posted 03-01-2005 05:22 PM ET (US)     

What about a weekend fly-in event, where people that were somewhat local could bring their Whalers so all could get boat rides. Arrive Friday afternoon, leave Sunday evening.
A hotel on the water, with Marina, would be appropriate.

Time of the year could be the winter months, when most here aren't doing any regular boating. Early Nov, or Jan-March, probably in some warm, reasonably centered, climate like FL, so it doubles as a warm weather vacation getaway.

This could be fun? Put faces with screen personalities, and see the Whalers besides. Maybe the factory and local dealers would participate or host.

posted 03-01-2005 08:35 PM ET (US)            

We have no interest in combining an event with Mardi Gras.

We're open to any location. It'd be nice to be able to tow my boat, but that's not a determining factor.

Any time of year is okay, but because Patricia is a teacher, we'd need lot's of advance notice if it were during the school year.

Maybe something along the Gulf Coast?

Keep me posted.

posted 03-02-2005 06:25 AM ET (US)            

Erik

posted 03-02-2005 09:38 AM ET (US)            

Absolutely not to Mardi Gras - been there done that, no way would I want to mix the two, nor do I think would many others. (Nor, like Sheila, am I young enough any more even to do it by itself. I think It's against some Louisanna law to attend Mardi Gras if you're older than 30, anyway...)

May be unrealistic, but what would be *really* cool would be for a whole bunch of us to trailer in to this thing form all over the continent - what a photo opportunity!

posted 03-02-2005 09:55 AM ET (US)            

Just thinking out loud. I think it's a cool idea. Might also be fun for folks to bring their projects along - we could hold a few trailer-based seminars on wood refinishing, gelcoat repair, etc....and make it truly a convention!

very cool ideas, guys. If I had a year lead-time, I'd be able to take time off in mid-winter or early spring for something like this, and would probably tow Gambler down.

posted 03-02-2005 10:41 AM ET (US)            

What about something like the Tennessee, in late March? Whats the weather like there at that time. I've never been, but the brochures sure look nice. Plus it's slightly more centered. Would the northerners be unwrapping their boats around this time? Or is there still usually too much snow to make it a safe journey?

posted 03-02-2005 01:18 PM ET (US)            

How about longer than a weekend? People would have a bigger window of opportunity, and could come and go as they liked.

posted 03-02-2005 02:18 PM ET (US)            

I mentioned San Diego because of the mention of planning this for the wintertime. I was in Ohio in January--didn't see any boats out then!

As to "unbearable heat and humidity" a really warm day at our house in August might be about 85 degrees, with a nice breeze off the ocean and dry air. Humidity is an east coast thing.

posted 03-02-2005 04:58 PM ET (US)            

Of course, it could be a combination of the above. When I think of “convention” I think about something that is a little more formalized than a rendezvous or owner’s event.

A convention might have a showcase of hullform evolution, or a display with “how-to’s” in the restoration of your classic Whaler (wood restoration, gelcoat repair, trailer set-up, caring for the SS fittings and railings, etc.). Perhaps professor Kriz could present his study findings on HID evolution and how it relates to mold numbers for 18’ Outrages and 17’ Montauks…Professer Goltz could lecture us on the benefits of the phantom fleet (actually, this could be quite a roundtable discussion with proponents of all major outboard brands discussing pros and cons of a particular performance aspect).

Someone could put on a docking workshop (Shiela?), and another person could lecture on the benefits of twin power versus a single and a kicker.

A workshop could be held on converting your open-air center console into a weekend cruiser. We could invite various insurance industry reps to discuss the idea of powering a boat beyond the max rated power on the capacity plate versus the maximum rating based on USCG regulations/formula.

It could include a swap meet where folks could trade OEM materials and supplies.

On the lighter side, there could be a brief boat show, with prizes for unique name, most attractive first mate and “best in show” in the best boating dog competition.

