I wasn't sure which boat forum to post this in, so here it is. This is my new East Cape Vantage VHP, made specifically for me. After moving closer to the ocean, I decided it was time to take up saltwater fishing in addition to freshwater fishing, but I didn't want to expose my bass boat to saltwater. So like a few other guys have already done, I had this high performance skiff built and rigged like a bass boat. I was going to get the new Merc 150 Pro XS, but after a long wait and about a month long silence from Mercury, that didn't work out. I opted for the base engine so I wouldn't have to wait another 6 months. I might repower to the new 175 Pro XS when it finally becomes available, but we'll see.
The finish and attention to detail on this boat is unbelievable. I took them paint samples from Home Depot for my colors. They measured me in a boat to decide where to put and how high to make my console, so I can stand or sit while driving. I'm nearly 6' 5", so that was important to me. I could have gotten a side mounted console, or even a tower, if I were into that sort of thing. On the bow, the Ulterra, foot pedal, power pole switches and HDS 12 are on two quick disconnect mounts, so I can leave them at the house if I want to convert it into a beach boat for a family trip. The polling platform is removable and can be left at the house if you're not going to use it. I have underwater LEDs on the transom and interior red LEDs on a dimmer. The keel guard is color matched Line X with the grit removed. Every boat is wet tested and ran on a lake, to make sure everything works properly. I could go on and on...
Going to this boat, I had to give up some things that would be deal breakers for a lot of guys. The biggest drawback is there are no rod boxes, only under gunnel storage for 8 rods total. I figured it's not a big deal, because I only pick up 4 or 5 rods at most in a day anyway, and extras can be stored on the deck.
East Cape only sells direct, not through dealers. When I got there this afternoon to get a glimpse of it right before they closed, it felt like everyone came out to see my reaction to the boat I've been waiting on for what seems like forever. You can really tell with these guys, it's more than about just making and selling boats. It's about making people happy. Stupid happy.
Tomorrow I'm going out for a test run, then I'll be headed back. Saturday I'll be on Clark Hill lake running from dam to dam to get some of the break in out of the way. I'm about as giddy as schoolgirl.
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Originally Posted by charliecfh
Stroker DC21 Mercury 250 XB
