It's only August and already the major sailing magazines are hyping the upcoming boat shows. Do you regularly go to boat shows in your area? Do you ever travel to boat shows away from home? While boat shows are about new and sometimes used boats, they often include seminars on various nautical topics, opportunities to meet famous sailors, and of course, the chance to buy a all kinds of products for your boat. When at a boat show, what do you like to do most -- or least? Line up with your shoes in hand to see the latest boat designs? Go to the seminars? Do you collect all the freebies and goodies that the vendors hand out? More to the point, have you ever bought a boat based on your experience at a boat show? Bought a major piece of new gear or hardware for your boat? Share your boat show experience with us here, then take the Quick Quiz on the home page. (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
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Cant think about that now,
It's still summer, and you or all the other department stores, or car dealers, or schools, or anybody else is gonna convince me that summer is over, and we should be thinking about fall and winter. Have not been on the boat near enough to call it complete. Still have 2.5 months. We will talk about boat shows then. Over and out, George
It's still summer, and you or all the other department stores, or car dealers, or schools, or anybody else is gonna convince me that summer is over, and we should be thinking about fall and winter. Have not been on the boat near enough to call it complete. Still have 2.5 months. We will talk about boat shows then. Over and out, George
Some Good Deals
Most vendors offer "boat show discounts" to the attendees. These can generate good savings. Keep an eye out for them. Also, if you purchase the show demo - this will provide immediate savings if you have a way to haul it out. Last year I bought the show demo of a dinghy. Also got a good price, but the dealer knocked off $200 if I took the demo. He didn't have to deflate and haul it back to the shop. I live in the area and had access to a pickup truck. It also gave me a free pass to get into the show to pick it up when the show closed down on Sunday.
Most vendors offer "boat show discounts" to the attendees. These can generate good savings. Keep an eye out for them. Also, if you purchase the show demo - this will provide immediate savings if you have a way to haul it out. Last year I bought the show demo of a dinghy. Also got a good price, but the dealer knocked off $200 if I took the demo. He didn't have to deflate and haul it back to the shop. I live in the area and had access to a pickup truck. It also gave me a free pass to get into the show to pick it up when the show closed down on Sunday.
Yes, and yes
I go to the West Coast expo at Jack London Square when I am close enough for several reasons: -- It's entertaining to check out the new production boats, and see where the trends are going; -- If I need equipment (which is almost always) there are deals to be had. I saved about $500 on a new inflatable last year. But most years I just look. -- Networking, in a boaty way, with friends I haven't seen in a while. They seem to show up. -- And then there is the unexpected bonus. One day we took a tour of the new Wylie designed for the owner of West Marine, which surely has everything I could ever lust for. Our guides were the owner and his enthusiastic young son, who know a lot about the boat and were great guides. The only negatives for me are the food (usually bad and overpriced) and the seminars don't seem to offer much new from year to year. But then, if I needed food, or a seminar, I'd attend anyway. I would not travel cross country for this experience, unless I were shopping for a brand new boat. But that aint happening, so I use the price list as a source of amusement. For about the price of a movie, it's a very entertaining day.
I go to the West Coast expo at Jack London Square when I am close enough for several reasons: -- It's entertaining to check out the new production boats, and see where the trends are going; -- If I need equipment (which is almost always) there are deals to be had. I saved about $500 on a new inflatable last year. But most years I just look. -- Networking, in a boaty way, with friends I haven't seen in a while. They seem to show up. -- And then there is the unexpected bonus. One day we took a tour of the new Wylie designed for the owner of West Marine, which surely has everything I could ever lust for. Our guides were the owner and his enthusiastic young son, who know a lot about the boat and were great guides. The only negatives for me are the food (usually bad and overpriced) and the seminars don't seem to offer much new from year to year. But then, if I needed food, or a seminar, I'd attend anyway. I would not travel cross country for this experience, unless I were shopping for a brand new boat. But that aint happening, so I use the price list as a source of amusement. For about the price of a movie, it's a very entertaining day.
Pete M.
I like all of it! Seminars are great. The free goodies are great! Looking at the new boats is great! Looking (and sometimes buying) some new piece of gear is even better when you talk to the maker or techie. A day at the boat show is like a day in heaven....
I like all of it! Seminars are great. The free goodies are great! Looking at the new boats is great! Looking (and sometimes buying) some new piece of gear is even better when you talk to the maker or techie. A day at the boat show is like a day in heaven....
I love 'em
My favorite thing is to look at the new boats. I never even considered buying one, but I really like to see what I could never afford and talk to the salesmen, especially for the outrageously expensive models. They know I'm not buying and usually, they couldn't be nicer. I've met Frank Butler from Catalina, Ted Hood, Bob Bitchin and Dick Hylas at various shows. I'm not really there to buy stuff; I usually only wind up buying a book or a pair of sunglasses or shoes; occasionally, I am looking to buy a piece of gear, and I can get a real education. At the Miami show this past Feb., I was in the market for a boom vang, and I spoke to the Schaffer and Harken reps and learned quite a bit. I was also offered some pretty good boat show deals. However, the Garhauer guy beat them all and sold me a fully rigged vang including shackles for $65. What a deal!
