The Top Twin Engine Outboard Sport Boats: Midsize V Hulls That Fly
In a sense, twin outboard sport boats are a sweet spot for value, performance and practicality. With a twin outboard V hull you get more stability, exceptional speed and serious rough water capability while being trailerable. Today’s boaters demand a balance of performance and reliability and that’s why outboards are so popular. Let’s take a look at some of the latest and greatest twin outboard mid sized V hulls available under 30’. Some are newer designs, others are revised boats to accommodate outboards, either way there are some great choices out there.
Outerlimits SV-29
There is something unmistakable about all Outerlimits boats and it’s not just that they look amazing, but they have a very specific design language they carry throughout the lineup. The SV-29 is quite possibly the most beautiful boat in this size range on the planet. Proportionally, the Outerlimits looks just right and a close resemblance to its big brother the SV-43. With an overall length of 29’11” and a really narrow beam of 8’, the smallest Outerlimits features a multi stepped bottom, with pronounced steps ahead of the center of gravity and a notched V pad. With a full windshield, this thing is a comfortable cruiser.
From the rendering you can see how Outerlimits is carefully redesigning the transom to accommodate the outboards. (photo source: outerlimits.com)
Like every Outerlimits, the build quality is state of the art and the capabilities of the hull are incredible. Marker 17 Marine runs a canopied SV-29 in various race series’, winning the Superboat - Superboat Vee Class in 2018. Most pleasure versions have a single sterndrive but Outerlimits is putting the finishing touches on the latest one with twin 300Rs. No doubt this will be a show stopper. And, best guess, this boat should be north of 100 MPH with that setup. The outboards will be inset, with an update to the transom design to house them and probably setback from the running surface a fair amount. I will have more specs soon. A unique combination of luxury and performance, the Outerlimits SV-29 scores for design, performance and quality.
The latest SV-29 almost ready for paint. (photo: outerlimits)
An interior shot of the Outerlimits at night, partly because it looks cool and it was the only interior shot I had.
Tuff 28
The Tuff 28 is the ultimate twin outboard hot rod. It will be the top speed champion in this category and that is by design. With a narrow 7’9” beam and wide pad on the non stepped hull, you get a real top speed boat that is easily in the triple digits with twin 300 HP outboards, from 105 MPH to 112 MPH, depending on the setup. Tuff spent a lot of time designing this 28, and you can see some really neat methods they use like how the rear and transom are shaped to minimize mass and build in setback. Everything about the design looks amazing and the stealthy boat purposely cuts through the air nicely to maximize efficiency. Some builder simply add brackets to I/O boats to convert to outboard, but this hull integrates the outboards beautifully. Tuff often uses a Porta-Bracket, which is a very clean setup for twins.
No frills but plenty of thrills, an absolute master class in design. No awkward lines or bad proportions to be found on this missile. (tuffboats.com)
I really love the modern design and color schemes Tuff uses. All boats are custom made so different features can be added as well as different layups. Like the other boats in this list, a single I/O is available but these days the twin outboard option is really attractive. The fully cored, vacuum infused hull is light and with speeds that it can achieve, cruising all day at 80 MPH is no problem for this sleek machine. Made in Ontario, Canada, you don’t see them in the U.S very much because they sell out in Canada before we can get our hands on them. The Tuff scores high for speed and design.
The big 300Rs look right at home here. 105 + MPH. You can see how it tapers back at the transom so the outboards don’t look like some awkward addition or after thought. (photo: tuffboats.com)
Lavey Craft 2750 NuEra
I’m a huge fan of Lavey Craft boats old and new. For a brand that’s been around since the fifties, you have to admire them. The best thing about Lavey is that they’ve always stayed true to quality and performance by competing in racing and pushing the envelope with design. A quick look at the 2750 NuEra shows the racing heritage; a deep 24 degree hull, nice 8’6” beam and a twin step design which is proven. With an overall length of 28’6” and a solid build, you know this beast can handle anything you could throw at it.
The outboards are set in the swim platform but setback with a bracket or jack plate.
Lavey has recently outfitted the 2750 with outboards and I think this hull one is more people should look at. If it were me, it would be the closed bow 2750, 300Rs and take advantage of their beautiful gel work with some clean design and colors. Based off the 300XS powered one, I would expect to be in the nineties with the 300Rs. Lavey Craft has been racing successfully for a long time, and I’m surprised you don’t see more on the East Coast, they are seriously capable boats. Sometime geography plays a role in the market. A very practical, capable performer with a custom touch. The Lavey scores high for design, practicality and rough water ability.
I’m never a fan of open bows, but the lines of the NuEra are great. (photo: laveycraft.com)
The 2750 NuEra is a proven hull and is great as an outboard. (photo: laveycraft.com)
Hustler 29’ Shotgun
Based on the 29’ Rockit, the Hustler 29’ Shotgun integrates the transom to accept twin outboards. Debuting at the Miami International Boat show, the latest outboard in the boat builders stable is a little different than the others. Still focused on performance but with the addition of a more open cockpit, featuring side seats, folding storage and a rear bench. I do like how Hustler isn’t afraid to try new things and think a little outside the box here. The Shotgun is a great size, really performs and can hold a ton of people.
The interior is a real departure from a traditional sport boat. Side benches and a rear bench at the back.
Hustler builds an honest boat, ready for big water and has great fit and finish. At 29’11” and a sleek 8’ beam, the 4,500 Lbs. hull should break 100 MPH with the twin 400R engines it had at the show. Done in a nice white and blue color scheme, this is a great new offering in the twin V outboard category. If you’re torn between a center console and a true sport boat, this actually makes the case for a sport boat quite well. The 29 Shotgun scores for practicality and design.
With twin 400Rs the Hustler should really move.
Progression 29
From Long Island NY and built to handle the vicious water you find up there, the Progression 29 is both old school and unique. Long known for fast, high quality boats, the low volume builder has built a reputation by sticking to their guns in design and build. Custom built to your liking, the deep variable deadrise hull is actually fairly light at about 2,700 Lbs and it is 28’11” overall with an 8’3” beam.
Built for speed. (photo: progressionboats.com)
Most New Yorkers are loud mouth shit talkers, which I love, but Progression boats has always let their boats speak for themselves on the water. This hull would be perfect for twin Mercury Racing 300Rs. Timeless lines, and great quality make this an investment you’ll enjoy for a long time. A true east coast offshore sport boat. Standard is 3 colors in the gel, an aluminum bracket for the outboard version, standup or sit down bolsters and a 10 year hull warranty. The Progression 29 is all business and scores for performance, classic looks and build quality.
