"The World's Finest"

[DickB]

In his 2007 book, Michael Caldwell rates what he considers the world's finest. Obviously, Hatteras is included as the finest boat (Lurssen was chosen as the finest yacht). Here's the first paragraph of the write-up:

"Back in 1959 at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina - where nor'easters can blow almost as fiercely as hurricanes, thanks to the collision of the frigid Labrador Current and the tropical Gulf Stream - Willis Slane dreamed of building a boat. It would be no ordinary boat, of course, no wooden fishing boat. It would be rugged and robust, capable of conquering the area's unruly waters and wild weather. It would be all of that, yet at the same time, it would be the greatest sportfishing boat available. In a major break with the wooden tradition, Slane chose to use a new material called fiberglas to build his dream boat."

The write-up continues several more paragraphs with a plug for the 100MY and the 86 Convertible.

Some of his other "finest": Bellagio Casino, Hennessy Cognac, Pebble Beach, Gulfstream jets, Harley Davidson, Shannon Yachts sailboats, Maserati, Rolex, Whistler Blackcomb ski resort (site of the 2010 Olympics), Patron Spirits tequila, and Bugatti sports car.

Just thought I'd share!

Dick

[drburke]

Thanks, Dick. Kinda fun, although one should be sure and check
the "fishing boats" category.

Website:
http://www.worldsfinestbook.com/

DAN

[DickB]

Just so Dan doesn't keep anyone guessing, it was a Bertram.

I noted on the website that they have a good offer on the book. Half price, autographed and an opportunity to "talk with the author." If you want a better book deal, you can buy either of mine. And heck, you've been talking with me for years already!
Dick

[jim rosenthal]

Harley-Davidson? Please. PLEASE. Give me a break. Most popular? Nope. Best engineered. Nope again. Best looking? Nope a third time.

Uses the most fuel? Okay- finally, a winner. Least economical motorcycle at a time when fuel costs the most it ever has.................and the little gold statue goes to............

Harley-Davidson (no applause, please).

[yachtsmanbill]

C'mon Jim...
"... for those who know, no explanation is necessary; for those who dont, none is possible."
Maybe not a space shuttle, but every bit as elegant as a Lancia! BTW... my 1978 88 cubic inch stroker gets 65 mpg@75mph.
"SLEDectraglide in black" ;-) ws

[spartonboat1]

Can u say 'chrome'...!

[yachtsmanbill]

Ahhhh!!! CHROME ;-) ws

[luckydave215]

Harley-Davidson? Please. PLEASE. Give me a break. Most popular? Nope. Best engineered. Nope again. Best looking? Nope a third time.

Uses the most fuel? Okay- finally, a winner. Least economical motorcycle at a time when fuel costs the most it ever has.................and the little gold statue goes to............

Harley-Davidson (no applause, please).

WRONG. WRONG. WRONG. And WRONG again.

Most popular?...yes, by FAR.
Best engineered?...no, but not far off. On the surface, those old style pushrod air cooled twins seem as cuting edge as steam engines, but making them pass modern emissions and noise standards, and current day durability expectations was an engineering feat comparable to any other motorcycle builder.
Best looking?...most people think so (but not compared to a Norton Commando!)
Best fuel economy?...YES.


Where did you dredge up your "facts"?

[Capt K]

Careful, boys...this could start sounding like power boat vs sailbote.

We really don't want to go there with the two wheelers. Hey, let's face it, they're all a blast! It's just that different ones "float our boat" better than others.

K (current multiple HD owner)

[jim rosenthal]

Fair enough. And I have to admit that my all-time favorite bike is a pushrod V-Twin- the Series C Black Shadow. My biggest gripe with Harleys is that 1) they are way too big and heavy (I don't like Gold Wings for the same reason) 2) they only make cruisers.

I have to admit I don't think there is a "best" motorcycle. Now- if you want to break it up by country, I'm perfectly happy to admit that there isn't a better American bike than a H-D. And since there's only one English-made bike right now, I get my favorite on that one, too- Triumph.