28' Buddy Davis CC - The Hull Truth

bay-wolf · 01-27-2008, 10:03 AM

I have a friend considering the purchase of a used 28' Buddy Davis CC. Anybody have any experience with these. How is the quality of fit and finish, rough water ride etc. Is it super or just using the popularity of the Buddy Davis name?

Greg Manning · 01-27-2008, 07:13 PM

They are pretty with a great flair. But, fit and finish was not top notch on the 2 I have been on. I understand they are no longer in business which is the norm for Buddy Davis. Personally if I wanted a semi custom Carolina style boat, I'd choose somebody with a better track record than BD.....hard to use a hull warranty if they aren't in business any more.

cobraarvey · 01-28-2008, 07:21 AM

I have also heard rumors that they are no longer in biz, but I think this might be misinformation based on the fact that Buddy Davis himself announced that he had discontinued production of the large 60' & 68' sportfish models last year. In an interview I saw with Buddy, he announced he would now concentrate on helping his son's with production of the 28' and 34' CC. Just last week there was a post on another sportfisherman web site, (hint) by a B & D dealer showing the new 34' cuddy, so they must still be in business.

I would advise your friend to look hard at the fit and finish of the B & D 28'. It was number one on my list when they first came out. Then I saw one in person, and it was extremely disapointing. Obvious things like poor caulking, inferior quality cushions, hatches unfinished on the underside, and flaws in the gel-coat when you looked down the hullsides. However, I had heard that they had improved from the initial years of production. Be careful. Compare to a Regulator and you will see the difference.

RI Builder · 01-28-2008, 07:28 AM

I saw one at the Boston boat show about 2 years ago and it was possibly the worst put together boat I have ever seen. I commented to the dealer that they should be embarrassed to have that boat at a show, and they asked me to move on.

Another THT member took pictures of it and there was a thread about it. You can find the thread by searching under "Boston".......oh wait, scratch the search idea.

dawiggs · 01-28-2008, 07:33 AM

B&D Boatworks in Wanchese, NC is totally shut down. His son is helping run Thicket Lump Marina which is owned by his Mother. A Boatbuilder in NJ has "owned" the Buddy Davis name for a couple of years as a result of a previous bankruptcy.

Regards,