Door prizes to those who travel from the farthest away, and to those who traveled from the farthest away with their boat.

posted 03-04-2005 03:26 PM ET (US)            

1) Edgewater, FL and have something by Whaler or sponsored by them, tours, etc.

2) someplace within a 2-3 hour drive for BW people so Edgewater south to Miami or west coast like Tampa, St Pete/clearwater area. This way they can day trip to the event or tow boats there, etc.

3) Make one of Whalers fishing tournamments a CW gathering(it usually is) so either Stuart or Sarasota in April/May of 2006.

Anywhere in FL is obviously cool with me but I think we need to be within a 3 hour drive from the plant so BW will likely attend or help sponsor. Also March is perfect down here!

posted 03-04-2005 05:45 PM ET (US)            

I like it....I'd pull out all stops to be there

posted 03-05-2005 08:09 PM ET (US)            

1. New England and the North Atlantic coast.

2. Florida and adjoining coastal areas.

3. Great Lakes

My map suggests the Mid Atantic area (N.C.) Even looking inland to the lakes in eastern TN could be reasonable travel for the largest number of possible attendees.

Not to slight the CA and northwest crowd, but trying to ease things for too many folks probably eases things for no one. It's sorta like the old time cowboy's saying that an all purpose saddle is a no purpose saddle.

posted 03-05-2005 09:11 PM ET (US)            

Although having it in Boston harbor, which is a 15 minuet drive from my house would be ideal, I know its not going to happen ;-) so I agree with what's already been said, Florida, near the factory would be best, the cetacea page about the stuart event looked like a good time.

posted 03-06-2005 12:35 AM ET (US)            

Alternatively, if BW's not game for sponsoring it in some form, it could still happen the week leading upto or after an owners event. The owners event would just be an additional bonus for those who could make it and spend a little more time! Then we'd have to make the finale the factory tour!

Just my misc. ramblings...

posted 03-07-2005 10:50 AM ET (US)            

Granted, I still like the idea of a central, East Coast location for a mass gathering, but I have yet to go to one of the Stuart events, so that would be cool too. I would just be concerned that BW may already have their hands full as is with their regular event, as is, but I guess they do hold them for their customers, so....

Knot, I like your thinking. I wonder how long a 13' could keep ice cold?

posted 03-10-2005 10:30 AM ET (US)         

Now a fishing tournament I understand paying an entry fee, but for the regular event of a mini show and tell thats just plain stupid to pay for attendence and those who would pay like the the 3 aforementioned posters fall into that category. Unfortunately Mr. Judge got around the Florida I.Q. test when he relocated from N.Y. or admittance would have been denied.

I don't give a crap about free Merc oil [maybe can be used in my snapper] or tweety dolls or other crapola trinkets, only the real nitty gritty of what the vendors have to offer and that just isn't worth $25.00.

posted 03-10-2005 11:30 AM ET (US)            

Edgewater Boats: Abaco, Bahamas Rendezvous/Tourney $220 per boat.

Grady White: No events $0

Pursuit: Hawks Cay, Florida Rendezvous/Tourney $200 per boat & 2 anglers, addl anglers: $75

Regulator: No events $0

Contender: Nothing??? My mistake... $65 to join SKA, then $250 - $400 for each SKA tourney.

Mako: No events $0

posted 03-10-2005 11:40 AM ET (US)            

Edgewater Boats: Abaco, Bahamas Rendezvous/Tourney $220 per boat.

Grady White: No events $0

Pursuit: Hawks Cay, Florida Rendezvous/Tourney $200 per boat & 2 anglers, addl anglers: $75

Regulator: No events $0

Contender: Nothing??? My mistake... $65 to join SKA, then $250 - $400 for each SKA tourney.

