NE Boat Show Thoughts

Fishtales

Fishtales

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Went to the show with 5 other guys, two are considering mid 20s cc, wa, or dual console models.

GW was well represented and had a lot of models there. I was surprised how heavily weighted the center consoles and dual consoles were, I guess these are the hot models these days so you have to have them. They had a 33 express and freedom, but no 36 hulls or walkarounds.

In general, I thought a lot of mid tier boats have improved their offerings. There really is a lot of competition these days in the 20-28' foot space.

The Boston Whaler badging (especially the ladderback seats) didn't resonate with me. I really liked the Pursuit OS345 with the twin F350s (around $360k) and the OS385 with trip F300s (around $460K).

I have to say if I were moving up to the 33-38 class, it would be the Pursuit line that would pull me in. The helm area is layed out perfectly with plenty of seating and room to move. The GW 33 and 36 with the center helm just don't feel right to me, but I understand others like them.

If I were moving down, the GWs have a good blanket on the 20-28 range with very good variety and options, but they are significantly more than other brands. I got the feeling the two guys that are looking thought the GWs were nice, but a tad expensive compared to some others.
 
I was disappointing that the Grady exhibit didn't have any walkarounds and particularly wanted to check out the Gulfstream. I asked them why they didn't have a Gulfstream and they said that space is limited and the model has been around so long they didn't want to dedicated any space to it. They wanted to focus on the newer models.
 
I agree, Danny. The center helm doesn't work for me. I don't need all of the seating there and much prefer the 300 layout. The lines are great and it is a fine looking boat. DCs are outselling other models in each size range according to the factory folks. I wonder how much longer walkarounds will be offered.

I also like the Pursuit OS line but prefer some design points on the comparable GWs. A 33' Marlin with a Pursuit cabin finish would be the ticket for me. Since it will never happen I'll just enjoy Megabytes.
 
The walk around is the way to go in the north east. I can fish around the whole boat and keep warmer than in a CC. In the south I would have a CC, but not up here. The CC limits the duration of fishing months while considering comfort.
 
Yep, we've beat this horse to death.

I like the Marlin too. If I have the good fortune to have the money tomove to a larger vessel after getting the last three through college, it will just be something else.
In the past, I thought the Pursuit OS did have some features that were behind the GW. They solved them for me in the two models I saw at the show this year. If you have not seen one in a couple of years - go climb all over them. You can't help but be very impressed. Everyone with me felt the same way. It would be the OS34 or 38 for me.

Weird, the older I get the more I'm in the minority (boat styles, conservative small government, religious etc). Turning into my father.....
 
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