Aviara AV28 Review: Short & Sweet
A yacht certified, trailerable runabout that comes in 3 different versions from inboard to outboard for either surfing or day boating and cruising.
January 5, 2024
MasterCraft created Aviara in 2019 to provide “progressive luxury” boats over 30’ and began with a 32. They then produced a 36’ and 40’ model and in 2023 realized the brand could “broaden its customer base” and announced a new AV28 to fit the bill. The amenities, attention to detail, features and quality construction match its bigger counterparts, but in a compact maneuverable size with an 8’ 6” beam, 1’ 8” draft and 80-gallon fuel tank, the Yacht Certified AV28 can be trailered, fit in a dry stack, get to the sandbar, restaurant or out for an island cruise, with a boatload of people.
Aviara AV28 Overview: 3 Available Versions
The AV28 comes in three models: the Sportster Open with Illmor inboards and an optional retractable canvas Bimini top; the Outboard with either a single Mercury 400 V-10 or twin 250s, with a Powerfold hard top; and the “S” Surf model with the retractable hardtop or Bimini and Mercury Big Block 6.2 or 8.2 engines. Each model has its own personality and advantages, depending on the owner’s boating lifestyle.
Above: Three versions of the Aviara AV28. Photo by Aviara Boats.
Performance
On our sea trials of each model, I found myself enjoying the smoothness of the Ilmor joystick on the Sportster, the power of the twin Merc 250’s on the OB and the sheer joy of watching the wake surfers eat up the S model’s MasterCraft SurfStar system. The S model has a SurfStar button on its own screen, in addition to the 12” Simrad digital screen, which includes the ability to control speed, drive trim and the 1800 pounds of ballast. The ballast is easily dumped when hitting the Cruise button and the varied levels of wake are impressive, going from an easy to surf pocket to a deeper, more challenging wake—right or left.
Above: Aviara AV28. Photo by Aviara Boats.
The fully composite hull has a 21-degree deadrise, so the V-bottom and fairly straight bow cut through chop with ease while the deep freeboard provides comfortable shoulder height seatbacks and a safe feeling ride. All models get up on plane quickly and we cruised easily in the mid-high forties without pushing the limits.
Cockpit Layout
All of the boats share features like a spacious head, 30% cooler, CoolFeel vinyl upholstery, covered fuel fills, a curved, hinged glass windshield to facilitate entry to the bow, light enough to flip up with one hand, and a Klipsch sound system with flush custom speaker covers, yet each has a different look and feel and several options.
Above: The cockpit of the Aviara AV28. Photo by Aviara Boats.
Instead of a lounge at the starboard cockpit, a wet bar, including an optional grill sink and refrigerator works for the entertaining owner. Opting for a lighter retractable canvas Bimini top may work for some, but the retractable aluminum and fiberglass Power Folding Hardtop is slick, facilitating low bridges and storage, while enabling boat operation, it also provides storage for wake boards on the top and the option for an integrated rear camera—an important feature for the S model. The camera is mounted into a sturdy aluminum tube structure and provides excellent visibility of your skiers or surfers. It also provides a top mount for a tow line, in addition to the optional transom tow mount, ideal for tubing.
Details, Extras And Options
RGB Cockpit and underwater lights are also an option as are bow filler cushions to make a sun pad to add to the U-shaped cushioned seats. A windlass anchor is optional, as is the ski pilon. All trim comes in silver, black or white textured powder coating.
The helm bench is deep and adjustable, sliding forward and back, also flipping over to face front or aft, providing the same ergonomic back support in any position. Aviara shapes its foam cushioning so there are no pointed edges to spoil the smooth lines of the upholstery, all done in-house. The same attention to detail is shown on the retractable swim platform on the inboard boats. A step pulls down into the water, displaying a curved edge to avoid scrapes while entering the water or climbing aboard; a ladder also slides from under the starboard side.
Above: Aviara AV28. Photo by Aviara Boats.
Since cup holders were made to be just that, not phone holders, Aviara placed adjacent phone slots to securely hold phones with nearby USB ports. Inductive phone chargers are at the helm, along with a cooler cup holder.
Onboard Head & Convenient Storage
The head is impressively large for a 28’ boat and has an electric toilet and cabinets. A freshwater wash is at the transom, along with a custom soft-side cooler under a hatch. Battery switches are conveniently located under the gunwale on the starboard side, and fender storage is provided, along with storage under all seats and a large under center deck storage hatch.
Hardware And Upholstery
Sundeck covering provides comfort and a finished look. Curved logo etched cleats also add a design touch, as does everything on the Aviara, including the Italian leather steering wheel and fabric covered speaker covers that blend into the textured upholstery accents. There are also transom aft-facing speakers with special draining manifolds, sending music to skiers and surfers—or sandbar waders.
Aviara puts a great deal of thought into what its discerning customers want and builds a boat that demonstrates it mission to stand out above the crowd. The AV28 now opens a new market size niche for the designer-seeking crowd.
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