When they talk about bottom design, go-fast designers focus on deadrise and steps. When they chat about the Duo Delta-Conic hull on the Challenger DDC 28, the conversation is dominated by the hull’s transom angle.
On most go-fasts, the transom angle is usually 13 to 15 degrees. On the DDC 28, it’s only 11 degrees. Why? A boat with less transom angle needs less positive trim. So when the DDC 28’s drive is trimmed all the way down, it’s at neutral. The moment you hit the Up button, you have positive trim.
Another benefit of reduced transom angle can be felt during maneuvers. The 28 DDC’s shallower transom angle limits how far down the drive can be trimmed, which keeps the bow from digging in turns. The boat sliced through circle and S-turns effortlessly.
Challenger built the DDC 28 with cockpit and cabin liners and cored the boat with balsa (3⁄4″ in the hull bottom, ¼” in the sides and deck). Stringers, bulkheads, and the transom are formed out of polyester board. The seam between the hull and deck is bonded with fiberglass tabbing and sealed with Plexus adhesive.
Geeks like me will love the programmable circuit boards for the Cole Hersee accessory switches. There’s one board for the engine compartment and one for the cabin, and each is programmed specifically to meet power demands. In the engine compartment, through-bolted L-brackets secure the motor to the stringers. The trim pump and battery are both to starboard.
The aft seat is a flat bench with stowage in the base. Up front, SmartCraft instruments are in clear view. In the cabin is a galley with a sink, fiddled countertop, and large locker in the base. There’s good seated headroom on facing lounges. When I stretched out on the long V-berth, there was still 1’8″ above my head, but to most go-fast guys, lying down isn’t a topic that generates much enthusiasm.
