Used Pontoon Boats - north-american-waterway.com

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. The Atlanta Boat Show provides the best window shopping experience for viewing and purchasing of boats.

The Atlanta Boat Show

The annual five day event makes the George World Congress Center into a one stop market place for buying boats, yachts; including luxury yachts and houseboats, power boats, sport fishers, sailboats and personal watercrafts and pontoon boats. You can also witness a lot of fun and frolic surrounding the event with a whole lot of games related to water and showcasing latest trends in marine electronics, engines, accessories, parts and marine related sports materials with reference to water and it is spelt that there is no better time than this to buy boats and other marine stuffs for enjoying a good time on water. You only get this chance once a year to compare makes and models, secure insurance, as well as accessorizing and financing including upgrading of your boat all at one place at the same time.

The Atlanta Boat Show.com-memorizes one of the largest fleets of boats in the south east. Fishing boats, sport cruisers, bow riders, pontoon boats, other water crafts and just any thing related to boats or boating would feature in this show. This boating event of the new millennium showcases ample chances for marine recreation, purchase of house boats, sale boats, runabouts, aluminum and bass boats, plus canoes and kayaks. There are many accessory booths, which provide for discounted products and services at amazing prices including fishing equipment, electronics and outdoor travel destinations.

All hotels and travel agents can advertise bountifully on this event and include their pleasure programs and travel destinations programs by capturing an extra share of the tourist market by offering star cruises at an astronomically low price and organize all sorts of water related sporting events such as water skiing and other forms of water sports including boat races, which are run on the lines of Australia and ensure these for tourists as well as prospective customers at very low prices. A lot of discounts and other marketing schemes are in full force for enabling purchase of varieties of boats in this event. Similarly, for purchase of accessories other than boats also, varieties of discounts are offered at one place. Thus the event brings across all showcases, which concentrate on offering discounts, schemes and easy financing methodologies for purchase of boats as well as luxury items, which are of marine nature for suiting the tastes of industrialists as well as business tycoons.

The Atlanta Boat Show provides a market for the boat making industry as well as buyers and the National Marine Manufacturers Association companies. These companies produce varieties of boats, cruisers, fishing products, accessories and they have incurred one year of loss in their sales, which has to be set right during this year, therefore this year the Atlanta Boat Show management committee is sending proper intimation to all concerned to widely participate in this event and make it a grand success. This year the concentration would be more on the manufacture and sale of aluminum and steel boats, fiber glass boats, fishing materials and pontoon boats which would be showcased appropriately for proper positioning of these products at the right price with proper financing methodologies and eye catching programs and marketing schemes to ensure that the market fix up better this year and the products are chosen as exclusive as well as exquisite ones for all the customers to compare and buy.

For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures. Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway

Be sure to check out this weeks latest Pontoon Boat Videos

Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler

Request your Free FAQ and Pontoon Enclosure Brochure & Newsletter

Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures, get expert advise.
Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
http://www.north-american-waterway.com/pontoonboat_8×8_enclosure.htm

Tags: Atlanta Boat Show, used pontoon boats, pontoon boats, boat shows

Share

Technorati Tags: Atlanta Boat Show, boat shows, pontoon boats, used pontoon boats

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Recent boating industry study reports that boat shows remain a strong selling venue for upcoming boat buyers.

Used Pontoon Boats - Boating Industry Boat Shows Report

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Recreational Marine Research Center at Michigan State University (MSU) this week announced findings from a year-long study demonstrating that boat shows remain a crucial step in consumers’ final decisions to purchase a boat. Initial exhibitor feedback stemming from NMMA’s 2008 fall boat shows serves to underscore the MSU study results, as many exhibitors across all four shows reported quality buyers and strong sales, despite a smaller turnout at the gate.

“As evidenced by the MSU findings, boat shows are more important than ever — particularly given the economic challenges our industry is facing,” explains Ben Wold, NMMA executive vice president. “The internet is a terrific research tool, but from our experience and what buyers tell us there’s nothing like hands-on, face-to-face time at a boat show to really get people off the boat-buying fence.  Boat shows are the strongest ‘call to action’ when it comes to communicating with potential buyers.”

