Best Pilothouse Fishing Boat Under 30': Steiger Craft 28 Review

[@TheBillmanl82]

Great review. I just purchased a new Steiger 28 last month. Can’t wait for the weather to break here on the Chesapeake.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Appreciate that Bill. Where are you at on the Chesapeake? Excited for you and your new Steiger. She's literally MADE for the Bay!

[@TheBillmanl82]

I’m in St Michaels on the Choptank side. Usually find myself between Eastern Bay and South to the Gas Docks.

[@fishdog1000]

Thanks for the tour. I think Steiger craft is going to be the next popular west coast boat.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

They have a small shop. If they can figure out how to scale, I think you're right.

[@jenniferstewarts4851]

Love the review, i always like looking at and compairing boats like this. strangely my 2 favs are both C-dories. the C-dory 22 cruiser. its pilot house is about the same size as the Steiger 28's, though it has a full galley up there, sink, 2 burner stove, fridge. trade off is less aft deck space.. both have the v birth, both have the toilet in the v birth, etc. the other one i've sort of fallen in love with recently is the C-dory 16 cruiser. its an OLD model not produced. but consider this. 19' of the trailer, 7'8" high. that means... it fits in a lot of garages. Has the cuddy cabin with toilet. small 2 seat cockpit. Many give up the fish deck in the back for an aft Bimini top then add in an icebox/cooler, propane tanks, heater, water with water pump in a small kitchen area. and now you have a small 16' trailerable, micro yacht cabin cruiser, that can be parked in your garage over winter. that you can take on weekend or longer trips for fun... and doesn't kill your pocket book with docking fees when you pull into a new port overnight. seriosuly think of the docking fee's on a 16' footer that doesn't need shore power cuz you're cooking and heating off propane.

[@joecruz4846]

I would go with a CDory Tomcat. Fished in one for 5 yrs. Twin Honda 150s. 1.8-2.1 MPG at 25mph. It’s a Cat , so it’s stable. Sleeps 3 -4 in the front bed , and the seating station , turns into a single bed. Has a stand up bathroom , fridge , dual stovetop burner . tons of storage. Added a 75 gallon bait tank in the rear center. Collapsible tuna tower. Check it out. Once in a cat , you’ll never go back.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Great recommendation Joe👍

[@joecruz4846]

@@saltwaterfishinguniversity👍 great content. Keep up the good work.

[@hammer-ks9hu]

😅😅 too much for a boat this plain I liked it was toned down in between a yacht and fishing boat a cabin in boat this size is nice but not at this price then in just buying a better and bigger fishing boat instead of this

[@nickkellas724]

Awesome review. Im looking to order a new Maycraft 27 pilot house this fall, but after this review Im definitely going to re think the maycraft. This is a bit more expensive than the Maycraft, but a much nicer finish all around. I also like the deeper dead rise of the Steiger craft

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

So glad you found it helpful Nick. Good luck with whichever choice you make 👍

[@colemant6845]

Wait 1-2 years... People will be giving them away. Depression is close... NOT Recession... DEPRESSION.

[@randykaminski6214]

Great review-thank you for all the good details-provide a good understanding of the boat!

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Thanks Randy!

[@dannyv2335]

I’d like to see a comparison with the Parker, Steiger and new NorthCoast big pilot house boats.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Yeah, those NorthCoast boats are impressive.

[@andyvankerkhove6902]

Nice video and love your enthusiasm... but what a statement.... best under 30ft.... Some competition.... New sub from Spain

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Thanks Andy. When I say 'best', I don't mean it in a definite way really, it's just what so many people search, ao it helps answer that question, which is best? Appreciate you stopping by!

[@andyvankerkhove6902]

@@saltwaterfishinguniversity Cant blame a man for thinking his wife, car or boat is the best...if its the best for you, it is nice of you to share your story with us... Never heard of the brand and I know lots of them... so your story arrived well... Keep up the good work.. gracias

[@thebigguy8306]

Thank you, great detailed review, answered my questions. Noted more options/details on fiberglass vs aluminum hulls. What, no beer in the refrigerator?

[@DD-bx3gm]

I believe you can get the same boat, if not better in the Defiance Guadalupe 290 with the same motors. They are out of the state of Washington. Lifetime warranty on the hull.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Yep, certainly a good comp D D.

[@JohnAvantiBK]

Was the seakeeper on while recording the video?

[@ken-8486]

Great channel Looking at purchasing in 2023-24 Question Traveling over to Bimini with guest How many passengers do you feel comfortable traveling and fishing with roughly 60 mile crossing

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

I’d say 5 to 6 Ken. Make sure you get the stern bench option. Add a couple bean bags and the number is more 6-7.

