Boat Show --- What Impressed You Most?

[Thumper]

Fin and I attended the boat show on Sunday.

I was really impressed with the Motion Marine exhibit and all the doo-dads they are continuing to develop. That included the Steyr diesel set-up in one of their boats, the pilot house model, etc. Like them or not, MM is always thinking.

I was also fascinated by the Thunderjet (I think) brushed aluminum gunnel finish, which they achieve by straight-line buffing with a 3M pad. No shiny surfaces for these guys. A neat and very practical idea.

I was blown away by the size of the Alumaweld exhibit (over $60,000 space rent) and the gorgeous finish they are putting on their boats. And I continue to be dumbstruck by the teensy, tiny nearly useless scupper holes they put in their drop-deck models. When will they learn that it doesn't cost any more to use a larger hole saw bit.

I was impressed by the new Boulton overnighter style boat, complete with V-bunk cuddy cabin. Nice ride.

And it was sad to see one forlorn Woolridge boat that seemed (to me) to be very outclassed by its competitors, at least in appearance. It looked lonely.

What impressed you the most, either positively or negatively?

[Flatfish]

We were there yesterday.

The MM ocean boat was very cool. Lots of well thought storage. And maximum useable floorspace. That seems to be their signature.

But I think for 140 grand( :shocked: :shocked: ) I would buy a Sea Sport instead. And a new Diesel. And a new sled. Or a house at the beach.

My favorite was the Bazooba boat exhibit. Nuthun but a bunch of fisnin' Bubba's there. :tongue:

Alumaweld's 25 footer ( sorry...25 and a half footer) looks like it could fit another row of seats more than Tillas Bazooba. That may actually be big enough for the dog, one of Dawns mega lunches, and all of my necessary gear.

I think I will wait til someone makes a jet for the 300 Merc before I plop my money down. Besides that, the ink on the last check I wrote for a boat is barely dry. [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

Willie was not there. I wish I could have talked to him again. Funny fella.

Dawn got to look at the different layouts( windshields, inboards, outboard platforms, etc.), and now is happier than ever with what we got( Red boat. Black tires). And that makes me happy, cause she sees why we got what we got. :smile:

No big wind socks though. I suppose we will just have to try what we got before we buy spend more.

Good Fun. Cheap beer too( 5 bucks a cup!!).

Mark and the tiny scuppered dog.

[jet]

Thanks guys, I was sick all weekend and still feel puny. I can live the boat show through all of you. Thumper on the flat finish gunnel I am sure that TJ has been doing that since 99' because it is on my boat, I just love it so easy to clean and does not chip when the cannon balls hit it.

Lets hear more.

Jet~~~

[Space]

I would have to say I was most impressed with the pricing of the Rogue Sleds. $20,000 for a 22 foot sled with a 150hp merc 2 stroke. It even had a few nice extras on it as well. It's definitely worth a look. The Rogue may not be as finished as some of the really expensive sleds, but again it's appears to be alot of bang for the buck.

I was the least impressed with the North River area. Their boats have gone way, way up in price. I looked at a 23ft Sea Hawk with the offshore bracket last year for $32,000. This year the Sea Hawk was 21ft and almost $39,000. Less boat for way more money. They have way too much overhead to keep the costs down now. I will be looking else where for my next sled.

I was also happy that I passed the boaters test at the show. It saved me $15.00 bucks because I didn't have to pay for the online class. :grin:

[goodkarma]

The 6 or so people hanging around the searay dealer wearing "if you want to buy a lemon, buy a searay" shirts. I guess they have been there everyday. There were an awful lot of people asking those guys about their story. If I were the Searay dealer I'd sure work some deal to make those guys happy in return for those shirts!

[Tagster]

I was there yesterday...I was very impressed with the new North River/Almar ocean boat. What a beautiful boat and was well priced at $59K...

I was also impressed with my wife who said, "you know, if we are going to spend $60K on a NR, couldn't we spend $75k and get a SeaSport?

Gotta love that woman!

Tag

[ 01-05-2004, 08:39 AM: Message edited by: Tagster ]

[foxer]

How long was the NR/Almar? I looked through it and was impressed. I wanted to ask one of their guys a question but he pretty much ignored me. I wanted to compare it to the Edwing

[ 01-05-2004, 09:39 AM: Message edited by: foxer ]

[Tagster]

24' 102" beam

[wannacatchem]

I went on Saturday....I was impressed with the lack of crowds :smile:

Tag....I took my wife too. I was pricing boats in the 11-12K range to buy one next year. Thanks to my beautiful, splendid wife of 15 years, I am picking up my 19 foot Alumaweld Stryker in two weeks. It will be green, my wifes favorite color

[Steelie Ben]

I have to say I found a dream boat at the show, 21' TJ Alexis with the partial hard top and 350. It was the bright yellow one at the Siglers booth, the best part of it was the girlfreind liked the color. I was kinda dissapointed at the wooldrige showing, or lack there of. I have heard many great things about their boats and the single model there was not quite what I was looking for. I was really impressed with the House boats, talk about all the creature comforts of home on the water, who really needs a hot tub on thier boat?!? If only I had the monetary recources I would have a whole garage full of boats, one or two just isn't enough!!
SB

[FishFreak]

