I've been to the past 2 Annapolis Boat Shows looking for specific items to buy, trying to get boat show deals. It mostly seemed that "Boat Show Deals" could easily be matched by carefully looking on line.
The shows mostly were a good place to put your hands on gear, talk to venders and compare stuff.
Yesterday I went to the show specifically looking for new sails and came away a bit more confused than I was when I went in.
I spoke with North, Neil Pryde and Ullman. With all three I really don't know what kind of "Boat Show Deal" I came away with versus getting a quote from them using their website.
Granted, the show was packed, it was hot and people were standing in line to talk to the sail venders. I was expecting them to ask questions about my type of sailing, go over details like cloth choices and options. None of the three indicated what their show deal was saving me.
And I was surprised that all three indicated they have made so many sails for the C30 they just needed a couple of measurements verified by me. They didn't need to come to the boat and measure.
I'm thinking about going back the show on Monday. It should be less crowded and maybe they will spend more time on the details.
But I'm wondering if boat shows are really the right place to get good deals on new sails. Maybe my time would be better spent working with the suppliers through their on line quote system, then comparing prices.
If I was going to purchase through an on-line only loft I'd use Precision Sails but I was hoping to buy from a more local loft.
Any thoughts?
Note - I've purchased sails previously from two on-line lofts. One I was very unhappy with. (a Florida sail supplier highly recommended on this site) The other was @DrJudyB 's Hyde Sails Direct. Judy was great to work with and the sails were reasonably priced. I was extremely happy with her service and the sails. I wished she was still in business but everyone deserves to retire.
The shows mostly were a good place to put your hands on gear, talk to venders and compare stuff.
Yesterday I went to the show specifically looking for new sails and came away a bit more confused than I was when I went in.
I spoke with North, Neil Pryde and Ullman. With all three I really don't know what kind of "Boat Show Deal" I came away with versus getting a quote from them using their website.
Granted, the show was packed, it was hot and people were standing in line to talk to the sail venders. I was expecting them to ask questions about my type of sailing, go over details like cloth choices and options. None of the three indicated what their show deal was saving me.
And I was surprised that all three indicated they have made so many sails for the C30 they just needed a couple of measurements verified by me. They didn't need to come to the boat and measure.
I'm thinking about going back the show on Monday. It should be less crowded and maybe they will spend more time on the details.
But I'm wondering if boat shows are really the right place to get good deals on new sails. Maybe my time would be better spent working with the suppliers through their on line quote system, then comparing prices.
If I was going to purchase through an on-line only loft I'd use Precision Sails but I was hoping to buy from a more local loft.
Any thoughts?
Note - I've purchased sails previously from two on-line lofts. One I was very unhappy with. (a Florida sail supplier highly recommended on this site) The other was @DrJudyB 's Hyde Sails Direct. Judy was great to work with and the sails were reasonably priced. I was extremely happy with her service and the sails. I wished she was still in business but everyone deserves to retire.