[@colemant6845]

Dang... $220K ... Wow. That same boat 10 years ago maybe $100K. What has happened to the boating world?

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Yep, crazy how everything has more than doubled over 10 years Coleman. Nuts really.

[@calartian85]

That’s what happens when you print trillions of dollars. FJB

[@joshtavenner3073]

@@calartian85FJB? LOL. Why does the last guy get a pass for all the money he printed? Most of the “printed money” was COVID related and guess who passed 2 of the 3 COVID packages? Does inflation magically know to only happen to Biden and not Trump? I couldn’t care less who anyone votes for and don’t like either but atleast pretend to be half informed or not a flaming hypocrite.

[@joshtavenner3073]

@@calartian85also, he said it’s a 2020. Hmm. Who was the president then? 🤡

[@Skipow10]

​@@joshtavenner3073better or worse now?

[@brianlee6849]

Excellent 👍 . I'm currently shopping for a house in Eastern Maryland on the water and I'm seriously looking and getting the stieiger craft . My family and I love to fish and we're more about fishing than we are comfort and I want to quote that I can have that's going to last for many years. We will mostly be in the Chesapeake and I'm thinking about the 23 Chesapeake or the 255 Chesapeake with a Yamaha 300 and well equipped for fishing. I have seriously thought about the seakeeper just haven't figured out if I want to spend that much on one or not? Thanks for your review I enjoyed it I'd love to have the 28 but it's a little bit too much but for me and my wife and family.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Awesome Brian! Hopefully we'll see you out there and maybe even help put each other on the fish!

[@brianlee6849]

@@saltwaterfishinguniversity Yes definitely 👍

[@brianlee6849]

@phil Yeah ok 👌 I have talked to the dealer in New Jersey and I'm on their email list. What kind of problems have you had with ABS?

[@brianlee6849]

@phil Ok 👌 thanks 👍

[@iq6840]

Nice boat. Ive had maybe 7 boats of all sizes. Im really not a fan of boats over 30 feet, true 30 foot boats. Over 30 and they get to difficult to manage, you get to a point where its no fun anymore and bot relaxing. Now im at the age inknow exactly what i like , the 24 to 28 range is the sweet spot for me and NO CENTER CONSOLES, had one and they are just a waste to ve honest. Thats why i bought a steiger 28 and its been absolutely fantastic in any sea state. I could have gotten an albemarle of aimilar size but you PAY DOUBLE and it ISNNOT DOUBLE THE BOAT. These Steigers are built to last.

[@redsammy7789]

Your A/C or heat vent was coming off so strap that back, I was thinking about this boat for offshore charter fishing here in the South ( gulf of mexico) for the A/C in the piolet house because it gets so dam hot, wish you would have mentioned the fuel tank size and what kind of range it can go but i will look it up, thanks.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

The inverter with the A/C does a decent job cooling it, but not a GREAT job, so keep that in mind. 200 gallon tank. Wish it was 250. Thanks for stopping by!

[@redsammy7789]

@@saltwaterfishinguniversity Thanks for letting me know that, I guess the pilot house is not well insulated, im looking to get out of the heat when needed and that might not work, do you know how many btu's on the A/C ?

[@andrewfyakim525]

The heat vent itself was 'strapped' and secure. What you saw was a poor attempt to duct-tape the duct-insulation that is the 'outer-skin' to the duct itself. "Tape is Temporary", especially in a marine environment. The are some 'super-strong' tapes (like Foil-Ray by Hardcast) that will stay on when properly installed... What we saw here was a surprisingly poor installation for such a $$$ boat.

[@johnmonty1976]

Do I see St Clements Island? Great video .

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Close John for sure. This is as taken right off Cole’s Point.

[@johnmonty1976]

@@saltwaterfishinguniversity fine fishing there .

[@floridaoutdooradventures8981]

Cutwater 28 would be a great alternative. It looks nicer in and out.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

I do like the Cutwater for sure. Do they have a fishing-specific version?

[@floridaoutdooradventures8981]

@@saltwaterfishinguniversity Yes, they do. It comes with a live-well, a fishbox and a grill and rod holders of course. They are all mounted in the back. The interior looks very nice and it is cleverly designed. It's not just a fishing boat, but a cruiser with fishing capability. That's too big for me though. My dream boat is Cutwater 24 coupe. I like to fish alone, I am not into entertaining or babysitting people when I am on the water, so Cuttwater 24 is THE PERFECT BOAT FOR ME! I HOPE ONE DAY, I WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD IT. If I do, I will start spending more time on the water than I do on land for sure!!! -:) Tight lines!!!

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

@@floridaoutdooradventures8981 Love it!

