Jonny Morris buys Hatteras

[Ryan]

Looks like old Johnny Basshole is looking to ruin another legendary brand!

https://www.news-leader.com/story/ne...ts/5187428001/

[Blackfin26]

And can't believe the SeaCraft 18'-32' molds have been sitting unused since 2008...

[DonV]

Remember many years ago, telling my age here, was at the original World Wide Sportsman buying more trolling lures and ran into Johnny Morris in the store. At the time I did not know who he was and that he had bought the business from Billy Pate! I was asking him about the three or four SeaCrafts on display next to the store, I thought they were just so damn nice. Asked him how much for the 23'er and it was like $20,000 or so. Holy cow, NO way I could afford that...$20k for a boat!!!! Anyway the rest is history, the new WWS in Islamorada is a major tourist attraction with the normal BPS high prices!!

[hillcharl]

What a shame. I'm willing to bet new 20-25 seacrafts would sell pretty well right now.

[Capt Terry]

Originally Posted by DonV

Remember many years ago, telling my age here, was at the original World Wide Sportsman

Hi Don, I made the first of many trips to Islamorada at almost 14 just before Donna hit in 1960. We usually stayed at Florida Palms Motel which was right next to the Chesapeake Restaurant by the Whale Harbor Bridge. Not sure if WWS was there on my first trip, but certainly remember it, Sid and Roxies, Cheeca Lodge, Holiday Isle and seafood buffet at the Coral Grill. I bought gas for my 14’ Lyman at Estes Fish Camp. These trips were almost annual through college and then a few times later with the Seafari and my family. Happy times with great memories!

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by Capt Terry

Hi Don, I made the first of many trips to Islamorada at almost 14 just before Donna hit in 1960. We usually stayed at Florida Palms Motel which was right next to the Chesapeake Restaurant by the Whale Harbor Bridge. Not sure if WWS was there on my first trip, but certainly remember it, Sid and Roxies, Cheeca Lodge, Holiday Isle and seafood buffet at the Coral Grill. I bought gas for my 14’ Lyman at Estes Fish Camp. These trips were almost annual through college and then a few times later with the Seafari and my family. Happy times with great memories!

Great memories indeed Terry!

[DonV]

Originally Posted by Capt Terry

Hi Don, I made the first of many trips to Islamorada at almost 14 just before Donna hit in 1960. We usually stayed at Florida Palms Motel which was right next to the Chesapeake Restaurant by the Whale Harbor Bridge. Not sure if WWS was there on my first trip, but certainly remember it, Sid and Roxies, Cheeca Lodge, Holiday Isle and seafood buffet at the Coral Grill. I bought gas for my 14’ Lyman at Estes Fish Camp. These trips were almost annual through college and then a few times later with the Seafari and my family. Happy times with great memories!

Terry, been down there lately? Where Coral Grill was is now a Publix, I remember eating until I could hardly walk at the Coral Grill back in the mid '80's. Also remember playing the "ring game" at the Lor-E-Lie sitting on the propane tank drinking like fools until past midnight and going dolphin fishing at daylight, I could go on!! Islamorada's changed big time, I mean BIG time and not all for the better. This might be the first time in over 35 - 40 years I may not make it down there.

[Capt Terry]

Originally Posted by DonV

Terry, been down there lately? Where Coral Grill was is now a Publix, I remember eating until I could hardly walk at the Coral Grill back in the mid '80's. Also remember playing the "ring game" at the Lor-E-Lie sitting on the propane tank drinking like fools until past midnight and going dolphin fishing at daylight, I could go on!! Islamorada's changed big time, I mean BIG time and not all for the better. This might be the first time in over 35 - 40 years I may not make it down there.

DonV-
Since our move to SC 21 years ago have only been to the keys 3-4 times. Probably the most recent was about 6 years ago to visit Skip & Carla. What surprised me then was yes many places had be bulldozed and replaced. But, there were still some mom & pop type places with names I recognized from many years ago. We all wish things would stay the way we remember them- including ourselves.