On 24 Jul '06, "Varis" wrote:
It seems that the pure runabouts (closed foredeck, windshield, open
deck/cockpit mid/aft) have fallen out of fashion, due to
"impracticality".

"Impractical"? How so? My only objection is the lack of means (in
some cases) to get past the windshield to the bow. Other than that, I
can appreciate a windshield that can keep you dry.

the 26 foot boat from Bella,
http://www.bellaboats.fi/service.cntum?pageId=103225

How does one get to the bow on *that*?

Is this kind of a boat
concept unknown in the US?

I'm on the Gulf Coast (USA) with mostly warm weather. Open boats with
bimini tops are more popular here. There seem to be more Center
Console "fisherman" than anything else. The "closed in" luxury boats
are well represented though. Mostly, I see them tied up at the gas
docks and waterside bars with their air conditioners running.

Are sailing boats popular in the US?

In certain areas among certain people, sailboats are *very* popular.
There's not much cross over among sailors and powerboaters though.
They take completely different mindsets and are like comparing soccer
vs golf. Both sports are popular and both are played with a round ball
but not many people like to play both.

Rick