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Random Quote: Better to beg forgiveness, than ask permission
I am not a Southport owner, but only because I did not think there was enough room for all my dive gear on a 28. When a bigger one comes out, I'll be there. As you'll find by searching, it is a boat with few, if any complaints. The hull design is superb and the ride and fuel numbers are excellent. It has a lot of bow flare, so it knocks the spray down well. The one gripe in layout comes from those who don't like the idea of the big forward fishbox that lets you fish facing outward. The quality of the fit and finish shows everywhere and the boats have very solid resale. If the layout works for you and the size is right, the Southport is a winner.
I have a 2005 Southport 28. After two seasons, and over 250 hours, I'm very satisfied. PM me for info. I would be very happy to give you insight. As far as comparing it to other manufacturers, at the time I looked at Regulator, Jupiter, B & D Boatworks (Buddy Davis), Hydrasports, Triton and others. Once I narrowed it down to Regulator and Southport, Southport won out in the ride, fuel economy, and just slightly in the fit and finish department.
Since that time, several other manufacturers have introduced models that are comparable. Southport makes a great boat, and they have been a pleasure to deal with.
__________________
LISA MARIE
28 SOUTHPORT W/TWIN F250 YAMAHAS
LIL' LISA MARIE
17 FT WHALER W/90HP F90 YAMAHA
I am on my 3rd boat, a 2005 SP 26. I won't be buying another one for a very long time, or at least until a 36' Express fits the family routine. Excellent boat. But, the most impressive thing is their customer service. Off the chart in their willingness to make sure things get fixed right. I'd recommned the boat to my mother.
I have had a 28TE for a year now and have 200 hours on her. This is my fourth boat and by far the best in design, build quality and ride of any I have owned. Southport builds a 26CC, a 28CC, a 28TE and the 28EX. The TE (Tournament Edition) has a tackle station rather than rear facing seats and adds additional rod holders.
My shoot-off boat was an Edgewater 31CC. The Southport won me and my family over with the dry ride and sales experience. Build quality was similar.
In addition to a lot of commentary on this website, check out the Southport owners forum at www.southportclub.com/index.php If you have specific model questions there are quite a few owners there more than willing to share all the pros and cons of their boats.
I have a 2007 SP 28cc. I cannot begin to say enough god things about the boat. The ride is incredible. I agree with the above posts as well. The whole Southport outfit is top notch.
I am on my 3rd boat, a 2005 SP 26. I won't be buying another one for a very long time, or at least until a 36' Express fits the family routine. Excellent boat. But, the most impressive thing is their customer service. Off the chart in their willingness to make sure things get fixed right. I'd recommned the boat to my mother.
I have had a 2006 Southport 26 for a little over 2 years and at 450 engine hours, I would have over 1000 hours at sea on her in that time. We've been out in big seas (7' seas + 8' swell) and have caught black marlin and sailfish on her. Good fuel economy, excellent stability and excellent ride. I don't think I've docked once without someone complimenting her.
Overall brilliant boats but they have awesome customer service.
After 5 years of indulging in centre-consoles however, its time to get a boat the family can sleep on.
I am a huge Southport fan. But when I saw this wiring job on one displayed at the Chantilly boat show, it raised a red flag. I wonder what is going on with their manufacturing QC. This would not be at all acceptable to me on that level boat.
Can't say anything more then has been said. Awesome, boat with an awesome ride backed by the best customer service in the industry. None better. You won't find one owner who will not allude to the great customer service they adhere to.
__________________ Bob
2006 28' Southport w Twin F250s "Pescatore"
Southport: Ride: Ten stars! Customer service: Ten stars!
What about initial cost and fishing layout?
The above two things that finally turned me off on a Southport.
My personal opinion: SP needs to do a major overhaul on the interior layout for fishing. The TE model was just a patch on the CC model. Now it looks like they are moving more into cabin models???
Take the concept of the Sailfish 2860 interior layout and put that into a SP 28 hull made by SP and I'd pay some good coin like they were asking! And I think a lot of others would as well!!!!
Yeah I rode a 28 and my wallet was hot. But I had to rethink how I wanted to use my boat...80% fishing. I went back to the dealer and looked again at the layout of the TE and just plain could not come to terms with it for my purposes.
But, what a beautifully made rig and a great ride in that 28 SP!
__________________ Dog Tired
I'm for a government that is by the people and for the people!
Southport: Ride: Ten stars! Customer service: Ten stars!
What about initial cost and fishing layout?
The above two things that finally turned me off on a Southport.
My personal opinion: SP needs to do a major overhaul on the interior layout for fishing. The TE model was just a patch on the CC model. Now it looks like they are moving more into cabin models???
Take the concept of the Sailfish 2860 interior layout and put that into a SP 28 hull made by SP and I'd pay some good coin like they were asking! And I think a lot of others would as well!!!!
Yeah I rode a 28 and my wallet was hot. But I had to rethink how I wanted to use my boat...80% fishing. I went back to the dealer and looked again at the layout of the TE and just plain could not come to terms with it for my purposes.
But, what a beautifully made rig and a great ride in that 28 SP!
I use my Southport 26 for 95% fishing.
I really like the backwards facing seat. It really works when you can be trolling for hours. I spent three days on it during the last billfish competition.
Also I like the way you have full access to the bow with a fish on.
As I said, I'm so happy with my SP, I've bought another.
For me...i will never buy another fishing center console that has forward seating other than a coffin box in the center! I use my boat for 99% fishing and have no complaints about the layout. Love the aft facing seating when trolling/just need some more tackle space.........
28 Southport 
