Maine Boat Show

[RicM]

Last Friday 2 friends and I bunked work and drove up to the Maine Boat Show in Portland. It was the most enjoyable "show" I've been to in a long time. It was interesting to see a show that was really aimed at people like Albin owners (no Sea Rays, no pontoon boats). Lot's of pilothouse types, Fortier, Back Cove, Sabre etc. The whole thing is in a sprawling complex of ancient, working boat sheds, and the food was actually pretty good as opposed to the steamed Aramark stuff you get at most convention venues these days. It was also interesting to see how boat design has passed Albin by in the last few years. The first thing I noticed was great sight lines on most of the new boats. The wide mullions in the 28 TE windshield are one of the few things that really irk me, and all the new boats that I was able to board had dealt with the problem successfully in one way or another. The helm stations were all much more generous to accomadate larger and more electronics. Even though these were show boats, the appointments were all so plush I had a hard time imagining fishing any of them. The idea of a crazed bluefish thrashing around on the fancy teak decks and spewing blood all over the upholstery, shaking a plug with 2 treble hooks like a cudgel just didn't seem right.
Don't get me wrong, I love my 28TE, and I don't have a spare $300,000 laying around, but they were very impressive machines. I would recommend this show to anyone in the NortEast within driving distance.

[Pitou]

The Boat Builders Show is certainly a breath of fresh air from the clorox bottle shows. Though I did not make it this year I will say Friday is always the best day (limited show goers). I shouldn't say this on the AOG, but the Admiral swears she found our next boat .... Robinhood 33 .... now where is the 300+k? I've already rigged her with new rods and outriggers and the Admiral is on the bow!

Robby.JPG

[RicM]

Ahh yes, I'd recognize her anywhere! Have you guys signed up for this years Rendezvous? We'd love to have you stop in to Wickford and visit for a few days either side of that weekend. It would break up the trip nicely for you.

[Pitou]

Ric,
The check went out to Essex Island on Monday. Wickford sounds like a good stop on the way down. I was checking out the merchant's website as per the propaganda being handed out in Boston last year from a gal who owns a clock shop .... I believe you may know her. Dockage or moorings? We will have our Zodiac. Helpful suggestions are always appreciated. I did order a chartbook for LI to BI as my chartbook is BI through Maine. I do need to get that in hand to plan the itinerary.