[Are Boat Shows a Thing of the Past?]

You've been in the marine industry for a long time. Do you own a boat ? How do you pick the one you want ?

I am lucky: I live in S Florida. I never miss a boat show in Lauderdale, Miami or West Palm Beach. They are events, each with their own appeal. It seems that I always have a friend looking to buy a boat for these shows. It is an ideal place to develop ideas and decide on features and electronics. Plus, the water tests open up more possibilities.

For example, this year I was with a buddy who bought a trip/36CC. He was looking at all the big CC consoles to see where he would set the wheel, gauges, the electronics and controls. We water tested a similar trip CC boat and asked the V. competent captain what he preferred.. You cannot get any of this online. Then, to see the electronics you are considering and mess with them on the demo strips..

Then there are the engine makers, promo discounts, plastic surgery, warm beers, booth Ladies.. It's all good. I do fall victim to impulse buying as well...

Marc

Plastic surgery is the #1 reason to attend these shows, the boats are all booring.

[Going the "Joe Boater" route?]

As my father use to say, "If you do not have anything valuable to contribute, it's often better to say nothing and let them think you are a dummy then to speak and remove all doubt." Hence my first post... Well, I thought this might be a valuable contribution, one more vote for REELBOATING.Joe Boater is the worst name I have ever heard for a boating website, don't change.

[Cubic Inches]

I've got that same engine. Except I've got the pull start version.

Is the waranty as good as Yamaha or Suzuki.

[Best Bay Boat/near (10-20 Mi) Shore Boat]

You might want to consider MayCraft. Mod V, shallow dwead ride (13*) Stable at drift. Built like a tank. Not many bells and whistles.

But then again, I'm a little partial to my MayCraft,

Rusty

22ft Pathfinder, goes shallow and you can have a trolling motor. Run mine in the ocean all the time.

[How do you like me now....]

How come I don't see any pictures?????? I love to see those awesome lights from Chris!

Here is a dumb question, do those led's attract fish or just wimmins?

[Minumum Deadrise for Next CC]

Thanks Cracker. I'm talking to someone selling a 2006 218 with an F150, 320 hours, warranty to 2012, mostly offshore from Port Canaveral. I'm not a speed demon, and as long as it is not a negative from a resale standpoint I'm fine with the power. I've been reading the Sailfish Forum about performance. We looked at a couple last weekend, a new one and a 2005 repo. The layout is great, I'm just concerned about the draft and stability at rest. If I really want skinny water, I can always bring a small kayak and anchor the boat.

A bay boat would be perfect for the combined fishing I do, but from a family standpoint I need the freeboard of a CC.

I need to do a sea trial which will be a big help in deciding.

I have had my 22ft Pathfinder out 25 miles many times, Inshore I have the use of the trolling motor and can fish skinny water. When it is 20kt winds I dont want to be out there in anything.

["SPOT" Emergency Locator]

the spot has been known not to have near the service as i would want for a life saving device.get the E-Pirb.

How long does the signal put out on the spot?

[Best Spinning Reel setup for Off Shore?]

Need to get a couple of good ones - for pitch baits, etc. Would like to get good set-ups for less than $200 each - don't want too big, but big enough to handle serious sized dolphin or sail. (30 lb test ?) Recommendations?

Shimano baitrunner 4500 or 6500 work for me.

[Lets Talk Batteries]

AGM's and don't look back Seconds the AGM's.