester resin
• Full one piece (cockpit, bow section, floor and side panels) molded-in inner liner
• Electrically operated wind deflector
• 7 color custom gel coat
• All stainless steel hardware and fasteners
• Heavy duty marine battery w/battery box
• Electric fuel switch over valve
• Illuminated rocker switches
• Powder coated fuel fills, ski tow, gauge bezels, garb-handles w/vents
• Automatic Bilge pumps (3)
• Bilge Blower
• International navigation lights (LED)
• Interior lights (LED)
• 12 volt receptacle
• Dino steering wheel
• Full Livorsi instrumentation (tachometer w/Vantage View, GPS speedometer, volt meter, fuel gauge, water temperature, oil pressure, trim gauge)
• Livorsi dual lever (offshore style) hand controls w/built in trim switch
• Power steering
• Power trim
• Bravo I stainless steel propeller
• Six stainless steel pull-up deck cleats
• Dual electric engine hatch lift rams
• Built-in storage compartments
• Color coordinated marine grade vinyl interiors w/40 oz. marine grade snap-in carpet
• Brushed aluminum rub rail
• Gibson mufflers
• 8.2 liter MPI Mercruiser Magnum HO motor w/Bravo One Drive

Power Option Upgrades:

 

MerCruiser 520 EFI*
MerCruiser 540 EFI*
MerCruiser 565 EFI*
MerCruiser 600 SC/EFI*
MerCruiser 700 SC/NXT
Custom Motors Available
*Bravo XR Drives

Performance Reviews:

Performance Reviews (Click on an Image for the Article) February 2015

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