At 31” (9.45 m) LOA, the Rampage 30 Express makes a great transition boat for those moving up from center consoles and walk-arounds.

We have tested a number of Rampage yachts and we can attest to the fact their engineers and boat builders always seem to get it right. So it’s no surprise that when we looked at the 30 Express, we saw more of the same qualities that separate Rampage from other builders. Now in the case of the 30 Express, it’s also easy to see that this boat makes a great transitional boat for people moving both up and down, or even from one type of boat to another.



Here you have an excellent view of the professional grade rigging station. Notice the engine room deck access hatch. The helm is starboard, and a double wide seat to port. Notice the rocket launchers that come with the standard hard-top. You can just make out the side vents that open forward to scoop air into the helm deck. We’ve never been fans of the hard-top mounting system however as seen in this picture. Notice how it obstructs visibility. See below for the solution.

Mission Statement

At first glance, you’ll notice that this is a fishing boat. No surprise there, that’s what Rampage makes and its 30-footer is a good-looking, rugged boat that can be taken offshore when center consoles and most walk arounds should be staying at home or heading for the barn. Built buy fishermen for fishermen, she is a solid platform from which to attack finny game.

But time and again we’re seeing that families are being drawn to fishing boats to use them as cruisers. So is the 30 Express a cruiser too? Well, it is what you make it, and Rampage does not discourage that use. It’s certainly got the legs and sea kindliness that people look for in a cruiser. She makes a snug coastal cruiser for a couple, or a young couple with kids, because the settee makes into a double bunk.

A well-built 30' boat like the Rampage 30 is an ideal-sized boat for a person who isn't ready for a convertible or big express, but thinks that he might be someday.



The dinette/settee converts to a separate berth. The teak and holly sole, solid cherry cabinetry and comfortable upholstery make this cabin a hit with the families.

What’s so Fishy?

For starters, the 19-degree deadrise will cushion your ride out to the hot zone when things are a little lumpy. This is a nice feature, and while it can certainly get you out when others are staying in, it’s a feature that isn’t best to think about in those terms. Instead, think of it as being able to handle pop-up weather that blows in unexpectedly.

The 30 Express’ 60 sq. ft. of cockpit area makes for easy work space when hooking up, and Rampage equips her with one of the most complete rigging stations of a boat in this class. Once caught, the removable fishbox that measures over 5’ in length will serve nicely, and for convenience, its macerated pump out will make short work of drainage.

There is a transom mounted 30 gallon (113.6 L) baitwell, and we can’t help but notice that the deck is reinforced to accommodate a fighting chair of choice.



It’s easy to see why this layout is so appealing to fishermen and families alike.

I particularly like the bait prep station which is contained in a beautifully made fiberglass console that is installed in the port side of the cockpit. It has a finished fiberglass top over the sink and the cutting board so that when you are using the boat for entertaining, you can use this counter for drinks or plates of snacks.

Under the sink and cutting board are four compartmentalized drawers for tackle. By the way, this bait prep feature is something you will not find on most large convertibles costing $3 million or more because they have done away with it to provide "mezzanine seating." In fact, the Rampage 30 gives you one mezzanine seat, so you can seat facing the baits just like the guys in the big battlewagons.



The helm has plenty of space for electronics. Notice the row of watertight rocker switches. All circuit breakers are within easy reach. The entire panel hinges forward for easy installation and maintenance.

Bridge Deck

The entire bridge deck is on an electrically-driven actuator that raises the deck on forward mounted hinges. With an 11’3” beam, it’s understandable that the engine room is a tad cramped, but there’s still accessibility for daily checks, and if an overhaul is required, some slight modifications will accommodate the job, without requiring major deck reconstruction. In fact, the bridge deck is simply unhinged and comes out leaving a big bay for A frames or whatever. Quick daily fluid checks are via a deck hatch running fore and aft.

The helm station is off to starboard and it’s been designed with 16” (40.64 cm) x 24" (61 cm) of open real estate for mounting your choice of electronics. We’ve always been thankful that Rampage constructs their helm stations with tilt out panels for easy access and electronics installation. The seat however is no great shakes, and you may want to outsource an upgrade if you intend to make long runs out to the canyons.



Please note that the aluminum pipes that are holding up the standard hard top are rooted on the side of the windshield and do not make a "V"-shape diagonally across the skipper's field of vision in front of the two windshields. This is the way hardtops should be supported, but usually are not.

Thankfully, Rampage is one of the rare companies that make the hardtop standard. That means the helm deck is protected, the windshield runs all the way up to the hard top, vents are mounted in the side windows, and you can opt for a tower and upper station. In addition, you get six rocket launchers, spreader lights, and a choice of optional outriggers.

Over to port, you have a double wide seat, which means more sets of eyes looking forward, and both seats get comfortable footrests.



A double in the bow with room for a TV which is powered by the ship's generator.

Cabin Comfort

First, and most important, even though this is only a 30-footer, there is 6'4" (1.94 m) headroom. There’s no main salon, as such, or separate master stateroom because this boat is, after all, only 30' (9.23 m). There is only large space below for double berth in the bow, settee and the galley. The only thing that is enclosed is the head.

We talked about how families are loving this boat and by stepping into the cabin, you’ll see why. It starts with the eye appealing cherry cabinetry, and we’re talking solid cherry, not veneer. Fully forward is a full sized berth with storage underneath and the usual features of cedar-lined closet, mirror, recessed lights…etc.

The galley is to port. Upper and lower solid cherry cabinetry is large enough to actually hold dinner plates. A dual voltage refrigerator, microwave, stainless sink, and a single burner stove round out the features here.



The galley is small but it has all of the basics for breakfast, lunch and snack preparation.

The head is to port abaft of the galley, behind a solid cherry door. It’s a wet-head so the entire area is molded fiberglass, from the sides to the deck and overhead.

To starboard is the settee/dinette and not only is it among the most comfortable, it also converts, as expected, to a second berth. Underneath it all is a teak and holly sole that blends in perfectly with the high-gloss cherry finish of the surroundings. Temperature is maintained via the standard CruisAir 7,000 BTU reverse cycle air handling system powered either with the standard 5kw Kohler genset or 30-amp shore power system.



The wet head has a Corian counter and stowage space.

Power

Rampage gives you two power options, either twin 6.0 Crusader HO 375-hp gas engines or win 6LPA-STP Yanmar DSL, 315-hp diesel engines. We have not tested the boat with either engine so we can't give you any guidance on performance. We would, of course, to get the extra range and safety offered by diesel.

Recommendation

Probably the best feature of the Rampage 30 is her size. her operating expenses, and her cost. She is small so she'll be easy to handle with her twin inboard engines. You can get an optional bow thruster, but you really don't need it. Operating costs for fuel, maintenance and dockage will be minimal, again, because she is 30' and not 45.' And even though she is not as roomy as that larger boat, she has most of its utility for day fishing and cruising.

Her MSRP price tag with the twin Crusader 6.0 L gas engines is $256,600.

When comparing prices with other boats in class, remember that the Rampage 30 comes with items standard that are often optional on other brands, such as the hard top, generator and A/C system. Be sure you are comparing apples-to-apples -- and remember, the 30 is the smallest boat Rampage builds.