My favorite thing is to look at the new boats. I never even considered buying one, but I really like to see what I could never afford and talk to the salesmen, especially for the outrageously expensive models. They know I'm not buying and usually, they couldn't be nicer. I've met Frank Butler from Catalina, Ted Hood, Bob Bitchin and Dick Hylas at various shows. I'm not really there to buy stuff; I usually only wind up buying a book or a pair of sunglasses or shoes; occasionally, I am looking to buy a piece of gear, and I can get a real education. At the Miami show this past Feb., I was in the market for a boom vang, and I spoke to the Schaffer and Harken reps and learned quite a bit. I was also offered some pretty good boat show deals. However, the Garhauer guy beat them all and sold me a fully rigged vang including shackles for $65. What a deal!
It's not something I plan around
but I do enjoy going. I might be looking for answers about equipment, or lusting after a new boat (never gonna happen), or just looking for something out of the ordinary to do. I have never traveled more than 40 - 50 miles to attend, but would love to go to one of the BIG shows (Miami, for example). There are usually good deals to be had on the last day, as vendors would rather unload their merchandise, rather than pack it up and carry it home.
but I do enjoy going. I might be looking for answers about equipment, or lusting after a new boat (never gonna happen), or just looking for something out of the ordinary to do. I have never traveled more than 40 - 50 miles to attend, but would love to go to one of the BIG shows (Miami, for example). There are usually good deals to be had on the last day, as vendors would rather unload their merchandise, rather than pack it up and carry it home.
Boat shows...
...are just plain fun. I don't care much for the idea that you've got to pay to get into a trade show that wants to sell you something, but it's still fun. Other than the long lines to get onto the hottest boats, that is. Still, all things considered, where else would you rather be? Certainly not sitting at your computer in an office....;D
...are just plain fun. I don't care much for the idea that you've got to pay to get into a trade show that wants to sell you something, but it's still fun. Other than the long lines to get onto the hottest boats, that is. Still, all things considered, where else would you rather be? Certainly not sitting at your computer in an office....;D
Best Sailing advice I ever got
Regarding the quiz, I was a little disappointed not to see choice: e) All the above I have very fond memory of my first boat show. I was impressed with the Lager 60, and that it had 3 watertight compartments, in case one got holed, the other two would keep the boat afloat. My biggest impression was the sales guy. A down to earth sort of guy, I think from Bass Harbor or Little Harbor. As we talked about the Lager 60, it became clear to him that this day I wasn't going to buy it, but I hoped someday I would be able to. Well, he sort of took me to one side, asked me one question: When did I want to begin sailing? I told him that year. Then he gave me his best advice, and one I have passed onto other friends. He said "Figure out how much you want to spend, go buy a boat and start sailing it. Find out first if that's what you really want to do. And if it is, then over time as your skill improves, you can move up to a bigger boat. So I did, within five years of that time. Bob Early
Regarding the quiz, I was a little disappointed not to see choice: e) All the above I have very fond memory of my first boat show. I was impressed with the Lager 60, and that it had 3 watertight compartments, in case one got holed, the other two would keep the boat afloat. My biggest impression was the sales guy. A down to earth sort of guy, I think from Bass Harbor or Little Harbor. As we talked about the Lager 60, it became clear to him that this day I wasn't going to buy it, but I hoped someday I would be able to. Well, he sort of took me to one side, asked me one question: When did I want to begin sailing? I told him that year. Then he gave me his best advice, and one I have passed onto other friends. He said "Figure out how much you want to spend, go buy a boat and start sailing it. Find out first if that's what you really want to do. And if it is, then over time as your skill improves, you can move up to a bigger boat. So I did, within five years of that time. Bob Early
Love those shows
I always attend the winter show at Atlantic City / Philadelphia (though it's cancelled for 2006), and sometimes the autumn show at Annapolis. I particularly love the Atlantic City / Philadelphia show because it's in the middle of winter, and connects back to sailing. Twice I have purchased a boat at one of these shows. While there, I attend seminars, check out new boats, and look at equipment, books, etc. I always find something I need, and always learn something new, often just from the people I meet.
I always attend the winter show at Atlantic City / Philadelphia (though it's cancelled for 2006), and sometimes the autumn show at Annapolis. I particularly love the Atlantic City / Philadelphia show because it's in the middle of winter, and connects back to sailing. Twice I have purchased a boat at one of these shows. While there, I attend seminars, check out new boats, and look at equipment, books, etc. I always find something I need, and always learn something new, often just from the people I meet.
