We have many week plus cruises in our C28. Have been out in some atrocious weather and so long as you take the seas from an appropriate quarter all is well. However, like everyone else our mission is to avoid getting beat up so this capability is only a nice security should you miscalculate. For two people storage is not in issue on long trips, but we also skipped the wine cooler and made the space below the captains seat more kitchen cupboard space. If you are not trailering go up to the 29 Ranger for the beam, otherwise the choice between the 27 and the 28 is all about your personal taste in looks and layout, you will love them both. Just pay attention to balancing major add-ons and gear when you load. 8.5 feet is sensitive to trim. We moved half our batteries to the starboard side to account for the outboard motor stored on the port rear and all or most of the foodstuffs and kitchenware on this same side. Fuel economy is likely no factor, our 260 horse Volvo really sips at hull speed - 3 hours per gallon. It's only when you pick up the pace beyond 6-8 knots where the penalties start. In fact, I wish it had the 300 horse version of the same engine to help get it out of the hole with cruising loads. Once there, the weather disappears behind you pretty fast.
