My New Boat:

Earlier this summer, when we were in Sanibel Island for vacation, Jocelyn suggested that I get a new boat for my birthday.  Since my 40th birthday is coming up, it did not take me long to agree that it was a good idea.  So I went out, rather quickly I may add, to select the boat of my choice.  I found it.  

A 20 foot 2008 Sterling flats boat with a 225 Yamaha HPDI Engine. 

It has a large casting platform - for plenty of space to fish off the front.
A polling tower - so you do not disrupt the fish and I can perfect my stealth skills.
A live well for bait.
A release well to hold the fish I catch when I win tournaments (when I eventually join one.)
A jack plate that raises the engine vertically so I can go into shallow water under speed.
A power pole so I can press one button and the pole sticks into the shallow water and I never have to use an anchor (as long as I am in less than 8 feet of water.)
And plenty of storage. 

It is clearly one the best flats boat on the market.

Also, since it does not have an ounce of carpet and is a center console, I truly feel I have joined the ranks of Florida Fisherman.  Its black on the outside and matches my F350 Power Stroke Diesel pick up truck perfectly.

Once of the best parts is the engine.  Let me just say that the 225 Yamaha HPDI engine is indeed overkill.  I mean, it moves the boat at 60+ MPH and has awesome hole shot.   Now I can race to my favorite fishing and get to the red fish sooner than most others.

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Looks Perfect In My Driveway

See my first weekend of fishing on my new boat with my sister Sue and Brother In Law Todd.