October 2010
Every couple of years we manage to find our way to the Annapolis boat show. We look around and see what's new in the world of boating. We have been out of boating for the past 10 years, but never have lost the passion for being on the water - you know how it is, if you have the time, you have no money and if you have the money, you have no time. We were no different from any other working family, we were weekend warriors and our weekends were taken up with other priorities and at some point it just didn't' make sense to continue to incur the expense of being boat owners and not enjoying time on the water. So we sold the boat. Moved to Florida and have toyed with the idea of getting back into it for the past 4-5 years. This time, we have struggled with what kind of boat to get. We both still work - so for now we are still weekend warriors, but hope someday to do some cruising - my bucket list includes doing the great loop.
So we go to boat shows and fall in love with boats that we can't afford but would fit the bill perfectly, or find boats that are affordable, but don't really work for the long-term goals. This trip to Annapolis was expected to me much of the same. Good time in a great city with great friends, left dreaming of a someday boat.
Day 1 - Very Rainy & Cold - but the weather allowed for small crowds and lots of access to the boats. Saw and visited the usual suspects, Sea Ray, Four Winns, Cruisers and Tiara's, then off to the trawler section (as I mentioned earlier, we are still conflicted as to what we want to be when we grow up) and drooled over the Grand Banks, had heart palpitations at the Krogen and Hampton exhibits and saw a new boat by North Pacific Yachts.
Every couple of years we manage to find our way to the Annapolis boat show. We look around and see what's new in the world of boating. We have been out of boating for the past 10 years, but never have lost the passion for being on the water - you know how it is, if you have the time, you have no money and if you have the money, you have no time. We were no different from any other working family, we were weekend warriors and our weekends were taken up with other priorities and at some point it just didn't' make sense to continue to incur the expense of being boat owners and not enjoying time on the water. So we sold the boat. Moved to Florida and have toyed with the idea of getting back into it for the past 4-5 years. This time, we have struggled with what kind of boat to get. We both still work - so for now we are still weekend warriors, but hope someday to do some cruising - my bucket list includes doing the great loop.
So we go to boat shows and fall in love with boats that we can't afford but would fit the bill perfectly, or find boats that are affordable, but don't really work for the long-term goals. This trip to Annapolis was expected to me much of the same. Good time in a great city with great friends, left dreaming of a someday boat.
Day 1 - Very Rainy & Cold - but the weather allowed for small crowds and lots of access to the boats. Saw and visited the usual suspects, Sea Ray, Four Winns, Cruisers and Tiara's, then off to the trawler section (as I mentioned earlier, we are still conflicted as to what we want to be when we grow up) and drooled over the Grand Banks, had heart palpitations at the Krogen and Hampton exhibits and saw a new boat by North Pacific Yachts.
Left the show - "ahhh there are some really nice boats out there"--- and headed to the Rams Head for a cup of coffee with Bailey's.
Day 2 - Much nicer weather and subsequently much larger crowds. Spent quite a bit of time at the indoor show (crazy but we probably should have done this in reverse with the crappy weather yesterday), and made the circuit again thru the water show. This time, we stopped again and spent some time on the North Pacific 43. This is a really nice boat and seems to be reasonably priced. I'm wondering what is the catch. With the better weather, we were able to get some quality time with the owner and the builder both above deck and below, and boy I've got to tell you, so far I am impressed. Right size, good quality, and price isn't too bad (considering).
Day 2 - Much nicer weather and subsequently much larger crowds. Spent quite a bit of time at the indoor show (crazy but we probably should have done this in reverse with the crappy weather yesterday), and made the circuit again thru the water show. This time, we stopped again and spent some time on the North Pacific 43. This is a really nice boat and seems to be reasonably priced. I'm wondering what is the catch. With the better weather, we were able to get some quality time with the owner and the builder both above deck and below, and boy I've got to tell you, so far I am impressed. Right size, good quality, and price isn't too bad (considering).
Day 3 - Took in Navy football game and did some walking thru one of the greatest cities in the US and talked and talked about the NP43. This was beginning to feel like the right boat for us. (uh-oh!)
Day 4 - time to leave for home and back to the real world. Had a great time in a great city with some awesome friends.
Pix
Day 4 - time to leave for home and back to the real world. Had a great time in a great city with some awesome friends.
Pix
