Vexilar

So….this is the weekend to look at boats, no matter what part of the state you are in. The Bangor and Portland Civic Centers will be hosting their respective boat shows this weekend. It’s a good time to get out and sit on the boats, wipe the cobwebs off your winter blood, and start thinking summer. Sitting on boats, daydreaming of the summer sunsets, what better way to spend a weekend? I’m a fishing and boating enthusiast, so I may be bias! If you’re dreaming of owning your own little piece of pleasure, there is no better place to daydream than at a boat show.

Boat shows are a great time to kick tires, sit on various models, and get a real feel for the product. Web sites just don’t compare to sitting in the real thing. In fact, I met a guy at the Augusta show that had his mind made up on a Triumph 17 foot center console before the show. He had his mind made up! But when he brought his four children and had them sit in the various models, he ended up buying a Polar Kraft 16 foot single console. There is a big difference between the two boats. But he couldn’t see what he really needed until spending time on a multitude of boats. There is nothing like giving boats a dry sea trial before you buy. In fact, some dealers, like Hamlin’s Marine, will take you out for sea trials on most in stock models once the weather permits. There are benefits to making an early purchase decision though.

Both Honda and Yamaha are offering warranty extensions with motors purchased before March 31st. Honda is also offering 6.5% financing for up to fifteen years to qualified customers to help finance rigs outfitted with their motors. E-Tec is also offering a 3+4 year warranty on their motors. What I like about the Honda warranty offer is the way it is written. Their warranty extends the original warranty for two years. E-Tec and Yamaha offer are "extended warranties". Be sure to check the fine print to see if there are any exclusions in the "extended warranty".

Here are some of the things I saw at the Augusta Boat Show that are worth noting:

• Most E Z Loader trailers are being shipped with a oil bath bearing system. Instead of packing your bearings with grease and using Bearing Buddies to add lubricant, the oil bath system encases the bearings in oil. What’s so good about it? Let’s say you are trailering your boat to Florida or Ohio. A quick glance at the wheel hub lets you know the bearing has adequate lubricant. Have you ever seen a trailer loose its wheel due to a bearing failure? I have! It is not a pretty sight. And oil doesn’t have to be repacked.
• MinnKota has a new model, theTerrova, that allows the wireless co-pilot to turn the auto pilot on and off from your wrist. I like the option because previous models would keep making navigational corrections even when the motor was off. You had to turn the auto pilot on and off at the unit. First, it was annoying. Second, it would spook fish. And third, it used up precious battery power. The Terrova also has a quick full speed option that resumes to the previous speed setting when turned off.
• Polar Kraft introduced a new model. The Outlander. The Polar Kraft web site doesn’t do this model justice. Its streamline hull design with deep V bow enables the craft to be used in big water or shallow inlets. Good job Polar Kraft! This model is going to take off like a wild banshee. It is a horny looking little thing when dressed in full camouflage. Well, that’s if you call 18’6” little! Stop by the Hamlin’s Marine booth, at the Bangor show on Sunday, to talk with Capt. Keith Hall. He’s going to be giving out pointers on Striper fishing, boat handling and the finer points of camo when dressed on the Outlander.
• Lund is now owned by Mercury. I only saw three Lunds at the Augusta show and they all had Mercury outboards on them. What’s up with that?

Another configuration that I was really drawn to, in the aluminum boat arena, was the Polar Kraft Kodiak 178 FS.

The rear bench, pictured above, folds down into an extended rear fishing platform with plenty of room.

And the front console area folds down to become the base for the front fishing chair position. This model is a truly versatile family fun and serious fishing boat for Maine's big water. Equipped with its full curtain package, this boat becomes the ultimate landlocked salmon fishing machine.

The Bangor show is going to have a full line of boats including Stingray, Polar Kraft, AquaPatio, Sweetwater, Hurricane, Rinker and Polar. For those of you based close to Portland, The Portland Show will include brands such as Hunter, MacGregor, Larson, Starcraft, Godfrey, Polar, Glastron and ProLine. Not to mention the array of electronics and accessories at both shows.

If you are a boating enthusiast, this is a good weekend to get out and jump on a few boats! If you are not, give it a try. You may be surprised at what it feels like!

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