On Wed, 08 Dec 2004 12:50:20 GMT, "NOYB" wrote:

~~ snippage ~~

I've owned (in order) a 13' Whaler, a 22' Whaler, and a 23' Grady-White. I
currently own a 17' Whaler and 25' Whaler. My dad owns a 15' Whaler, and my
brother owns an 18' Whaler. For the exact reason that you give, I prefer the
Whaler. I loved the lay-out of the Grady (easier to fish), but the ride was
worse than the 22 or 25 Whaler, it was wetter, and it wasn't unsinkable.

Prior to the Contender, I was looking for a new, larger boat for
longer offshore trips and trips outside of the islands. Boston Whaler
was high on my list of boats, but the pricing was outrageous compared
to other boats I looked at. I could certainly afford one - it just
went against my natural reluctance to pay the biggest bucks for
something. That and Whaler didn't really make a boat similar to the
Fountain/Contender/Regulator/Mako type of center consoles with the
enclosed cuddy in the bow (although they did once). I also didn't
care for the lack of room in the Outrage series - the cockpit seemed
very cramped.

But they are good boats - no doubt about it.

I still wouldn't trade my Contender for one. :)

Later,

Tom