"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
JimH wrote:
"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
NOYB wrote:
"Dene" wrote in message
...
I've owned a boat for 20+ years and yet this was the first time I've
attend
the Portland Boat Show.

Impressions.....

1. We own a 25 foot pocket cruiser ('96 Starcraft 2531). After
walking
through various 25 footers, we were relieved to find none as suitable
as the
one we have. Our aft sleeping berth is the best design and size.

Whew!

2. The two boats that impressed us most were the 34 foot Glacier Bay
Catamarin and the 25' C-Dory Tom Cat.

Regarding the former, it had beautiful workmanship and design. My
wife was
so impressed that ended up going through it three times. However,
the new
30 footer they have coming will be even better (for us) at 150k less.
One
reason is the placement of the galley....up on the main deck instead
of
stuffed below. This allows my wife to be up at all times. The only
reason
to go below is to use the head or sleep in the roomy queen size berth.

The sales guy mentioned that Glacier Bay is putting 190 hp Volvo
diesels in
it, with COMPOSITE outdrive. Supposedly far superior than metal.
My neighbor has composite drives on a 35' Regal. He wrapped a rope
that was hanging from his dingy around the prop while cruising, and it
cracked the lower drive unit.

I'll stick with metal.

I don't think I could come up with more than a dozen reasons to avoid
outdrives.


I agree. They are a PITA maintenance wise. But sometimes you have no
choice.

Sure you do. You can buy a boat that doesn't incorporate outdrives.


Nope, not always true. Some styles or makes come only with I/O's.