In our last post we showed a few of our highlights from the inside portion of the 2012 Seattle boat show, now we move on to the outside 'boats afloat' Lake Union showcase. Even I get a little bored going in and out of boats so we just focused on a few of our dreamboats (keyword - dreamboats -  as they are either too big and/or all too costly:) We also noticed something this time around - we like newer boats. Not just any new boats but ones that are new(er) and well built for their purpose, whatever purpose that may be - ocean going, charter, weekend cruiser, party-boat. 
   And you know what? I can appreciate a cheaper boat that gets people out on the water that otherwise wouldn't make it (like, cough-Kingsley-cough). You may have to add a few things - switch to a higher grade stainless on those hose clamps for instance - but I've always thought it is better to be out on the water (and safe) than on dry land saving your pennies for the perfect boat (P.S. start saving your pennies for these next boats:)   ~Paul & Amber

Island Packet 
Estero Not too flashy but a solid ocean-going production boat.

Coast Guard Dude, the coast guard is cool...their boats are almost cooler.

Catana 50 Hey, I thought part of sailing was heeling over and making people scream...plus, uh, they forgot to mention the double slip fees to park this thing.

Waterline 57 The boats on this list are getting dreamier

Tayana 48 Our favorite boat this time around...who needs pics of the outside when the inside looks like this?

   Captain wifey and I just got back from an exciting couple of days at the 2012 Seattle Boat Show. This post shows a peek at the indoor portion of this year's show, our next post will be the outside portion (afloat on Lake Union). I admit, the experience was a little less this year as I didn't compete in the 'wakeboard challenge' - they didn't even have it this year. 
   Not familiar with the wakeboard challenge? It was my chance to stand on a wakeboard in the middle of the show with 9 other souls in an attempt to win an $18,000 boat. 3 hours on, 1/2 hour off...last person standing after 72 hours wins. Over night? Oh ya. The ol' Wednesday night to Saturday night watch. 
   Well, I made it all the way to the end, post 50 hour hallucinations and all. The only problem was 4 other contestants made it to the end too. So they pulled a name out of a hat. It was mine. Luckily for the other contestants they were drawing pageant-style so I got a free wakeboard and a t-shirt. I remember it being so cold as I left that Saturday night after breathing event center air for 3 days. Good times.

Fisheries. I mean, we practically live there throughout the year. Seeing them at the show is like seeing a family member - someone friendly and familiar ("do you have an account?"). We finally bought a smartplug from them at a pretty good price. Installation coming soon.

HMC - Handcraft Mattress Company. Mmmm. Soft bed that theoretically stays dry. Note to self: probably can't afford.

Free boating seminars. We went to seminars on anchoring in NW waters, cruising small, sail repair, and even caught a little on boat blogging (Three Sheets represent!). I got real fancy and paid for a little extended 'boat show university' diesel engine workshop with Nigel Calder (he's like totally famous in certain marine diesel engine circles).

I don't know anything about this stove except I like the cutting board on top and the name makes it feel warmer outside.

 


Weta. Wouldn't want to store it or put it together but I bet she is a great sail.

Darn it. Forgot to buy one of these for Kali cat.

Great anchor display selling Ultra anchors - it really let you see how all of the different anchors work. Went nicely with our anchoring in NW waters seminar.

It's hard to describe an orca-ish type power boat...half underwater, pops out of the water..etc (etc equaling other odd abilities).

   OK, I couldn't help myself...a few pictures from last year's boat show - the wakeboard challenge!  ~Paul & Amber   ETC