Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

Davidasailor26 · Feb 17, 2018

Mohawk Jack said:
We just bought our first sailboat, a 1980 Hunter 30 Cherubini last year and we are anxious to make it our own. We thought we might go to a sailboat show to see what others have done to their boats or what options manufacturers are offering to make their boat fit their lifestyle. I have looked at the hunter specific areas of the forums and I have gotten some good ideas. Like most of you in the Northeast I am chomping at the bit to get onto my boat and tinker and tweak some ideas I have gotten. My real question is, "What is your impression of the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show and should I bother to go?". Will we need to stay one day or two to see everything and is it just for people interested in buying a new sailboat, or is it worth it for current owners of seasoned boats to get some good ideas and see some worthwhile products that we might want to use? I have never been to a big boat show so I'm looking for advice. Thanks.
-Jack

Never been to the spring show but I do enjoy going to the fall one every year. It's fun both looking at the new boats to see the design decisions manufacturers are making, and walking through the tents of accessories. I've always done the fall show in one full day. You could spend two if you really wanted to see everything. Not sure if that's true of the spring show too.

Ron20324 · Feb 17, 2018

I live a mile away, and have never been to the spring show. I save up for the fall show. There is construction going on at the old Fawcett's site and at the Annapolis Yacht club. I'm sure they are taking away some vendor space. Hopefully, it will all be done by fall? Jack, they must have a web site that would tell you if there is the used-boats-for-sale dockage above the Spa bridge?

31seahorse · Feb 17, 2018

Welcome Mohawk Jack,
The travel time/distance from NY to Annaplois is considerable. For the fall show an overnight stay would be worth the cost and time involved. Spring? Don't know, I've never been to that show. The city and surroundings of Annapolis itself are worth the trip anytime regardless of a "show".

With a classic sailboat (like your Cherubini) some new equipment might be "glitzy". If your sailing will be Cayuga Lake then really fancy, big, or expensive navigation systems might be overkill. Working instruments, good binoculars, a working VHF radio, a chart of the lake, reliable anchor and chain/rode of appropriate length and thickness, interior cushions and lights, good and comfortable life jackets, etc are sufficient to safely sail your new boat. Personalizing the boat can follow as you and your crew have those "wouldn't it be nice to have......" moments while you enjoy your basic boat.

As the weather improves visit local marinas and talk to those hearty souls who are out and about. We went to Seneca Lake State Park last weekend and removed ice bergs from our tarps. Removed one tarp that did not weather well during the winter winds.

Afterthought: Check Yachtworld or similar sites for boats of your model and year and see what additions others have made.

SG · Feb 17, 2018

That wouldn't me a trip I'd make unless you're in the neighborhood. It's a small show.

As others have said, the US Sailboat Show (which is the Thursday before and through Columbus Day in October) is the one to go to.

bletso · Feb 18, 2018

I have been to the fall show several times. I have been to the spring show once. The spring show is about a quarter the size of the fall show in both boats and vendors. Of course it is less hectic. a half day will do the spring show, 2 days for the fall.

ggrizzard · Feb 18, 2018

Jack, I've owned my 1979 H30C since new, so I've learned a couple of things:
1. Your boat is 38 years old and needs to be self-surveyed by you to learn the basic systems' condition. Hoses, sea cocks (hopefully not gate valves that were original) chain plates and standing rigging, engine exhaust elbow and muffler just to name some of the most important.
2. A boat show can be fun, but remember, boat bucks should be allocated based on priority.
Let me know if I can answer any questions.
G.

Kings Gambit · Feb 18, 2018

The only two things I've ever bought at a boat show are my two Fujinon binoculars (8 x 30 and 7 x 50 Polaris) which were selling for good prices then. You may see a lot of neat gadgets and other stuff, generally. But IMHO the first things to buy for a boat of your vintage would likely be up-graded ground tackle (two sets) and/or new sails, etc. Basic stuff. I would not drive that far specifically for a boat show. Walk the docks of a few marinas and you'll see plenty of ideas. Also, search on-line for your model and examine the pictures of boats for sale.

PS--basically the same advice you got from 31seahorse (post #4).

bletso · Feb 19, 2018

Oh, and BTW, when in Annapolis go to Bacon Sails' back room. Chock full of consignment stuff, much which isn't manufactured anymore.