Additional MSU study findings that demonstrate the power of boat shows include:

• 86 percent said attending a show increased their desire to go boating
• 50 percent said they went to the show with no intention of buying a boat, but became interested once onsite
• 15 percent said they intended to buy a boat at the show
• 5 percent said they actually bought a boat at the show
• 73 percent said they attended the show to buy accessories
• 65 percent said they will buy products they saw at the show
• 47 percent said they spoke with 3 to 5 dealers at the show
• 49 percent said they intend to follow up with a dealer they spoke with at the show
• 45 percent said they have a household income over $100,000

What’s more, exhibitor reports out of all four NMMA fall boat shows — including the Tampa Boat Show (September 5-7), Toronto In-Water Boat Show (September 11-14), Virginia In-Water Boat Expo & Sailfest (September 12-14), and Norwalk International In-Water Boat Show (September 18-21) — confirm that despite attendance decreases at each event, exhibitors were not only pleased with the quality of show attendees, but were also successful in selling boats and related accessories.

In Toronto, exhibitors say that the decrease in attendance didn’t prevent the show from proving a success, and that those who did turn out brought with them an upbeat, positive mood in spite of growing concern over U.S. economic uncertainty.

“Over the years, the show has consistently provided a broader market to retail certain boats we failed to sell at the dealership,” explains U.S. Marine Corporation’s Bryan Down.  “This year proved to be no exception, as we retailed boats identified as ‘must-sell’ units at the show and sold even more during the follow-up process.” Thanks to Boating Industry Canada for this; Boating Industry - Study Says Boat Shows Remain Strongest Selling Venue for Ind

For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures. Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway

Be sure to check out this weeks latest Pontoon Boat Videos

Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler

Tags: used pontoon boats, boat shows, pontoon boats

Share

Technorati Tags: boat shows, pontoon boats, used pontoon boats

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Billings’ first end-of-season Boat and RV show had some deals that were just too good to pass up.

Billings’ first end-of-season Boat Show

Whether you’re a buyer or a dreamer, hundreds came out to Metra Park over the weekend to view some new and used RV’s and Boats during the first ever end of the season boat and RV show.

Potential buyer Ken Ehrmantraut said, “We’re looking at this trailer right here. We’ve had them in the past and we switched down to a pick-up camper and it’s just a little small so we’re thinking maybe going bigger again.”

A boat and RV show at the end of September is unusual for Billings, but show coordinator Matt Schmalz says the public responded well.

“People were kind of nervous how it would end up just because how the economy is and everything else. But it’s been a great turnout, everyone’s doing good.” Tour America RV Center, American Spirit RV, and Auto Plaza Sports and Marine were just a few of the big names making sales at the show.

Over 30 sales were made during the Thursday through Sunday exhibition with some deals knocking as much as $20,000 off of original prices, and others even more. “There’s millions and millions of dollars on this lot and they’re just dropping everything to get people into what they want and save a lot of money,” said Schmalz. “They’re doing free winter storage, all that stuff, so it’s a good thing. It’s helping people out.”

Today’s economy makes buyers a little more cautious when making big purchases But Ehrmantraut knows exactly when to find the right deals. “We try to hit the off season and try to get a bargain.” And for those who are holding out for just a bit longer, there’s always next year.

Schmalz said “Some people are still kind of leaning on keeping that money in their bank as much as they can, but next year we are for surely having this on. It’s been great. So, period.”
Regardless of the economic situation, people are still looking for ways to have a good time when the nice weather rolls around. Thanks to; Montana’s News Station - Fair. Accurate. To the Point. -Boat and RV show wraps up in Billings

For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures. Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway

Be sure to check out this weeks latest Pontoon Boat Videos

Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler

Request your Free FAQ and Pontoon Enclosure Brochure & Newsletter

Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures, get expert advise.
Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
http://www.north-american-waterway.com/pontoonboat_8×8_enclosure.htm

Tags: Used Pontoon Boats, Billings Boat Show, boat shows,

Share

Technorati Tags: Billings Boat Show, boat shows, used pontoon boats

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Here is a report on the upcoming Genoa Boat Show.

No sooner have the Cannes, Monaco and Southampton boat shows finished, than another big event looms on the horizon, the Genoa Boat Show.

Genoa is one of the biggest boat shows, particularly strong on the Italian manufacturers of course, but with a mind-boggling 2,500 leisure boats and superyachts on the pontoons and on stands from around the world.

This year, yet again the organisers are claiming the show will have more boats and exhibitors, including hundreds of new models. The show runs from Saturday 4 to Sunday 12 October. The best place for information about visiting the show is the event website. www.genoaboatshow.com

Check out the cool video on the boat show.

