My wife and I just got back from the Annapolis boat show. It was unbelievable. If you've never been to Annapolis before, that's reason alone to go. It's a charming, red brick street, country inn type colonial town. I'd been there many times before but never during the boat show. The trip was worth every effort & expense. I've been to my share of boat shows before but nothing like this. You could spend all day climing in and out of boats and still never get on to each one. Every boat in the world seemed to be there from the 60 foot mega cats to classic sailing dinghies. You name it, it was there. Valiant, Tartan, Gozzard, Island Packet, Etap, Jenneau, Benneteau, Catalina, Hunter, Morris, Swan, Pacific Seacraft, Cabo Rico, and on and on and on. On top of all this, there were hundreds of booths selling any and everything that had to deal with sailing. Life rafts, inflatables, jewelry, fuel polishing, diesels, lazy jacks, anchors, clothes from Gill to Musto to Henri Lloyd, waxes & cleaners, tools, and the list is endless. I got in when the gate opened at 10, took no time for lunch, and kept running till it closed at 6. I doubt that I saw half the boats or booths. Most of the boat shows I've been to are 98% power and fishing boats with maybe a half dozen or so sailboats. You could see it all in a couple hours. To do this show justice, you need a couple days. So, for those of you who are tempted, this is one trip worth your time. The only discouraging thing is, of course, the price tags. The Benneteaus and other production boats were in the range of possibility for most of us but everything else 36 feet and larger will never be accessible to the average sailor except in the used boat market. Just about everything begins around $300,000 and up. Still, it was a great trip and I'd encourage you to make it one year. Go early and pay the extra price to go in on VIP day (Thursday) when the crowds are less. It was pretty crowded as it was. I can't imagine what it was like by the weekend. Rick Evans Kemah, Texas Supial
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The real show is actually today....
at 5:00 when they have to break that show apart. The locals gather on the docks and the show makes an annoucement on the loudspeaker to "start your engines". (no one is allowed to leave before 5:00.) It's amazing how they clear all of those sailboats out of the harbor in a few hours. Tomorrow morning the first of the power boats will be at the dock ready to be tied up for this weekend's powerboat show. It's an impressive show both before, during and after.
at 5:00 when they have to break that show apart. The locals gather on the docks and the show makes an annoucement on the loudspeaker to "start your engines". (no one is allowed to leave before 5:00.) It's amazing how they clear all of those sailboats out of the harbor in a few hours. Tomorrow morning the first of the power boats will be at the dock ready to be tied up for this weekend's powerboat show. It's an impressive show both before, during and after.
Fwiw, Monday is also a light(er) traffic day...
And doesn't cost extra to get in. Plus, if there are any bargains in accessories to be had, it'll be on last day of the show. There's also another reason to go on Monday and plan to stay over Monday night: breakdown of all the floating docks (some which still have booths on 'em 'cuz they're staying for the powerboat show) and moving ALL the sailboats out immediately after the show closes at 6pm to make room for the incoming powerboats. It's exceptionally well choreographed and executed, so most of the time it's pretty orderly...but all it takes is one boat dealer who gets anxious or misses his scheduled time to turn it into major entertainment for the crowd who always gathers behind the Marriott to watch.
And doesn't cost extra to get in. Plus, if there are any bargains in accessories to be had, it'll be on last day of the show. There's also another reason to go on Monday and plan to stay over Monday night: breakdown of all the floating docks (some which still have booths on 'em 'cuz they're staying for the powerboat show) and moving ALL the sailboats out immediately after the show closes at 6pm to make room for the incoming powerboats. It's exceptionally well choreographed and executed, so most of the time it's pretty orderly...but all it takes is one boat dealer who gets anxious or misses his scheduled time to turn it into major entertainment for the crowd who always gathers behind the Marriott to watch.