Mako: No events $0

Boston Whaler: Stuart, FL $25 per person
Sarasota, FL $25 per person
Bimini, Bahamas $25 per person

posted 03-10-2005 12:34 PM ET (US)            

Forget the $25. If that is the only reason that Trafficlawyer will not drive down from Georgia to attend a CW international rendezvous and Boston-Whaler-sponsored event, then I will pay the $25 for him.

posted 03-10-2005 02:14 PM ET (US)            

Of course this would require moving LHG's timetable to somewhere in Spring or Autumn, possibly even Summer. In my opinion, the winter months are already crazy enough, as it is, with the holidays. Plus, I think it would be great if we could do it in a time where we could actually enjoy the water. Floridian waters get down right cold, too, in the winter.

That's my take on it.

Ryan

posted 03-10-2005 02:50 PM ET (US)            

If it's going to be a convention, we need at least a year to plan and should start now if we plan to hold it in early spring or late winter 2006.

The convention idea is quite different than a rendezvous. I believe that some of the aspects of a rendezvous would be present, but it's more of a show and tell and learn type of event than just a hang out or cruise somewhere type of event.

Once we decide that, it may well be that we hold it in conjunction with a Whaler Owner's event/rendezvous in Florida, but it would be a separate thing. The purpose of a Rendezvous is vacation and cruising/relaxing. The purpose of a Whaler Owner's event is selling boats (for Whaler...for the rest of us, it's a good time to hang out and compare boats and check out the new boats). The purpose of a convention is learning. The fun, etc. are all part of a convention atmosphere, but they are secondary effects.

posted 03-10-2005 02:59 PM ET (US)            

We have guys now complaining of chipping in $25 for a function. A non-sponsored event will cost a lot more, provided we have group functions like lunches, dinners, happy hour, etc...

I can't speak for everyone on the west coast but give me a good reason for attending the event so that I will be inclined to blow $1,000 on this trip. Having fun with a bunch of forum members and perhaps a Boston Whaler factory tour/ test rides may be enough.

posted 03-10-2005 03:22 PM ET (US)            

WT,

I doubt BW would discount us just cause we choose not to go to Edgewater, but I do agree, a factory tour, et al, would be a really nice draw, and something I would be very interested in doing.

posted 03-11-2005 04:44 PM ET (US)            

Jeff

posted 03-11-2005 06:42 PM ET (US)            

I agree though Florida has too many events already. If this is going to be a national Rendezvous how about a central location in the late spring like the Lake of the Ozarks or something similar? Of course I would vote for the Great Lakes but that is out of the way for many others.

I just think a Florida event will be just that, another event for Florida owners to get together and they already have plenty of events, plus they all know each other already.

posted 03-11-2005 06:57 PM ET (US)            

Geographical Center of the U.S.A.
Lebanon, Kansas
http://varleypix.com/gall/usa/kans/pg/USACENTER02.htm

posted 03-11-2005 07:49 PM ET (US)            

Not too far to trailer for me (I wouldn't trailer to FL), and I used to vacation there as a kid.

There's a lot of chatter in here, but no real plan. Someone needs to step up and begin organizing, or we'll spend the entire summer talking about places that might work out...

Larry?

posted 03-12-2005 12:37 PM ET (US)            

Something in the Carolinas or a similar area would be within one days drive for the North and South Crowd.

The when would have to be determined by who is footing the bill I would think. If its BW or a dealer, they decide. If we are all contributing I suppose it would have to go to a vote.

I notice that since his initial post Larry has not been back, cant say I blame him.

posted 03-12-2005 05:55 PM ET (US)            

But if it was summer time I would say do it in Michigan. After all that is where it all started. Here in Beverly Hills Michigan. We have Lots of great boating around here.

Or I really think if it was in the Summer Chicago would be the place to do it. Great City that loves conventions. Lots of Hotels, cheap flights in and out of, great marinas, Not to bad of a drive of 2/3's of the country, and Fresh Water....AHHHHH. Salt water scares me ;P Actually my whaler has never seen salt water in its 20 year life.

posted 03-13-2005 01:21 AM ET (US)            

This get-together is going nowhere, and we have other trips to plan.

posted 03-13-2005 10:07 AM ET (US)            

Florida is a huge state with more coastline than 20 states combined. Nice weather and low cost is a reason to have it in Florida. I don't have a dog in the fight since I will be in Europe next year and my Whaler will be in lay-up. I got a feeling that no matter where it is selected people will have hurt feelings and acrimony will abound.

posted 03-13-2005 09:29 PM ET (US)            

Jerry, never too old for fun, it's true. But old enough to have a milder idea of what counts as fun.

posted 03-13-2005 11:37 PM ET (US)            

So what is the topic of the convention?

