Active Thunder Building 29 Savage for Outboards and Stern Drives

Patrick Haughey, the owner of Active Thunder Powerboats in Pompano Beach, Fla., has been considering building a new 29-foot V-bottom for the past few years, until now the timing—economy and work required by his other business interests—hasn’t been right. But now Haughey is ready to roll and the first 29 Savage is in production. According to a press release from the company, the 29-footer replaces the once-popular 28 Savage and will be loaded with features that make it a “one-of-a-kind,” mid-level offering for “muscle-boat enthusiasts.” (Above rendering by Chris Dilling of Grafik EFX.)

Available with Mercury Racing engine packages from 520 through 600 hp, the offshore-oriented performer also has been designed for twin outboard engine packages. The 29 Savage will ride on a patented DDC step hull, a race-proven design that improves speed and efficiency by 12 to 14 percent, said Haughey. Even more important, he noted, is the hull’s ride in rough and smooth water, and overall handling manners. Haughey said he worked closely with original DDC hull designer Harry Schoell, to make sure everything was perfect with his new model’s running surface.

The twin outboard version of the 29 Savage will feature an electric bolster up front and twin electric reclining, aft-facing seating amidships with a wraparound settee aft and a cocktail table. Below deck is a full cabin liner with a galley, an enclosed head, a main salon that seats four and a seven-foot-long V-berth.

According to Haughey, hull No. 1 is already sold and will be powered by a pair of 300-hp Mercury Verado outboard engines. Estimated top speed with that power package is 80 mph. To shield passengers from the onrushing wind, Haughey has created a full deck with an integrated windscreen.

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For a closer look at the beginnings of the 29 Savage, check out the slideshow above.

“I want to offer something sexy and sleek-looking, but add the option of outboards, which is becoming increasingly popular,” Haughey said. “This boat nails the best of both worlds, I believe.”

In related Active Thunder news, Haughey said he is “in the middle of a redesign of the 37 Excess” with Chris Dilling of Grafik EFX to apply the same space-enhancing benefits with the outboard used on 29 Savage.

“With the additional ‘real estate’ the 37 cockpit offers, we have been going crazy with the limitless designs,” said Haughey. “Look for this to go in production this spring.”