The Solomon’s Trawlerfest was very much a success for the introduction of the 462 Diesel Duck to the East coast. In three days I showed the boat to 93 people and I was one of six people giving tours. I don’t think the other presenters counted the people they showed the boat to but in all I would estimate there were at least 350 people who came on board. Three days of perfect boat show weather didn’t hurt.
I helped show 462-1 in Seattle in January, 2006 for six days and we were averaging about 100 people per day onboard so I think we did a little better in Solomons. In Seattle it rained the whole time but as someone pointed out, Northwesteners are accustomed to rain and it probably did not diminish turnout. I also believe that most of the people I showed the boat to this time weren’t just kicking tires. Most asked intelligent questions.
Some of the best questions came from boat brokers who had heard of the Diesel Ducks and wanted to see one for themselves, apparently they had some time on their hands. Of course I’m biased but to me the boat was best in show although Chuck Neville’s 47 footer took best in show awards. This would be a good time to point out that a Diesel Duck 462 delivered to the US and fully commissioned is $499,000. If you’re willing to pick one up in China the price is $399,000. The down side is there is a two year waiting list for a DD. Chuck’s 47 footer is listed at $1,290,000 but is available now.
In attendance at the show were Jerrie and John Milici and their son Joshua, owners of the “Peking Duck”, the 462-3 in the show, the honorable Bill Kimley, owner of Seahorse Marine the builder, Dean and Carol Phelps, owners of 382-2 under construction, Sue and Ed Maynard with Martin Associates Yacht Group, and Ruth and I, owners of 462-5 under construction and almost completed.
Bill would not take orders at the show. He says some people get caught up in the moment and back out later. Instead he tells them to send him an e-mail and he will instruct them on how to get their name on the next available boat. Some people asked me how to go about buying one of these. My answer was always the same; “You have got to convince Bill that you will be a good buyer”. I will be thoroughly surprised if the next six hulls don’t get sold as a result of this show.
I wish I had had the forethought to set up a ducktalk rendezvous. I’ll bet there were more of you there than I realized. All on the boat were very busy showing during the day but we could have at least had a drink and introduced ourselves one evening.
This is my completely unbiased, impartial, balanced, neutral, unprejudiced, fair, evenhanded, dispassionate, and equitable report from the 2006 Solomon’s Trawlerfest. I also should state that there were a few more boats at the show but I didn’t have time to see them.

Randal Johnson

I was greatly impressed by the Duck. Very well though out.

The Diesel Duck I toured at the Solomons Show is among the best valued boats I have seen for her size. I was very impressed with the quality. I have seen pictures of a 55FT Diesel Duck, It seems to me that the 55 has a Wheelhouse that is laid out better with more room for Flat screens for navigation. I also prefer the 2 side doors and the companion way off to the starboard side to create one large helm area.

DD had the most 'buzz' at the show. Glad I could view it.

There were almost too many people on board to get a comfortable viewing (I tried twice in 2 hours on Saturday - busy both times).

Nevertheless - thank you for the opportunity to view the vessel.

Best line came from Bill - "This is a boat. You shouldn't have removed your shoes prior to boarding". My teenage daughter thought that was great.

The Solomons TrawlerFest was a pleasant experience without the usual long line-ups and sometimes push to sell a boat. Here, the owners took the time to show their "pride of ownership".

The show winner was the 47' Charles Neville, a steel off shore boat for $1.29M. Truly a very nice boat and so much more seaworthy than the plastic boats there!

Certainly, DD#4623 was one of the most popular boats. It is beautiful!! John Milici, his son Joshua, Ruth & Randall Johnston and Bill Kimley were always on board giving their relaxed, personable, informative tours of this incredible passagemaker. It was fully worth the 12 hour drive from Toronto to see it as the DD is in a different class of boat all to itself.

My favourite line also came from Bill. Bill had commented that his prospective buyers were intelligent, knowledgeable boaters so I had asked him why would he care. He replied that it was important to him that they be safe and in a safe boat. How refreshing! And his passagemakers reflect this core value.

Thanks again all for your hospitality and the privilege of seeing Peking Duck.

cheers,
drassel