I got to Drive Blue Steel's Toy... (Long Review)

[ThunderCat]

First off let me say thanks to Mike Allen for letting me Drive his bad ass Sterling yesterday... the man literally said, "hop in the driver seat, and let's go" -I did everything I could to hold my ear to ear smile back....

Mike had told me the boats were completely different, and honestly, I didn't think they were gonna be THIS much different. After yesterday the only thing the same on these two rigs (Gambler 2100, and The Sterling) from a driving standpoint is that they both have Merc's hanging off the back... I know all of that is common sense and they should be different, but you really have to drive one to understand...

We were cruising at first I'd guess 35-40 maybe, (I didn't want to touch his hds10--because of my track record of destroying EVERYTHING, usually just lower units though--so I don't have any definite on speeds) but just the mere size of that thing makes it feel like a tank, we smacked a couple rollers and it literally rode them like speed bumps... all I could say was shit... this is dumb nice!

but then Mike said my favorite words---(HIT THIS THING!!!)

I am guessing I ran what felt like 75 mph, the rpms were at about 5800 I think-- the jackplate was still buried, (i told mike, I was not gonna mess with that anyhow just because I have torn up 3 of my own lower units) But the boat started to chine walk,... and not one time did the boat feel as if it was gonna break lose! We ran through some waves at that same speed--(I might have just wanted to see what it would do with me behind the wheel a tad bit, my own indirect torture test---, --I hope I didn't scare you Mike A. ) , 75-or so the boat ate them right up!! we went into the turn at about 70+ no skipping/rolling action, it just stuck the corner and went... The boat is just an amazing piece of work..... at 1940lbs dry hull, and damn near 22feet long... it ran and drove like a something that weighed much much less...

Again needless to say because people already know... The Sterling is one sick piece of art work... Mike just kept showing me things that are done in the boat, the boat is made for a fisherman, if anyone tells you other wise, drive one... you will be truly impressed...

Thanks again Steel for letting me drive and do my own indirect measurements, I do believe yesterday has caused me to commit to these boats for a very long time!!

[flubyu]

Good read...

[traybird]

I agree 100% with you Thundercat, I have been equally impressed with mine so far.

[sterling11]

Tyler, Even after a year of owning my boat I'm still learning how to run everything!

[ThunderCat]

I knew they were big, but after seeing Steel's Sterling... I am overwhelmed with everything it has! Definitely set up incredibly well.

[Blue Steel]

Great seeing ya Tyler...

[ldbass55]

the new sterling may not be as fast as some of the past gambler models, but it for sure is a totally different boat...the rough water ride, and turning ability of this boat is nothing ever seen in a gambler before...i have always been a pure speed demon...and still wish i could make this sterling run 85...but i wouldnt trade this rig for anything....except maybe a center console....anyone in the market for a dual?????
LD

[Blue Steel]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by ldbass55 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">the new sterling may not be as fast as some of the past gambler models, but it for sure is a totally different boat...the rough water ride, and turning ability of this boat is nothing ever seen in a gambler before...i have always been a pure speed demon...and still wish i could make this sterling run 85...but i wouldnt trade this rig for anything....except maybe a center console....anyone in the market for a dual?????
LD</td></tr></table>

[Carlos H]

nice write up

[Gambler Bob]

Good info.

[22bassmaster]

Man I would love to have one! Nice write up ThunderCat

[James.Harner]

Mike, my turn!!!! I can"t wait to see that mean machine in person someday. Awesome to have an HDS10 in console. I never thought I would need a graph that big, but a friend has 2 on his Triton and they are nice.