Boat show smarts

Boat/US Magazine, Sept, 2003 by Caroline Ajootian

As winter approaches, some boaters turn gray around the gills because they're not getting enough "vitamin boat," the kind of essential nutrient that gives meaning to life and keeps the old brain running at wide open throttle.

So, if you start feeling sluggish this fall, boat shows can spell relief. From small local events where gizmos and strange whirring gadgets like "Bass-O'Matics" shoulder out camo-painted flats boats, to glitzy extravaganzas crammed with megayachts that would leave a Saudi prince speechless, chances are that a boat show will be coming to a downtown waterfront, fairground, armory of convention center near you.

BoatU.S. has plenty of common sense tips for how to be a smart boat show consumer (see box) but boating aficionados put their own spin on the subject, as we found during a recent informal survey on the BoatUS.com message board.

Why go to boat shows?

Most of our respondents said they go simply to get a "boat fix" during the winter even when they have no attention of buying entertainment," a Phoenix, AZ, boater said.

"One good thing about buying at a boat show is that the decision-makers are all there. The dealer and builder can sit there and negotiate with you as they watch your eye glance over to their competitor's boat," said an owner from Jacksonville, FL.

"I always go to the North American In-Water Boat Show [in Sandusky, OH] even though I am not in the market for a boat," said a Columbus boater. "I like to keep current on who's got what new model, and prices."

In fact, many use shows as dress rehearsals for purchases arranged with dealers in their hometowns.

"I'm always sort-of, kind-of in the market for a new boat," admits a New Jersey owner. "Just sometimes I'm more in the market than other times. Make me a good deal and see how fast I'm in!"

"I met with my dealer prior to the show and pretty much decided on the model we wanted," commented another boater from Atkinson, NH. "Then, we went to the show and closed the deal, taking advantage of any promotions and deals it significantly helped the bottom line."

Location, Location, Location

In-water boat shows are the venue of choice for many because the star attractions, the boats, are in their natural element, If boats feed our imaginations, our message board members told BoatU.S. that water is the medium that washes it all down.

In fact, while it's possible to get what one Maryland owner calls a winter "boat fix" at an indoor show, another owner told BoatU.S., "I would rather walk a show in the rain on floating docks" than visit a show inside a convention center In-water shows make it possible to sea trial new models, an essential first step before buying.

"It may be possible to arrange a sea trial of one or more boats that are in the area only for the show," pointed out a boater from Stratford, CT. "For example, my Sea Ray dealer usually has only two boats in the water at any one time. At the Norwalk, CT, show he may have 10 boats ready to go."

The fall in-water show season kicks off this year with the Newport Boat Show

"You go to Newport for new products," Nancy Piffard, show director told BoatU.S. With many builders starting the model year in August, the 40,000 Newport attendees get their first glimpse of boats exhibited at the Newport's historic downtown waterfront, long associated with the America's Cup competition.

A month later in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Sailboat and Powerboat Shows are set for October 9-13 and October 16-19 respectively.

Show director Jim Barthold pointed out that Annapolis is the site of the first in-water show for sailboats. It's been a success, to say the least. A novelty in 1970, the power and sail shows have grown to attract 40,000 to 50,000 attendees and nearly 600 vendors, half of whom exhibit boats.

For an all-out, over-the-top experience October 30 through November 3, when northerners are starting to feel the full effects of boat deprivation, head south to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. There you will find literally miles of megayachts docked at five waterfront locations and exhibited at the local convention center. Show organizers say the show features over $1.6 billion worth of "boats, yachts, super yachts and accessories."

"This is the largest gathering of super yachts in the world," according to Geri Haber, show spokesperson.

"We go to last after all the stuff we can't afford and to keep current on what's happening and trends," said a Lakeland, FL, boater, adding that shows in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando and Miami offer "a nice break and a great place to get ideas."

Other tips gleaned from our online discussion include:

* Plan your attack. Map out the exhibits you want to visit--before you get to the show. That way there's less chance you'll be distracted.

* Make "I" contact. "I almost always make contact with someone before the show to set up an appointment. That way I can get their undivided attention. Having said that, a show during their public open hours is not a place to have a three-hour tour of a boat. For serious buyers, most will meet you on the boat after the show closes," says a Jacksonville boater.