Hunter 38 at Annapolis
We too went to Annapolis to view the highly-touted new 38. We were very unimpressed. The new exterior hull colors are boring and look old and faded. The change to synthetic sole materials in the interior and the synthetic material on the cockpit seats make the boat look cheap and poorly constructed. We were very seriously considering purchasing the boat based upon the advertising material we received. However, we really liked the Catalina 387 a lot more for basically the same money. Hunter may have a new great hull design, but it sure isn't a looker.
We too went to Annapolis to view the highly-touted new 38. We were very unimpressed. The new exterior hull colors are boring and look old and faded. The change to synthetic sole materials in the interior and the synthetic material on the cockpit seats make the boat look cheap and poorly constructed. We were very seriously considering purchasing the boat based upon the advertising material we received. However, we really liked the Catalina 387 a lot more for basically the same money. Hunter may have a new great hull design, but it sure isn't a looker.
Hunter 38 at Annapolis - differences
The Catalina 387 is actually 39 feet 10 inces long, vs the Hunter 38 at about 37 1/2 feet. List $ on the Hunter is noticeably less than the Catalina as well. However, your original point is well taken. Looks like a step sideways for Hunter. But, they are Always out there pushing the envelope Jeff
The Catalina 387 is actually 39 feet 10 inces long, vs the Hunter 38 at about 37 1/2 feet. List $ on the Hunter is noticeably less than the Catalina as well. However, your original point is well taken. Looks like a step sideways for Hunter. But, they are Always out there pushing the envelope Jeff
Hunter is NOT the first to use Pergo type floors
If you look at many of the production boats today you will see that they are going towards the 'Pergo Type' floors. Bavaria has been using them for several years. Just another item that requires less upkeep in the years to come. It may not be as pretty as real teak/holly vener, but take a look at one of these boats in 10 years and it will probably still look like new. This is not always the case with real teak/holly especially when one tries to sand and refinish.
If you look at many of the production boats today you will see that they are going towards the 'Pergo Type' floors. Bavaria has been using them for several years. Just another item that requires less upkeep in the years to come. It may not be as pretty as real teak/holly vener, but take a look at one of these boats in 10 years and it will probably still look like new. This is not always the case with real teak/holly especially when one tries to sand and refinish.
Huh, the new Hunter 38 faded?
I saw that new 38' at Tidewater before the show started. With the red stipes and tan canvas, it was one sharp boat. Nothing fadeed about it. Maybe it was still foggy when u saw it? It's the same as picuted in this month's mags.
I saw that new 38' at Tidewater before the show started. With the red stipes and tan canvas, it was one sharp boat. Nothing fadeed about it. Maybe it was still foggy when u saw it? It's the same as picuted in this month's mags.
Advantage US?
I went to the Annapolis show with the intention of choosing my new boat. I looked closely at the Beneteau 42, the Hanse 411, the Bavaria 40-something, the Jeanneau 40, and any other near 40ish boat we could find at the same price point. I only realized later that ALL of these boats are made in Europe. I couldn't really decide. Nearly all of these boats have the fake floor, which I personally dislike. But that's not what I remember most. What really stuck in my mind was what one salesman said to me: "If this boat (I forget which) was made in the US, it would be $30,000 cheaper due to the Dollar/Euro valuation." I guess I should have looked at the Catalinas. Paul sv Escape Artist h336
I went to the Annapolis show with the intention of choosing my new boat. I looked closely at the Beneteau 42, the Hanse 411, the Bavaria 40-something, the Jeanneau 40, and any other near 40ish boat we could find at the same price point. I only realized later that ALL of these boats are made in Europe. I couldn't really decide. Nearly all of these boats have the fake floor, which I personally dislike. But that's not what I remember most. What really stuck in my mind was what one salesman said to me: "If this boat (I forget which) was made in the US, it would be $30,000 cheaper due to the Dollar/Euro valuation." I guess I should have looked at the Catalinas. Paul sv Escape Artist h336
We went
We had a great time and we came expecting to pay$. famly of 4 entrance -$50.00, parking at the Navy stadium $10.00 (better than in town $20-$25) a few beers and drinks for the kids along with hamburgers $40.00, The kids loved the free trinkets, and we picked up lots of info along with a few purchases. I was impressed with the vedor tents and the amount of floating boats. I was upset that some "yachts" were by invitation only....I mean if you PAY to get in you should have access to these also otherwise place them in a private marina and "invite your guests to come there. I had a number of questions for various manufacturers such as head questions on my PH11, genset questions for panda/ fisher, I had a Morgan design question on my centerboard cable configuration so I heard catalina bought Morgan so I asked the gentlemen at the desk, he went out of his way to track down the tech rep 2 docks down and when he came was more than happy to anser my questions, he gave me his card and said to call him next week and would be happy to answer any more questions I had. I also taled with AUTOPROP and the rep there gave me his card, I was curious since I repowered if I could use an AUTOPROP I had yet to install, He asked me to send all the specifics and he would send me an answer. Over all I think it was a great experience. my 5th show, my wife and kids first. Next year I may forgo the Sat show for a less crowded Friday. As I really want to be one of the first in line for the resale consignment show. come sat it looked like everything was picked over. I would however liked to see the show tear down as metioned it must be a sight!
