On Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:27:34 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:43:38 -0500, John H.
wrote:

On Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:14:23 -0600, Vic Smith

What made you choose the boat you did, John?

I wanted something smaller than the Proline 21'er, which was heavy enough
to require tandem axles and brakes. The one I've got now is 18', and light
enough to pop on and pop off the truck. The trailer doesn't require brakes,
which are a big headache with frequent salt water baths.

I wanted something for fishing, which is why I like the center console, but
had enough amenities to keep the wife happy, like a bimini and lots of
seating and storage. It's got plenty of seating, so I can take a load of
grandkids out also. I got the largest engine possible, the 150hp, for
pulling tubes or skis.

Finally, the dealer for Key West was the marina where the Proline was
stored. It was 12 years old, and I was wanting to get rid of it. My kids
didn't want it, and the dealer offered me a good trade in value for the Key
West, so I bit!

I've not had the new boat in the water yet. It came in last November, and I
had it shrink wrapped and stored in the trailer yard. The dealer is doing
the dealer prep on it this coming week, and I'll go down and test ride it
the first part of April.

Hopefully, I'll like it!

I bet you will.
Since I'm new to this, my questions might be stupid, but I never let
that stop me.
Did you take a "test ride" in what you're getting, same engine and
all?

No. The dealer didn't have any of this model to test ride. I talked to a
few owners at the marina, who loved their boats.
Besides center console, what kind of thinking went into suitability
for fishing - like trolling and landing fish?

It has space for up to eight trolling rods, two on each side and four along
the transom (if the two jumper seats are removed). The slots for the jumper
seats are the same size as rod holders. The boat seems much more suitable
for trolling than the Proline, which had an I/O engine. Here's the site
which shows my boat. Go to page 10 and you'll see what I mean about the
jumper seats. http://tinyurl.com/2g9o38

I like the storage on the boat.

Same for seaworthiness.

Again, I based much of my decision on conversations. But, I wouldn't be
worried about taking it out in the Chesapeake. It may not be very
comfortable in three footers, but neither was the Proline 21'er.

Since I'm real careful when I put down the bucks, I might start making
a list to go by before I pull the trigger, instead of listening to my
wife say something like "This is pretty, let's get it this one."

--Vic

Feel free to ask questions!

--
John *H*
(Not the other one!)