posted 11-16-2011 11:13 AM ET (US)        

T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the boat shed,
Everything was silent, with no reason to dread.
The boat cover was all cinched down on our Whalers with care,
In knowing that Old Man Winter soon would be there.

The Whaler has been waxed, motor winterized, and put to bed,
As visions and memories of last year's boating season, danced in our heads.
With Whaler in her brilliant desert tan, and vinyl still bright,
Glistened like sunshine on this cold winters night.

Now we settle in and think of projects put off for too long,
To customize and refinish our Whalers to make them beautiful and strong.
Time spent fingering magazines and countless hours online,
Will make next year's boating season the best of all time!

Gone were the days of playing in gentle waves and warm sun,
As we plan and reminisce of past and future days of Whaler fun.
From fellow owners, we recall jokes, remarks and advice we gave,
As we pour over the forum on ContinuousWave.

Now Jim! now Tom! now Larry! now Nick!
Post those new thread topics, and do them right quick.
From our computers and comfy chairs we'll browse and grow wise,
As everyone chimes in and posts their replies.

Then what to our wondering eyes do we gawk,
But a post on Whaler Marketplace for a mint condition Montauk.
The steel did it sparkle, the hull did it shine,
Which gave a luster and aura of never having been in the brine.

I start to drool, scheme, contemplate, and pray,
On how I'll get the Boss to consent and give her OK.
The mahogany seemed new, and not even a mere scuff on the deck,
What's that I notice on the transom? But a brand new E-Tec!

The price was a deal, for a Classic just about right,
I could squeeze it in the budget if I ate Ramen every night.
There was room for it I knew, planned right where it would go,
As soon as I got busy and shoveled out a spot in the snow.

I could see myself on the Lake cruising right along,
At the helm of that Montauk, is where I knew I belonged.
The wind in my hair, the cool breeze on my face,
With hardly an utterance from the new E-Tec as I set a nice pace.

Then I awoke from my daydream, happy and yet sad,
As I recall all the wonderful times on my own Whaler I've had.
She may not be mint, She may not be new,
But she's mine and she's paid for, and I know her down to her last stainless screw.

posted 11-16-2011 08:35 PM ET (US)            

Christmas is coming, Christmas is coming, called out the kids - pull off the covers and take her out of the shed! It's Whaler time dad, let's get her hull wet, she had already had plenty of rest.

Cray season is starting, lets go get some, so that we can have a really grand lunch.

We spent the whole winter reminiscing of past fun but now summer is starting we can go out and have some.

Love the warm air as we motor along, the Whaler is dancing and with the Verado singing his song.

Time to leave past joyful memories and make some new ones, after all it's summer - it's all good for fun!

posted 11-25-2011 12:07 PM ET (US)            

Thanks for the efforts and good thoughts included in your original post.
Looks like you are already enjoying the Holiday Season and all it's privileges.

posted 11-25-2011 12:23 PM ET (US)         

quote:

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A slightly different take from down under .....

Christmas is coming, Christmas is coming, called out the kids - pull off the covers and take her out of the shed! It's Whaler time dad, let's get her hull wet, she had already had plenty of rest.

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After I hit enter I am putting on my boots and going outside to remove the 4 inches of fresh snow from the cover. Take off the cover. Prepare the Whaler for a day of fishing tomorrow.

Frostbite Fleet Season will have officially started! February was the only month of the year my boat didn't see water last year.