At 08:18 PM 12/29/98 -0500, you wrote:

--would we not favor the Benford/Trane

Georgs
It is my impression that the Florida coasters are really more of a high
class houseboat/ self propelled barge design for very sheltered waters than
a truly seagoing trawler.

It has always been my impression that  a trawler concept included some
specific features such as displacement design, sea keaping ability in the
nasty chop oftern encountered in coastal waters on the continental shelf
and  the ability to take a modicum of green water aboard witrhout bursting
every picture window on board.  The ratio of underwater hull compared to
the abover water windage section was also  part of the considferation.
The typical  morot cruiser which floats on top of the water  with 18 feet
of superstructuer in the air  and about 18 - 24 inches of hull in the
water automatically eliminated it from consideration of a trawler.
Just my impressions but what the hey!!!
After all you did ask for opinions without  any constraints.    Should be
a good exercise.

Arild

Well, if THE landmark coaster is the flavor of the day, nothing will ever hold
a candle to the "Busted Flush" of Travis McGee fame.  Where else will you find
a houseboat with enough room to hold the imagination of millions for going on
two generations now.

I know, I know, boats of fiction don't count.  I'll withdraw my nomination.
But you gotta admit, he had a lot of really cool features on that boat - below
water line money safe, hidey hole for the errant girlfriend in the head, silent
alarm system, obscenely luxurious accommodations.  Not to mention that it was
strong enough to survive at least three hard groundings, one fire and at least
one explosion that I can remember.

Enough wasted bandwidth, Happy New Year to all!

Rebecca
41' Hatteras SF moored in Ft. Lauderdale where, each time I pass the Bahia Mar
Marina I check slip F-18 half expecting to see the "Flush" playing host to
Trav, Meyer tipping Plymouth gin and toasting their last/next adventure