Shelia:

My daughter is turning 22 this May. (Not talented and can be quite nasty at times.) :)

You can tell your husband that I have served 25 years of a life sentence.

posted 03-14-2005 02:26 AM ET (US)            

I think that someone should just begin to plan this. If there were widespread interest in holding it in Southern California, I would offer to do so. But I don't see such interest from those who are likely to attend, and I think the coordinator should live in the area where the convention is to be held.

posted 03-14-2005 05:25 AM ET (US)            

"married to my Lovely and Talented (did I mention she's Smart, too?) Daughter's"...father...instead of husband? Or am I too conservative in my thinking and missing something. :-)

Erik

posted 03-14-2005 10:17 AM ET (US)            

So who's going to step up? Also, is Jimh going to endorse a Continuous Wave Convention?

Sheila:

posted 03-14-2005 10:31 AM ET (US)            

I don't think there are very many conservatives in Southern California, where all the women look like Cindy Crawford.

posted 03-14-2005 01:25 PM ET (US)            

Re the Boxster: so long as I live in a place where the highest legal speed limit is 70 mph, it seems like it would be a constant frustration. Maybe I could build myself a track on our desert property?

posted 03-15-2005 12:02 PM ET (US)            

The answer to all three seems to be yes. The problem is where and when.

I think that if all the groups would put together a plan for hosting this in their area, including specific information , dates , lodging , water resorces . The choice on where to meet could be made on what each location had to offer.

I am real busy for the next two months , but I will try to put something together to pitch Biloxi, Mississippi in 2006

posted 03-21-2005 06:59 AM ET (US)            

I believe that for jimh the primary motivation for operating the website is to accumulate and organize information about classic Boston Whalers. These posts are considered to be "articles" to him that he owns to use as he wishes. He is not in the habit of announcing in advance that he will be spending a week or 10 days in Florida to see who might want to meet him. He has stated that he has never given any thought to what happens to members once they stop posting. He is not keen on approving a CW sticker or bungee so that CW members can recognize each other on the water. This is not a community to him, it is just information that he uses in his publication.

That is fine. It is his site. But if there is going to be a large-scale "national" convention, I now believe that it needs to be organized by the Florida members and done in conjunction with one of the Boston-Whaler-sponsored events. With Jim's permission, of course.

posted 03-21-2005 08:48 PM ET (US)            

It would probably be much enhanced if the Boston Whaler factory participated, too. I don't know if anyone has taken a reading on their thoughts on this topic.

Regarding some remarks made above or attributed to me, I speak for myself, and it is not really necessary to others to attempt to represent me or my opinions.

posted 03-28-2005 01:42 PM ET (US)            

I believe David Jenkins meant "burgee" which is a small distinguishing flag displayed by a yacht.

posted 03-28-2005 03:27 PM ET (US)         

It appears that many are interested, in spite of what could be a relatively expensive trip, and I think such an event could be a great time, connecting faces and real personalities with often different screen identities and personalities. It could be organized along the lines of a high school or college reunion?

I would definitely attend, but I probably don't have the time or energy to do the organizational work.

Besides Boston Whaler, I would think that some other vendors might be interested in setting up booths on products of interest to Whaler owners.

posted 04-05-2005 09:02 AM ET (US)            

If one was to attend a Continuous Wave Classic Whaler Convention (CWCWC), how much money would you all consider spending on the event (travel expenses excluded)?
(A) $0.00: Just bring your own stuff and meet up somewhere.
(B) $100.00: Maybe a sponsored dinner
(3) $500.00: Now we can actually do something such as tour as a group with a nice dinner.
(4) $1,000.00: Maybe a little advanced for the first one but you can bet there will be some very nice tours included, a great dinner and entertainment, plus awards and a fishing tournament.

