posted 05-01-2008 05:28 PM ET (US)        

I love this weather curtain set, and how rigid the bimini is.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o295/TheMaryAlice/IMG_0169-1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o295/TheMaryAlice/IMG_0167-1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o295/TheMaryAlice/IMG_0166-1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o295/TheMaryAlice/IMG_0165.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o295/TheMaryAlice/IMG_0163.jpg

posted 05-01-2008 06:23 PM ET (US)         

I’m green, don’t get to look at my Outrage 210 till Saturday.

Interestingly your swim platform/boarding ladder is almost a mirror image of the 210’s, that’s got me thinking.

posted 05-01-2008 07:06 PM ET (US)            

Would love to see more photos and look forward to the review.

Enjoy!

posted 05-01-2008 08:54 PM ET (US)            

To funny, you change boats like some people change underware! You know I'm funning with you.

I wish you a wonderful boating experience with your new Whaler and I hope you and yours have many years of fun on her:)

posted 05-01-2008 10:36 PM ET (US)         

Great looking boat - love the graphics!

posted 05-02-2008 02:36 AM ET (US)            

I didn't know you had bought a new Whaler. What a pleasant surprise. I guess I don't have the time to read many of the articles here anymore.

Your setup is exactly what I am planning on buying some time in the future. Looks great.

Good luck and safe sailing for you and your family.

posted 05-02-2008 01:05 PM ET (US)            

Rich

posted 05-02-2008 06:32 PM ET (US)            

Congratulations on your purchase. I am jealous.

I spent quite a bit of time speaking with Ed at the NY Boat Show earlier this year. I thought him to be a gentlemen. I am glad to hear of your positive experience with him and his dealership.

Perhaps we'll see you on the ater one day.

posted 05-02-2008 09:27 PM ET (US)            

Can you tell us what kind of deal you got on her?

posted 05-03-2008 06:16 AM ET (US)            

I will say that regarding the deal, I am sure I didn't dicker as much as I should have or could have. Ed was a pleasure to deal with, and that had something to do with it I am sure. To give an idea of Ed's nature, he called me and told me that as the boat was a leftover and sitting for a while, he stripped a lot of deck caulking and put fresh caulk. Now that is just dang cool. He didn't have to go that far. He also delivered the boat to my dock by water. He also gave me a sweet deal on my trade-in. So, all in all, its hard to parse out the elements of the price I paid, and give out useful feedback, except that I am happy. Email me ridgerunner, and I will give you more details. One last item regarding this purchase. I did not want to alienate the dealer, knowing full well I had a black bomb on the back (kidding!)

posted 05-04-2008 11:06 PM ET (US)            

I have the 205 Eastport with a 200 optimax. It's a good rig. Enjoy!

looks like you may have added trim tabs.

posted 05-07-2008 07:07 PM ET (US)         

I bought my little whaler from Ed last year - the group at McCarthy's is pretty colorful and they really know their stuff. I was looking at your boat in the yard last fall and seeing it now with the curtains is quite remarkable - it's stunning! Good luck and I'll give a shout your way if I see the Mary Alice out and about.

posted 05-07-2008 07:40 PM ET (US)            

Thanks for the well wishes. I am quite excited about this boat. A few points I'd like to mention.

1) The seats are comfortable and extremely well designed in terms of their ability to act as a leaning post. The foot rests are also well designed. You appreciate it coming from a lesser designed helm space.

2) LHG The Verado is a little more quiet than my Yamaha F150's. The horsepower increase is not noticeable really; I am sure the Conquest with the 200 Optimax has 5mph plus on my boat. It is much more smooth however. My F150's clunked into and out of gear. This Verado clicks in effortlessly. My F150 was clumsy in adjusting acceleration in small increments. The Verado is smooth and precise. The DTS is remarkable. Now, will it be as error free and reliable as the F150? I sure hope so. I would gladly trade MPG's for the Verado smoothness if in fact it is reliable. And I have no reason to think it won't be aside from a prior irrational bias against Mercury.

3) David I think you can get a hardtop by a custom fabricator. There are a few reinforced areas on the diagram. I can scan it for you if you like. A hardtop would give you the ability to have a rocket launcher on its back, and a place to put a radar dome. But that would come at a cost. You had better get the 200hp Verado if you add that weight and air drag, and maybe bigger tabs as well. The flexibility of the well designed and firm bimini is pretty cool; consider it in person. Besides all electronics mounts are getting smaller and more advanced; you might find a neat place for them without a hardtop.

posted 05-18-2008 11:27 PM ET (US)            

I am considering the optional helm station cover. Did you buy this canvas?

posted 05-20-2008 12:49 AM ET (US)            

I noticed the price on their website and had the same thought.

I might get a price to have one made. There is a local canvas company hungry for business. It may not take that long to get it done and it might be far less hassle than than the cockpit cover.