Recently introduced by Long Island’s iconic saltwater fishing boat manufacturer, the Steiger Craft 28 DV Peconic is a new spin on a proven hull design that is one of the best running cabin boats in her class. This latest model in their 28 DV lineup joins her sister ships the Miami and the Fisherman, offering a wide open platform with a 10-foot beam that protects the crew from the elements but does so with a more connected feel to the environment.
The Peconic’s layout offers welcome weather protection, with the feeling of an open air environment as if being in a center console, but with improved comfort. The standard 40-gallon transom recirculating baitwell will keep your live ones frisky, while the helm dash panel provides enough space to mount a pair of big-picture 12-inch displays side-by-side. Port and starboard pedestal seats are securely mounted atop convenient dry storage lockers down under that can accommodate a variety of tackle and/or safety equipment.
Stepping down into the roomy cabin you’ll find an overhead cabin hatch for natural light and fresh air ventilation with cabin shelves, interior LED cabin lighting, opening side port holes, and a V-Berth with cushions that includes a center filler to create a roomy place for a catnap or basic overnighting. Serious weekends will probably go for the added touch of the optional inverter with shore power, marine head and freshwater sink.
Other standards include fiberglass bow pulpit and high-profile stainless steel handrail; forward and aft 120-gallon insulated fishboxes under the cockpit sole; a full fiberglass swim platform and ladder set on top of the twin outboard bracket; raw water washdown; opening front windows at the helm for welcome fresh air during hot summer days; a six-pack of gunwale-mount rodholders with horizontal racks under either side; plus an overhead seven rod rocket launcher installed in the fiberglass hardtop to keep the cockpit clear when trolling multiple outfits. Spreader lights, port and starboard sinker trays, under-helm storage, windshield wipers with washers, trim tabs, a two tone deck and a step box for climbing onboard complete the generous standard features list.
Notable options include port and starboard coaming bolsters; a transom bolster cushion; a handy bow thruster; additional pop-up; a cockpit rocket launcher; under gunwale LED lighting; a double rocket launcher overhead; cockpit tackle center; outriggers; underwater lights; 0-degree swivel rodholders; freshwater washdown; your choice of either an extended or shortened hardtop roof; three-sided canvas; a cushioned SeaDek cockpit sole; port side tackle cabinet; SeaKeeper 2 package with upgraded batteries; windlass; and your choice of a variety of hull colors.
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| LENGTH | 28 feet |
| BEAM | 10 feet |
| WEIGHT | 8,400 pounds |
| DEADRISE AFT | 22 degrees |
| DRAFT | 25 inches |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 230 gallons |
One thing I like the most about all Steiger Craft boats is that you typically have a choice of power options since they’re not married to one brand of motor or another. The Peconic DV 28 offers a quintet of outboard configurations that includes twin Yamaha F250s, F300s or F350s, plus a pair of Mercury choices like the proven 250 and 300 Verado V8s.
Recent factory tests on her sister ship the 28 DV Fisherman running a pair of Yamaha F250s indicated that this basic power setup will provide excellent performance. Spinning a pair of counter-rotating 17-inch pitch SWSII three-blade stainless steel props, these 4.2 liter V6 four-strokes will hit a top speed of almost 55 mph at wide open throttle (6,000 rpm). This Long Island girl will plane at 3,000 rpms getting a respectable 24.9 mph at only 12.4 gph, for a fuel miserly 2.01 mpg.
When it’s time to race the fleet to the fishing grounds, dialing up the twin throttles to a more realistic speed will get 30.3 mph/17 gph/1.78 mpg at 3,500 rpm; 34.5 mph/23.5 gph/1.47 mpg at 4,000 revs; and 38.7 mph/29.4 gph/1.32 mpg at 4,500 rpm. Time to plane with this engine and prop combo is roughly 4.5 seconds. The Steiger 28 DV Peconics standard 230-gallon fuel tank will give you 100-fathom range and then some if you are mindful of her performance curve.
For a salty and proven 28-foot cabin boat that offers comfortable accommodations and can fish in a variety of conditions, give the Steiger 28 DV Peconic a closer look.