I went with a buddy on Sunday afternoon. Crowds were very light, I suspect due to the nasty cold and threat of snow....
I thought the boats displayed were awesome including most of the above mentioned. I also was impressed with the size of NorthRiver's set up..quite a display from the 16' driftboat to the hardtop Alaskan model...yes...very spendy. It is nice to see an Oregon manufacturer prosper.
I was surprised there seemed to be very little in the way of accessories. Very little in the way of electronics, a few canvas people. Having just baught a boat this past year I was anxious to see what else I could spend my money on....pretty dissapointing.
Also confirmed that Clemens as an "Authorized Yamaha Service Center" won't service anything they haven't sold. Those folks confound me.... I'd waer a clemens shirt similar to the SeaRay if I thought it would do any good

[foxer]

I just got this
DEAR JEFF

I READ YOUR POSTING ON IFISH & JUST WANTED TO DROP YOU A LINE. I MUST APOLOGIZE FOR YOU FEELING LIKE YOU WERE IGNORED THAT IS CERTAINLY NOT OUR INTENTION. WE DO NOT MAKE A HABIT OF, OR HAVE A REPUTATION FOR IGNORING OUR CUSTOMERS. IN ADDITION WE ARE NOT PAID ON COMMISSION SO WE DO NOT HOUND OUR CUSTOMERS. MANY TIMES PEOPLE SHOPPING A BOAT OF THIS NATURE LIKE TO TAKE THEIR TIME & ASK QUESTIONS WHEN THEY ARE READY. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO COME BACK TO THE SHOW TO DISCUSS THAT BOAT OR ANY OTHER PLEASE LET ME KNOW & I WILL BE GLAD TO GET YOU A COUPLE OF PASSES TO GET YOU IN THE DOOR.

BEST REGARDS

TIM SANDEMAN

ALMAR/NORTHRIVER TACOMA

That is what I call service / professionalism.

[ 01-05-2004, 04:06 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[Tagster]

I met Tim at the show. He seems very knowledgeable about his product and eager to help in any way possible.

I wouldn't have expected anything less from NR though.

Tag

[Swim Shady]

Was at the show on Sat evening. The show was great. Most impressed with the Boice display. The fellow that opened the Portland shop is all class! Just purchased a Custom Weld Cobra so my wife told me to cool my Jet :grin: but our next sled is all about the Boice Torrent 22', those boats are HOT!!! Great show though.

[Yellow North River]

I was impressed with the number of Yellow Aluminum Boats. In 2000 when I ordered mine I was probably the only one.... Now TJ, Alumaweld, ect....Bummer.........

[Big Dave]

You all need to swing by my booth (Echo Bay Resort #300) and just say hello, got lots of sweet pictures of nice Halibut to drule over, plus I could put some face's on some of you out there !
Enjoy the show....Big Dave.

[StinkyH]

As my first time I cannot compare to previous visits but I can say I will purchase my first boat in the next year or so. :smile: I liked the 19' Smokercraft Osprey DLX but am leaning towards an Alumaweld Stryker(17' or 19') or 18' Intruder. Still figuring out inboard or outboard and length. Would like to put it in my garage(24' deep).

StinkyH

[Get Bent]

Space Fish: The 21ft white North River Seahawk I believe you' re speaking of has a 150hp 4-stroke Yamaha, an 8hp 4-stroke kicker, offshore bracket,removable fish box in floor, two/tone full paint,and downrigger brackets for 35,495. If you saw a 23ft last year with the same options for $32,000 you should have bought it.

[theles]

Went on Saturday and drooled.

The Motion Marine boats continue to impress me, but are they ever spendy. I looked like some buyers were willing as they were writing up orders. I wish I could afford the diesel set up and save 1/3 in fuel and add range.

I am actually surprised at the pricing of the Thunderjets, I thought the pricing was reasonable for the product and finish.

[The Bad Fish]

we went monday night no crowds and wow!!! some great boats. joni likes the 24 foot seasport. i need to talk to marty to see how he likes his. i think we will be looking for one in a year or so. the 22 foot arima seemed neat but i dont know anything about them. the skagit orca that was 24 foot was really cool but for 72,990 too rich for my blood.. kb

[Kentucky Hog Hunter]

I was there last night with my buddy Shawn and went right over to the North River section first thing to see my buddy "Get Bent" and Captain Eric Linde of the "Blue Jewel" and honostly...I own a Duckworth but if I knew then what I know now...

That 23' custom hard top "SEAHAWK" would be on my hit list...

In a couple years and a little less debt in my life, it will be mine...Why does my daughter want to go to College at Linfield :shocked: :shocked:

Scott & Eric...it was great seeing you there last night and the best thing was...There was no one there...

One day soon...that Seahawk will be mine...

[steelymann]

Battled the elements and went tonight. Didn't have to pay for parking! 20 cars in the lot max! Loved the Motion Marine boat even though i'm looking to get a DB next month. Saw a Willie DB that was there that made me drool! Can't wait to see the 17'x60"!!Now time for the sportsman show, bring it on!!!

~steelymann~

[Mark Vickers]

Went in looking to buy a North River. Walked out trying to make up my mind whether it will be the Northwest Jet or the Thunderjet. Looks like Thunderjet will win.

Since pretty much everything is closed due to ice today, and the Expo Center is within easy walking distance, I might just mosey over there and sign myself up for years of payments...

[blacktail519]

Spacefish,
There is a sight also available online, that is free of charge for the boater safety card certificate. I will get the address and post it for future reference. You then take the certificate that you print after passing the test, and mail it in to the marine board wiith your ten bucks, in turn they send you your card. It sounds like you were lookin at the same sight, there is one class that costs 15.00 and one thats free. You just have to make sure it is the Oregon specific test.

[WAngler]

Did anyone get a look at VAUGHN BOATS????
nice looking boats