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

On Sat, 15 Mar 2008 19:49:10 -0500, John H.
wrote:

On Sat, 15 Mar 2008 18:11:54 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

Found this on the CS owners site
http://groups.msn.com/CarolinaSkiffO...nw?albumlist=2
Looks like the only actual CS pictured is number 3, but you get the
idea. Having said that, to me the CS is basically a fishing boat, but
there are possibilities for setting it up for overnighters due to it's
size and openness.

The wife and I have taken the tent, thermarests, sleeping bags, and a small
bbq grill and camped from a 15' Whaler.

Where there's a will there's a way.
And a Coleman stove can fry up bacon and eggs good too.

You'll have a ball!

I'm thinking that in Florida the heat, no-seeums and sand fleas are
going to have some say in that. But I'll do my part.

But, I do like the #3 bow enclosure.

I looked at it again, and the bow rail tells me it's probably not a
CS. But I've seen all kinds of nice contraptions set up with some
sunbrella and tubing. It's not done cheaply, though. But a good
number of cruisers have a Sail-Rite sewing machine and make
some handy canvas, saving money.
This got me to thinking how people choose their boat, and what goes
into that. I'm not a "spender" unless that what it takes to get to my
goal.
I like the CS, knowing it's basically a flat water boat, and it's
Florida flat water fishing that I like to do.
Very roomy boat, and though they can go fast, they can cruise at a
high economy.
Not a choice for others, but it might suit me.
What made you choose the boat you did, John?

--Vic

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