Essex Performance Boats took a big step when it introduced its 28 Fusion in early 2008. The 28-foot deck boat was the first catamaran in the company's lineup, which included a variety of V-bottoms between 21 and 29 feet. Putting the same effort the custom boat builder puts into its V- bottoms, the deck boat turned out to be a winner. Between an affordable price tag, with a single MerCruiser 496 Mag HO engine-and its family friendly features, the 28 Fusion deserved a closer look. While the first few models were relatively tame power-wise, the Ontario, Calif, builder took the fourth boat from the mold a couple of steps further. The boat's owner opted for big power and wanted it fully capped from bow to stern.

Worth it? Powerboat's Test Team thought so after putting the 28-footer's 900-horsepower engine to use on the Colorado River in Parker, Ariz. Then again, we've yet to drive a lesser-powered variation.

PERFORMANCE

For the first 28 Fusion we've tested, we were impressed by its performance. The 28-foor deck boat was a rocket in the acceleration drills and its handling characteristics were lights out. Taking full advantage of the 900 EFI engine from Teague Custom Marine, the boat took less than 4 seconds in both the 30-to-50-mph and 40-to-60-mph drills. It ran from 40 to 70 mph in 7 seconds flat. In the midrange, it was just as snappy. From a standing start, the 28-footer reached 58 mph in 10 seconds and 88 mph in 20 seconds. Time to reach plane (4 seconds) was reasonably quick, but even better was that we never lost sight of the horizon.

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We quickly noted after running for top speed that wind protection for the driver and co-pilot would improve visibility as well as make it a more comfortable ride. Our test driver felt he could have squeezed another tick or two out of the boat with a taller propeller. Still, the boat reached 102 mph with the engine turning 6,000 rpm-not shabby for a 28-foot deck boat. Back down to 5,000 rpm and the boat was still running 88 mph. Cruising speed at 4,000 rpm) Try 67 mph. The boat handled remarkably well, too. Even with a slight outward lean in lower-speed turns, it felt like it was on rails. And it seemed like the faster the single-step catamaran with a center pod went, the better it carved, thanks in part to the IMCO Marine quad-ram steering . The 4,800-pound boat was not fazed by what little side winds we encountered on the river. It tracked flawlessly, and as noted before, the faster, the better.

WORKMANSHIP

With just its fourth boat from the mold, the buyer asked that Essex build the boat with a fully capped finish.

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The builder executed the capping in near-perfect fashion. The effort was duly noted, as capping a boat is difficult and time consuming.Combined with the outstanding gelcoat work that featured vibrant red, gray and yellow tones, we were sold. We noticed right away the boat was sans cleats-that's not an option we'd recommend leaving off any boat. The 28 Fusion looked good without the hardware, but a couple of pin cleats would be more practical. The flush mounted receptacles would not spoil the catamaran's clean lines. The boat did include a few pieces of billet hardware. A pair of bilge vents on the transom doubled as grab handles. Gas fills were on each side of the vents and a pull-down swim ladder was mounted under the left side of the swim platform. The builder also installed cat-eye-style navigation lights and stainless grab rails on the gunwales for passengers in the bow lounges. Installation of the polished, 540-CC big-block engine was tidy.Mounted on L-angles through-bolted to the stringers, All the wiring was neatly arranged and attention to detail was on the money. With red anodized scissor-style hinges that matched the rest of the hardware, the engine hatch opened nearly vertical on a pair of screw jacks. A Honda generator was mounted to port and two billet battery boxes were to starboard. A hatch on the top step of the starboard-side walk-through provided easy access to the batteries. Finishing off the engine hatch was a small sun pad that matched the rest of the boat's totally unique and custom upholstery. INTERIOR

Done in-house at Essex, the deck boat's upholstery was adequately padded and featured colors to match the gelcoat. Unique to the 28 Fusion were the V-shape cutouts in the backrests of the L-shape rear bench and the bucket seats that were on billet stands.

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Two facing lounges up front comprised the remainder of the boat's seating. Along with stowage under the lounges and in the floor, the builder put lockers in the sponsons on each side of the boarding platform. In fact, the 28-footer was loaded with stowage space. Ahead of the driver and co-pilot were sizable compartments that were large enough to be head lockers. And between the two seats, in the nonskid floor covered with red snap-in carpet, was another locker. At the starboard-side helm, two Livorsi Marine Monster gauges in red and silver bezels were mounted up high above a row of standard gauges. Accessory switches flanked the IMCO Marine tilt helm and red steering wheel, and a pop-up trim indicator was centered on top of the dash. To the right ,were the controls, an Elite Series throttle and a shifter from Eddie Marine. A fuel gauge was just ahead of the Sticks.

OVERALL

Being that the boat was just the fourth catamaran Essex has built, our Test Team was awfully impressed. It got the most out of its monster power and had the looks to match. It didn't take long for Essex to build an exceptional catamaran. -"Powerboat Magazine"