Boat Review - Blue Wave 2800 Pure Hybrid

Blue Wave has been an industry leader in the design and construction of Bay Boats since the infancy of Bay Boat popularity. The 2800 Pure Hybrid is their entry offering into the blue water market and it's a smart design that combines the rough water capability of an offshore center console with the deck layout of a Bay Hybrid. Bay Hybrid boats are getting larger all of the time and at 28-feet in length, this is the largest we tested. Despite its considerable profile, the Pure Hybrid still handled inshore testing around docks and mangrove shorelines like a smaller boat and in water just over a foot deep she eased around like a much smaller boat. The real test was how the boat dealt with a very sloppy 3-foot confused sea state offshore. Our test day offered up non-stop rain squalls and breezy conditions which the boat handled with ease. The boat rode happily across waves from every direction and the twin step bottom design slipped effortlessly through some waves that I expected to pound across even with the bow trimmed down into them, never throwing any spray above the rub rail.

The popularity of this deck layout works well for anglers who enjoy the hands-on style of sight casting to fish due to the increased visibility offered by an elevated deck. The sunken cockpit throughout the center of the boat offers plenty of area to stand securely in a rocking boat for more traditional offshore anglers as well. The additional storage gained in a boat this size was noticeable. On the foredeck, matching rod lockers to port and starboard were substantial. A center deck compartment offered more dry storage and an insulated drink box was located within the step up to the casting deck. A 200-quart insulated fish box is located under the lower deck forward of the console as well. The side entry console was roomy enough to store larger items while providing easy access to impeccably wired electrical systems and electronics. The rear casting deck offers double wide flip-up seating with a large storage compartment underneath it as well. Behind these seats is a large hatch to service bilge systems all in plain sight and easily accessible.

Bait fisherman will appreciate the live well availability on the 2800. Each boat is rigged standard with matching 30-gallon oval wells in opposite corners on the aft deck along with a 15-gallon round (pressurized) pitch well in the bow for easy sight casting opportunities. An optional helm station featuring a 40-gallon well is also available for the angler who can't ever have enough live bait. The model we tested featured a very comfortable and stylish twin seat Llebroc package with flip bolsters and pivot arms. This seating would prove to be practical for long runs and the functionality of a large tackle center beneath the seating with large drawers and tackle trays won't be lost on the angler whose taste leans more towards an offshore fishing style and the extra gear required to realize it.

Blue Wave offers this boat with multiple hard top/tower options as well as power choices. The model we tested featured the new Suzuki DF350A dual prop which pushed the boat at speeds up to 55-MPH and delivered an impressive 3-MPG economy at 34-MPH cruising. If you're the angler who wants to run further offshore than your bay boat allows but aren't ready to give up inshore fishing altogether this boat is a solid candidate to consider offered at a very reasonable price point.

Blue Wave 2800 Pure Hybrid Specifications:

Length: 27 feet 10 inches

Beam: 9 feet 2 inches

Deadrise: 18-degrees

Weight: 3650 pounds

Max Horsepower: 557

Fuel: 94 gallons

MSRP: See Dealer