posted 10-11-2007 04:09 PM ET (US)        

I thought when I left my Whaler behind in Florida, that would be the last of my recreational boating for awhile. Imagine my joy when I reported to the new job site and I was greeted by a shipmate proudly wearing his Whaler ballcap! He just fulfilled a lifelong dream and purchased a 2008 Montauk 170. What a small world!

I have been invited twice to boat/fish San Diego harbor. I am very impressed with the L4NA 90hp Veradito. It's extremely quiet, gets up to 6000 rpms and you can still carry on a casual conversation at the helm.

We also visited the local Marinemax dealership, which is relatively new to Whaler line. I took some pictures of the Montauk 190 side by side with a 170. The 19 looks so much bigger next to the 17. Leftover models with the 115 hp, no 135 hp sightings yet.

Looks like I might get to Whaler with my friend up the West coast and in the South Pacific. What a great and unexpected experience!