[@garyh354]

Great review and very informative content! I have a question regarding the air conditioning, is the the A/C able to run while underway or does it require shore-power? I understand that there are A/C units that have a soft start compressor that can run off batteries. We are asking because we are considering purchasing the 28 Miami for down here in Florida. Thanks

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Glad you liked it Gary. AC runs fine while underway or fast trolling. But at slow troll it quickly kills the battery. I’m not that impressed with the AC without shore power, but in the run it’s good.

[@garyh354]

It’s understandable. We are still very interested in this Steiger model. Thanks again!

[@hlwade]

Hey Marcus, what do you think about the Lindell 46? Looking for an express boat I can put a fly bridge on.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

I think the Lindell line is AMAZING to be honest FishCamp. But its going for around 1.4 million if I recall. Stunning boat though.

[@vm859]

My 28 miami does 53 with twin 250s with bottom paint. I hit 57 with no paint. Maybe you have more weight with the sea keeper but. Seems like WOT is low maybe check props.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

I'll look into this further this summer once I put the boat in VM. Thanks for sharing your stats though, very helpful!

[@wnhuynhhi]

I wonder how this compares to a parker or arima?

[@vm859]

Also getting 1.7 on my typical trips. Canyon load is obviouls lower.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

That's excellent!

[@MrJbaris]

how does she ride?

[@ej2863]

Thoughts on Life Proof Boats?

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Awesome boats, but with them being Northwest, few know about them out here in the east. I'm quite impressed with them though.

[@ej2863]

@@saltwaterfishinguniversity Thx for reply. Definitely a dream boat of mine.

[@jpp2422]

Anyone know what the head room is? Wondering how anyone over 6'2 would do.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

It's height is 6'6" in the pilot house JP.

[@scubacro5758]

12:20 ofc they had it saparated, a lott of people don't want toilet under bed, its more private and smells less. Its not mistake, its much better than that, if you have girls on board especialy

[@calidude5116]

What do you do for a living?

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Why do you ask? 😄

[@calidude5116]

@@saltwaterfishinguniversity because you balling lol

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

@@calidude5116 LOL 😂 That made me laugh, so I’ll answer. I’m a professional speaker.

[@Lana_Warwick]

USA being different to most the world usually gives me the shits, but be nice if Au called these things pilothouse. I'm searching used aluminium atm to turn into a solar elec driven cruiser, gotta type cray boat, fishing boat (which gives all kinda results), etc, etc. You mention 30' not good for 4+ foot swell, what would you recommend for ~6'? gunna be times it happens.

[@iq6840]

The osmond 29 is the best under 30 feet.

[@KyleMatt11]

Yeah I’d gladly loose the storage in favor of the sea keeper all day

[@kylefox4272]

Hey I got a Parker i fish on the bay😂😂😂

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Tons of Parker’s on the Chesapeake for sure. Many people love them.

[@Ronsgonefishing]

it should rip with 600 hp, and only a 28'. why is so much power and fuel required for this boat ? bad hull design ??

[@scubacro5758]

Good review, but you are not filming for kids, no need to change your voice, make faces or anything to try to make people laugh, this is boat review not pokemon toy review

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

I bet you’re the life of the party scuba guy. You saw my personality in this video, you didn’t like it. Move along.

[@scubacro5758]

@@saltwaterfishinguniversity I am, becouse I don't scream and make faces while talking, look at review from Aquaholic, very calm, talking about boat, not trying to be funny, just good information

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

@@scubacro5758 Again. The channel isn’t for you. You don’t like the style. Awesome. Move along.

[@warlordop713]

@@scubacro5758 🤡 go play Roblox kid

[@user-zb7tg5hi3t]

Your an a hole

[@timmyboy3459]

The joking and immature personality I could do without….. let’s act like an adult…….

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

@@timmyboy3459 You watched a helpful review and that’s your comment. The world could do without your negativity, so you might want to find a channel where every adult has lost their youthful spirit and acts as “mature” as you do all the time “TimmyBoy.”

[@jackrabbit4443]

Not a HD video. If it is, not great quality. He goes on and on over nothing. He assumes you don't know a thing about boats. Nobody looking for a 30ft boat is a beginner?

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

The video isn’t for everyone JDS. Some have loved it. You have not. It’s all good.

[@bernardmccann7676]

What’s it like without the gyro

[@하야로비-x4i]

24피트에도 화장실이 따로분리되어 있는 보트들이 수두룩한데 왜 이회사는 이런것들을 고치지않는지 설계를 할줄 모르는것인가 그들은 볼일을볼때 남앞에서 엉덩이를 보이면서 볼일을볼수있을까 이래서 이배를 구매하고싶지않다