We had a great time and we came expecting to pay$. famly of 4 entrance -$50.00, parking at the Navy stadium $10.00 (better than in town $20-$25) a few beers and drinks for the kids along with hamburgers $40.00, The kids loved the free trinkets, and we picked up lots of info along with a few purchases. I was impressed with the vedor tents and the amount of floating boats. I was upset that some "yachts" were by invitation only....I mean if you PAY to get in you should have access to these also otherwise place them in a private marina and "invite your guests to come there. I had a number of questions for various manufacturers such as head questions on my PH11, genset questions for panda/ fisher, I had a Morgan design question on my centerboard cable configuration so I heard catalina bought Morgan so I asked the gentlemen at the desk, he went out of his way to track down the tech rep 2 docks down and when he came was more than happy to anser my questions, he gave me his card and said to call him next week and would be happy to answer any more questions I had. I also taled with AUTOPROP and the rep there gave me his card, I was curious since I repowered if I could use an AUTOPROP I had yet to install, He asked me to send all the specifics and he would send me an answer. Over all I think it was a great experience. my 5th show, my wife and kids first. Next year I may forgo the Sat show for a less crowded Friday. As I really want to be one of the first in line for the resale consignment show. come sat it looked like everything was picked over. I would however liked to see the show tear down as metioned it must be a sight!
I went!
My wife and I went to the Annapolis Boat Show. It was incredible. There was some beautiful boats there and we really enjoyed the show (plan to go there next year). While I was there I met Crazy Dave. It was pretty neat to bump into someone from this forum. Next year it would be cool to be able to identify members of this forum. We will have to think of someway to do this. Maybe even come up with a decal to display to that we can identify eachother when we sail into new ports. Just an idea.
My wife and I went to the Annapolis Boat Show. It was incredible. There was some beautiful boats there and we really enjoyed the show (plan to go there next year). While I was there I met Crazy Dave. It was pretty neat to bump into someone from this forum. Next year it would be cool to be able to identify members of this forum. We will have to think of someway to do this. Maybe even come up with a decal to display to that we can identify eachother when we sail into new ports. Just an idea.
Made in SC
The Beneteau 423 and 393 are both made in Marion SC, near Charleston. As to the "fake" floors, as a cruiser, I love them. They were an option which I specified on my boat. You get used to the look after a while and they will outwear and outlast any teak and holly plywood floor which requires oiling or varnishing, shows every little scratch and will delaminate sooner or later.
The Beneteau 423 and 393 are both made in Marion SC, near Charleston. As to the "fake" floors, as a cruiser, I love them. They were an option which I specified on my boat. You get used to the look after a while and they will outwear and outlast any teak and holly plywood floor which requires oiling or varnishing, shows every little scratch and will delaminate sooner or later.
