The Game Changers
In our October issue, we ran a feature on some of the most noteworthy designs ever launched, boats that we felt “influenced the way boaters and even other boatbuilders thought about boats, boating, and the boats they wanted to see in the future.” Obviously, our readers had some thoughts on what they liked about our list and what boats they felt we left out. Here is a bit of what you had to say. Loved your article “Game Changers.” Years ago we owned a Boston Whaler 13 with a 40-horsepower Evinrude. We once drove her from Deer Harbor on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands to Sydney, British Columbia. Smooth as glass on the way over … not so much coming back. My wife claims to be an inch shorter just from that one trip. We now have our dreamboat, a Boston Whaler Montauk 170. Also had a childhood friend whose father owned a Bertram 31. The day he took me for a ride I assumed, naturally, that I was in heaven. Nicely done.
— Jerry and Sue Dawson Boston Whaler Montauk 170 Hot Springs Village, Arizona Your recent article “Game Changers” omitted at least one or two boats with great significance to boating history and development of modern boating design. Donzi’s 28-foot offshore racers and the Donzi Sweet 16 were two of the most significant boats ever. Don [Aronow]’s design together with Ray Hunt forever changed boating performance. — Martin Strones Clinton, Tennessee
You must add the Meridian 391 to your list of the best production I just read the “Game Changers” article. I noticed that you included Boston Whaler and Broward Marine, but you sure left out a lot of game changers. What happened to Huckins? Who could forget their fleet of plywood yachts with PT-boat roots when diesel was 11 cents a gallon? How could you forget Egg Harbor’s entries that could back off a sandbar unscathed? What happened to Don Aronow’s Donzi and Magnum Marine? And don’t forget Cigarette and Signature. Who else but Sriker was building aluminum in those days? Did you forget Bertram too? Anyway, I just thought I’d add a few to the list. — Dudley J. Benton, Ph.D.
Knoxville, Tennessee The Editors Reply: Dr. Benton, thank you for your additions to the list. However, we’re wondering if you read the actual article or the partial list that we ran as a preview online. Granted, Egg Harbor was not in our feature. However we did feature not one but three Bertram yachts on the list (the 31, 37, and 54), and the Huckins Fairform Flyer, and while we didn’t mention Magnum or Donzi, we did list the Cigarette 38 Top Gun and the influence of Aronow’s Cigarette racing team. Keep your eyes out for the next list and maybe a few of your favorites will be there.