Some Florida events near the factory that might be arranged:
(1) Tour the plant in Edgewater
(2) Help commission a members new boat with a party at the factory.
(3) Tour Cape Canaveral Space center
(4) Fishing Tournament in Ponce Inlet (Daytona Beach) with a party on disappearing Island all day (shoal Island that has a lot of action during the warm months
(5) Charter an intercoastal sunset dinner cruise out of ST. Augustine and party in the Old City center.
(6) Manatee canoeing eco-cruise in the Blue Springs state park
(7) Cave diving courses in Blue Springs (must be certified)
(8) NASCAR driving experience on Daytona Speedway
(9) Disney parks and/or Disney Cruise
(10) 2-day Poker Run from St. Augustine to Melbourne (past Whaler factory of course)

Just a few examples, but you people get the idea. Think bigger. We need to offer something special to encourage participation from all members. Erik Selis, Tom Clark, Sheila, etc. all have a long way to get here. Let's try to make it an event worth attending.

posted 04-05-2005 10:46 AM ET (US)            

As for activiities, I like 1, 2, and 10.

posted 04-05-2005 02:08 PM ET (US)            

I like Larry's original idea of a warm-winter location. My own schedule wouldn't permit us to attend in the summer months, but that's just me.

posted 04-06-2005 10:43 AM ET (US)            

1. Plant tour and afternoon on the water with some new boats, maybe dinner on Mike that night. (FWIW Whaler needs to think they are going to sell some boats to some of us if they are going to part with marketing $$$)

2. Fishing tournament/ scavenger hunt for non fisherpersons.

3. A cruise on the St Johns with lunch ala cart, pub stops, etc.

4. Big barbecue....

5. Informal run over to the west coast to see Manatees and or Tampa Bay intercoastal.

posted 05-31-2005 11:49 PM ET (US)            

quote:

---

I'd go just to see Whale Lure up close.

---

Larry cleans up pretty good--but he's no Russel Crowe...

posted 06-01-2005 02:43 PM ET (US)            

And I could be willing to help. I've got some experience doing these kind of things ...

I like DaveH's list of ideas. If nothing has been done yet (as of today, June 1, 2005) and for a Florida location in the Jan/Feb timeframe, I think we would be looking at a 2007 date. BW support is key.

Jim

posted 11-04-2005 07:08 PM ET (US)            

I certainly am no conference planner, but here are my thoughts:

I think being centrally located is key. Owners bringing boats would be nice, but obviously, not everyone is going to do it no matter where it is. I think it will be very difficult to plan a convention on a national scale and expect even the majority of attendees to bring boats. And in my opinion, nor is it important. What is important is to maximize the number of people that will come. And to do that, you have to make it easy. If we can agree those are the priorities, that narrows down the options.

With the above in mind, I think it has to be easy to get to, and relatively short in duration such that people don't have to take much (if any) time off. Being on the west coast, I don't want to spend 2 of my days vacation on a plane to Florida for a conference. In my opinion, it doesn't have to be in a super cool place, since the objective is to meet & greet.

I would like the Lake of the Ozarks idea, as just about anyone in the country can fly into either Kansas City or St. Louis in 2 hours. Plus, flights to either airport are relatively inexpenive from anywhere in the U.S. Unfortunately, however, it's a solid 3-hour drive from either airport to the lake, so that location isn't ideal.

If we could select a centrally located place, accessible to the majority on a 2-3 hour non-stop flight (which would have to be near a major city), people could easily leave after work Friday, have a full 2 days Saturday and Sunday, and return home Sunday night.

As a bonus, having it near a city that Southwest Airlines serves would make it cheaper to get to.