THE SHOW
Went..saw...met (Bob Bitchin of L & A), and spent $ on stuff. Most impressed with the new Catalina DS44 as well as it's price tag $$$$$$$$. In comparison, the Catalina 350 out-classes the new Huner 38. Then we went home to our 1993 Catalina 36 and enjoyed the balance of the weekend sailing the upper bay. Life is good!
Went..saw...met (Bob Bitchin of L & A), and spent $ on stuff. Most impressed with the new Catalina DS44 as well as it's price tag $$$$$$$$. In comparison, the Catalina 350 out-classes the new Huner 38. Then we went home to our 1993 Catalina 36 and enjoyed the balance of the weekend sailing the upper bay. Life is good!
Wonderful new flooring in boats
Pergo flooring is crap. I wouldn't want it my house either. Why would I want it in a boat?
Pergo flooring is crap. I wouldn't want it my house either. Why would I want it in a boat?
Hunter 38
The only fog was in the designer's head when they put those colors on the 38. Looks like some old colors that Maxum powerboats used in the early 90's and couldn't sell anymore so Hunter bought it at clearance with the cheap materials they are now installing.
The only fog was in the designer's head when they put those colors on the 38. Looks like some old colors that Maxum powerboats used in the early 90's and couldn't sell anymore so Hunter bought it at clearance with the cheap materials they are now installing.
Not all synthetic flooring is created equal
There's Pergo and similar products...and there are some very high end synthetic flooring materials that are being used more and more on very high end boats--not because it's cheaper (it often isn't), but because it's more durable and requires less maintenance than wood. On a recent flight to FL, I happened to sit next to the CEO of a synthetic flooring mfr who supplies to high end boat builders, who was delighted to educate me about the various qualities of the stuff for the whole 90 minute flight.
There's Pergo and similar products...and there are some very high end synthetic flooring materials that are being used more and more on very high end boats--not because it's cheaper (it often isn't), but because it's more durable and requires less maintenance than wood. On a recent flight to FL, I happened to sit next to the CEO of a synthetic flooring mfr who supplies to high end boat builders, who was delighted to educate me about the various qualities of the stuff for the whole 90 minute flight.
Hunter quality??
I also attended the Annapolis Sail Boat Show. One thing I noticed when looking at the Hunters and the Other boats. It looks Hunter uses plain old hardboard under the cushions and v berth as covers on the lockers while Catalina and others still use a quality plywood.
I also attended the Annapolis Sail Boat Show. One thing I noticed when looking at the Hunters and the Other boats. It looks Hunter uses plain old hardboard under the cushions and v berth as covers on the lockers while Catalina and others still use a quality plywood.
I'm biting my tonge
about Hunters, but I did have some observations about the show. The equipment tents on land were as good as ever; even Garmin showed up. Some of the heavy weights in builders weighed in a little light. Pacific Seacraft had one model, but brought the other lines (Tartan, Sabre, C&C), Hinckley had their mega-picnic sloop but nothing else. Valiant, Hallberg-Rassy, Morris, etc. did bring one model. Island Packets still out in force. Lots of borrowed boats instead of new ones. Lots of fillers like charter boats looking for clients, Naval Academy boats and unique broker stuff. The charter companies selling off their old stuff (Sunsail and Moorings dumping '99 Beneteaus and Jeaneaus), too many catamarans (again charter fleet fodder). Everyone I talked to said they constantly heard foreign languages, and the tent merchants confirmed that there were an unusual number of Canadians and foreigners spending alot. The show apparently has an international reputation boosting its domestic take significantly. Foreign brands were well represented as well, looking beautiful and largely resisting the Hunter/Catalina functional - lowmaint - lowcost look. The obvious trend was toward pilot house models, more ports, raised saloons (which Hunters insist on calling salons, as in hair care), aftercabins and party cockpits. Mast furlers and boom furlers more frequent than ever. Enough ranting, the weather was great and the show was fun as usual. If its any consolation, my friends in the booth said they hate the powerboat show more. While sailors need and love equipment, powerboaters apparently whine about spending on anything past the original hull and motor. Remember that the second half of the show (power) is next weekend, so it is really a huge show.
