When I was a kid growing up on the waters and tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, I had a yacht. It was a 12-foot aluminum Prince Craft skiff with a 7.5 hp Mercury outboard. She had mahogany-ply seats and a few pieces of trim that to me glowed like the USS Sequoia. And as far as I was concerned, that skiff was the biggest vessel on the water. By the time I was eight, I spent as many summer days as I could on the Bay, armed with a crab net and chicken necks, a few cold sodas, and a sandwich. Although I was only leaving the dock for the day, I fantasized that I was heading out on a worldwide expedition.

Today, I still have fond memories of those backwater trips. In fact, some of the best times I���ve had on the water involve small craft. This is one reason I found the Protector 28 so appealing. Obviously, this high-performance, ruggedly built inflatable is a far cry from my rusty little skiff. However, the concept of simplicity is appealing on some levels. Not only is the size manageable, but the 28 is designed and built to take a beating. Protectors were originally designed for the New Zealand Coast Guard; a lineage requiring rugged practicality necessary for often nasty conditions. The boats are now imported through Protector U.S.A. in California and the company has found a growing niche with U.S. boaters.

The aft bench seat is a great place to kick back at anchor or underway.

The moment I stepped on board and sat behind the wheel, I began to have flashes of those childhood adventures. Why not pack the 28 with gear and head up to Thunder Bay and the Apostles? Maybe a Georgian Bay trek after following the fleet from Chicago to Mackinac? These types of ���off road��� adventures are what the 28 and her siblings are designed for. And let���s not forget, you���ll look pretty cool in the process.

A key feature necessary for a serious adventure platform, especially on the Great Lakes, is a good hull design. After two days of testing the 28 in a variety of conditions off the rugged Maine coast, I can verify she���s designed to take a beating. Coming off large swells at more than 30 knots, I was impressed with the 28���s soft entry. The design team penned a deep-V with a 23-degree transom deadrise. The motion was predictable and sure-footed. Furthermore, the tubes of the hull work as default spray rails, casting waves and spray aside.We also hit a series of short, stacked seas. Each time we met the crest of one of these waves, I braced for impact and a spine crunching pounding. Instead, I felt nothing. The landing felt like we were tossed into a sea of fluffy cotton.

Protector offers a variety of options, essentially creating a semi-custom build for each owner. Factory personnel deliver the new boat to a yard in the buyer���s area and review the systems with the new owner before delivery. Although the company does not have an extensive dealer network, which is by choice, it has strong working relationships with quality yards around the country to facilitate after sales service.

During my shakedown test in Maine, we cruised in tandem with another 28. Looking at the two 28s side by side revealed the different options available. Our test boat, for instance, was equipped with twin 200 hp 4-stroke Yamahas, while the second Protector had a single Yanmar diesel coupled with an outdrive. I prefer the former for a variety of reasons. First of all, the space taken up by the diesel under the cockpit is at the expense of fuel tankage. And fuel capacity is king. Secondly, we achieved higher speeds with the outboard version.

Another option is the windshield treatment. The outboard model was outfitted with a full windshield and hard-top, while the inboard diesel model had a three-quarter windshield option. In my opinion, the full windshield and hard-top is tough to beat. The designers have ensured that there are no cumbersome obstructions in the line of sight, and the protection from the hard-top is great. Protector will also work with the buyer and design a ���roof rack��� system to carry toys such as kayaks and bikes. An after enclosure will expand the sheltered living area, a bonus in cold or damp climates.

Both of our test boats featured a small cubby cabin that I found more than acceptable. Keep in mind that the accommodations are more like camping, which I happen to like. But hanging out in plush luxury is really not the point of the Protector 28.Two comfortable single berths wrapped in easy to clean vinyl serve double duty as settees and a there is a portable MSD. A large, walk-through hatch is forward, and also serves as the passageway to the forward bow area and sampson post. If you want to dial up the interior with features such as a teak and holly sole, Protector will work with you. However, after jumping in the water to clear a fouled prop during our trip, I appreciated the fact that I get out of wet foul weather gear in the shelter of the cabin and not worry about silk throw pillows.

The ruggedness continues on deck. The Treadmaster non-skid, for instance, is tough; easy to clean, and just looks purposeful. Protector also offers a teak deck option. In most cases I���m a sucker for traditional treatments, but the added weight and upkeep is not worth the blue blazer treatment. Fishing accessories such as outriggers and rod holders are available for the serious angler. Even with an aft bench seat and two forward seats at the helm, there is still enough room in the cockpit for all the necessary expedition toys such as folding mountain bikes, dive tanks and wakeboards.

The helm is arranged properly, with enough space for a Raymarine C120 chart plotter/radar, VHF, and instruments. A second helm seat is opposite and was a great perch to spread out a chart and cruising guides as we blazed through the backwaters of Maine. Two aft facing seats are abaft the helm seats, facing the aft bench seat.

Protector offers several models, from a 22-foot center-console, up to the flash 40-foot Hauraki, which arrived in the U.S. earlier this year.

If you���re looking for a little adventure mixed in with your boating, and want to escape from the crowds, take a look at these rugged craft. I promise you���ll feel like a kid again. Contact: Protector Boats: (877) 664-BOAT; www.protectorboats.com.