Boat Show Mania
I like to go to boat shows. I get to ask lots of questions and the sales reps are pretty good at spending time with me. Seeing new gear is great but we rarely buy...just add to our 'wish list'. But I can usually pick up an idea or two for something for our boat that I can make or sew. I don't really see that there's a hard sales press at any of the shows I have been to except for the beef jerky booth (kidding)!! Have never met anyone famous I don't think. Hoping to go to show at Jack London Square in 2006 in northern Calif. I doubt though that I'd do any long distance travel to go to a show but I'll be the Annapolis or Miami shows are huge-mongous!
I like to go to boat shows. I get to ask lots of questions and the sales reps are pretty good at spending time with me. Seeing new gear is great but we rarely buy...just add to our 'wish list'. But I can usually pick up an idea or two for something for our boat that I can make or sew. I don't really see that there's a hard sales press at any of the shows I have been to except for the beef jerky booth (kidding)!! Have never met anyone famous I don't think. Hoping to go to show at Jack London Square in 2006 in northern Calif. I doubt though that I'd do any long distance travel to go to a show but I'll be the Annapolis or Miami shows are huge-mongous!
Hate those lines
My wife and I usually try to attend at least one major "sail" show a year. Newport, RI or Annapolis, MD were always our choices as we could sail to Newport and make a road trip to Annapolis. Visiting the different cities was always fun. The people watching is great and seeing new products and old friends is up on the list. Down on the list is waiting in long lines and at the bottom is the 2-3 minimun stay requirement by the local hotels.
My wife and I usually try to attend at least one major "sail" show a year. Newport, RI or Annapolis, MD were always our choices as we could sail to Newport and make a road trip to Annapolis. Visiting the different cities was always fun. The people watching is great and seeing new products and old friends is up on the list. Down on the list is waiting in long lines and at the bottom is the 2-3 minimun stay requirement by the local hotels.
Love Those Shows!
I work in Annapolis about a 10 minute walk from the City Dock and actually get to see the show being set up. I love to see the new boats and look at equipment and most importantly, be able to ask questions of the vendors such as Westerbeke/Universal and Raymarine. In 2002 at Annapolis, I actually signed on the dotted line for a 2003 Catalina 28 which mysteriously turned into a 2005 Catalina 320 last month.
I work in Annapolis about a 10 minute walk from the City Dock and actually get to see the show being set up. I love to see the new boats and look at equipment and most importantly, be able to ask questions of the vendors such as Westerbeke/Universal and Raymarine. In 2002 at Annapolis, I actually signed on the dotted line for a 2003 Catalina 28 which mysteriously turned into a 2005 Catalina 320 last month.
For MerryThought...
...looks like a Catalina 36 is in your future. Bet the Catalina gang at the Annap show just love you! Keep us posted on your latest new boat. We are all envious.
...looks like a Catalina 36 is in your future. Bet the Catalina gang at the Annap show just love you! Keep us posted on your latest new boat. We are all envious.
They are a great learning experience
I try to go to the 2 local boat shows in my area each year - even though I'm "retired" now and can't spend much money. I find it the best way to learn about new products & inovations. A number of neat ideas I saw at boat shows have been carried over to my own boat. Plus - it's fun! Bill on STARGAZER
I try to go to the 2 local boat shows in my area each year - even though I'm "retired" now and can't spend much money. I find it the best way to learn about new products & inovations. A number of neat ideas I saw at boat shows have been carried over to my own boat. Plus - it's fun! Bill on STARGAZER
Jerry's right
the salesmen are the key to any event, we went to the Toronto boat show, with no $ and no cards( boy is that will power) just to get information and see what was new. Simrad, salesman went out of his way to explane everything and demestrate the wp30. the raymarine guy hands me a brochoure, he was more interested in selling the radar,gps electronics end of things. We're very happy with the WP30 ( Frank) after the salesman. Next year we'll bring $$ and card.
the salesmen are the key to any event, we went to the Toronto boat show, with no $ and no cards( boy is that will power) just to get information and see what was new. Simrad, salesman went out of his way to explane everything and demestrate the wp30. the raymarine guy hands me a brochoure, he was more interested in selling the radar,gps electronics end of things. We're very happy with the WP30 ( Frank) after the salesman. Next year we'll bring $$ and card.
Tell me about your WP30, Allen!
Hi, Allen! e-mail me off-list @ capnbill@adelphia.net and tell me about your WP30. I want to get one because of price - and was told it wasn't "good enough" for my 30. I don't believe it! Hoping to "hear" from you! Bill on STARGAZER
Hi, Allen! e-mail me off-list @ capnbill@adelphia.net and tell me about your WP30. I want to get one because of price - and was told it wasn't "good enough" for my 30. I don't believe it! Hoping to "hear" from you! Bill on STARGAZER
Final results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending August 14, 2005: The thing I like best about boat shows is: 35% Looking at new gear 31% Just being there is fun 29% Looking at new boats 04% Buying a new boat or new gear
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending August 14, 2005: The thing I like best about boat shows is: 35% Looking at new gear 31% Just being there is fun 29% Looking at new boats 04% Buying a new boat or new gear
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