about Hunters, but I did have some observations about the show. The equipment tents on land were as good as ever; even Garmin showed up. Some of the heavy weights in builders weighed in a little light. Pacific Seacraft had one model, but brought the other lines (Tartan, Sabre, C&C), Hinckley had their mega-picnic sloop but nothing else. Valiant, Hallberg-Rassy, Morris, etc. did bring one model. Island Packets still out in force. Lots of borrowed boats instead of new ones. Lots of fillers like charter boats looking for clients, Naval Academy boats and unique broker stuff. The charter companies selling off their old stuff (Sunsail and Moorings dumping '99 Beneteaus and Jeaneaus), too many catamarans (again charter fleet fodder). Everyone I talked to said they constantly heard foreign languages, and the tent merchants confirmed that there were an unusual number of Canadians and foreigners spending alot. The show apparently has an international reputation boosting its domestic take significantly. Foreign brands were well represented as well, looking beautiful and largely resisting the Hunter/Catalina functional - lowmaint - lowcost look. The obvious trend was toward pilot house models, more ports, raised saloons (which Hunters insist on calling salons, as in hair care), aftercabins and party cockpits. Mast furlers and boom furlers more frequent than ever. Enough ranting, the weather was great and the show was fun as usual. If its any consolation, my friends in the booth said they hate the powerboat show more. While sailors need and love equipment, powerboaters apparently whine about spending on anything past the original hull and motor. Remember that the second half of the show (power) is next weekend, so it is really a huge show.
If you want a real perspective on the show...
just go to the powerboat show this weekend. The contrast, in both boats and attendees, is notable and remarkable. I won't express my personal findings (I usually go to both, and I grew up a powerboater) but it's amazing.
just go to the powerboat show this weekend. The contrast, in both boats and attendees, is notable and remarkable. I won't express my personal findings (I usually go to both, and I grew up a powerboater) but it's amazing.
We had a great time ( )
We volunteered/worked the sign-in booth at the Tartan display for a couple hours on Thurs, so maybe we got to say hi to some of the folks on the board here! I was particularly struck by the number of folks that came from out of state! Most everyone we spoke with seemed to be having a really good time. We spent the rest of Thurs afternoon there, and then came back again on Friday. The wx was terrific, especially on Thurs, so I think the crowds really peaked. Toughest part is always the driving and parking--even on normal weekends Annapolis is tough (especially during football season). My humorous memory is going aboard the 60~ foot Hylas--I was joking with my wife before we went aboard that if it wasn't for that 7' draft, I'd have to think seriously about it ;-). When we got aboard, the owners/sales guys were manically trying to fix a problem with the a/c--nice to see all boats, regardless of price, share some things!! ;-) We met our goals for this year--picked up a new (our first actually) dink and placed an order for some teak grating for our cockpit. Fair winds, Bill
We volunteered/worked the sign-in booth at the Tartan display for a couple hours on Thurs, so maybe we got to say hi to some of the folks on the board here! I was particularly struck by the number of folks that came from out of state! Most everyone we spoke with seemed to be having a really good time. We spent the rest of Thurs afternoon there, and then came back again on Friday. The wx was terrific, especially on Thurs, so I think the crowds really peaked. Toughest part is always the driving and parking--even on normal weekends Annapolis is tough (especially during football season). My humorous memory is going aboard the 60~ foot Hylas--I was joking with my wife before we went aboard that if it wasn't for that 7' draft, I'd have to think seriously about it ;-). When we got aboard, the owners/sales guys were manically trying to fix a problem with the a/c--nice to see all boats, regardless of price, share some things!! ;-) We met our goals for this year--picked up a new (our first actually) dink and placed an order for some teak grating for our cockpit. Fair winds, Bill
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