Thanks to Motor Boat and Yachting for this;Get ready for Genoa show

Be sure to check out this weeks latest Bayliner Boat Videos Here:

Rick Ostler, North American Waterway

Tags: Bayliner Boats, Genoa boat show, north american waterway, boat shows

Share

Technorati Tags: Bayliner Boats, boat shows, Genoa boat show, north american waterway

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Here is an update on the New Jersey Boat Show reported by Asbury Park Press.

The 21st Annual MAC Events Annual Fall New Jersey Boat Show that opens Friday at the Convention Center in Edison should serve as a barometer of the interest in boating and fishing in the state.

This summer has been recognized as a low point in participation in both activities, and boat sales have been down. Many authorities point to a variety of reasons for the decline, including high gasoline prices, tightening household budgets, and, especially, tight fishing regulations.

John DePersenaire, research specialist with the Recreational Fishing Alliance, said at present there is a big gap in participation that is attributable to regulations. The winter flounder and summer flounder seasons are closed and the liberal blackfish season will not open until mid-November.

“The drop in participation that we saw this summer among small boaters cannot be attributed to increased fuel prices,” he pointed out. “How much fuel can you burn to make a trip out in the bay or a couple of miles from local inlets?”

DePersenaire said one of the problems fluke anglers had with the regulations was the high minimum size. Not only were they often unable to catch fish over 18 inches in length, but they knew they were gut-hooking, and thus killing, some fish that they released.

The fall boat show will get under way at 1 p.m. Friday and run for three days. Hours will be from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and children 12 to 17. Children under 12 will be admitted free.

Kevin McLaughlin, director of the show, said boat dealers recognize that many persons who are interested in a new boat have been sitting on the fence.

“They’re going to find steep discounts in all segments of recreational boats,” he said. “They can take advantage of the lowest prices that they are likely to find this year on everything from offshore fishing cruisers to sport and pontoon boats.

“The show features more than 300 boats, over 60 brands,” he said. “In some cases, discounts will be into the tens of thousands of dollars.”

The Fisherman Magazine will be present at the show with a number of free fishing seminars given by top anglers.

Capt. Ron Santee Jr., skipper of the Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands, said Monday that one gap in the fishery - striped bass - seems on the verge of filling rapidly.

“The water temperature was 67 degrees out there today, and we had good striper fishing,” he said. “The weekend was tough, that big heave didn’t help, but today we had them. Most of them were 28 to 30 inches.”

Santee said David Blendowski of Lodi caught a pool-winning 23-pounder, and there were a number of fish in the 20-pound class.”We fished the clam beds,” Santee said. “The fish were hungry. It was an all-day bite - all on clams.”

It was not the only place that fish were taken. Plenty of bluefish and a nice showing of striped bass responded to jigs, chunks and clams on the Shrewsbury Rocks. Capt. Joe Bogan, owner of the Jamaica II from Bogan’s Basin, Brielle, said he is pleased with the bottom fishing action he has experienced lately. Thanks to Asbury Park Press for this; Boat show hits Edison this weekend | APP.com | Asbury Park Press

For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures. Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway

Be sure to check out this weeks latest Pontoon Boat Videos

Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler

Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible. Thanks…………Rick

Request your Free FAQ and Pontoon Enclosure Brochure & Newsletter

Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures, get expert advise.
Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
http://www.north-american-waterway.com/pontoonboat_8×8_enclosure.htm

Tags: UsedPontoon Boats, New Jersey Boat Shows, pontoon boats, north american waterway, rick ostler

Share

Technorati Tags: New Jersey Boat Shows, north american waterway, pontoon boats, rick ostler, used pontoon boats

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Here is an update for the upcoming Daytona Beach Boat Show.

Whether you’re a serious recreational boater or just like to look and dream, you can acquaint yourself with the Florida boating lifestyle at the 22nd Annual Daytona Beach Boat Show Oct. 3-5 at the Ocean Center.

Exhibitors will display hundreds of new fishing, offshore, performance, cruiser, pontoon boats, ski and deck boats inside the newly expanded Ocean Center. Also on sale will be electronics, marine supplies and accessories.

Free boater hurricane DVDs and children’s life vests will be given away while supplies last. Visitors can try to “crack the safe” to win a boat, motor and trailer.

The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $7 for adults and free for children ages 15 and under when accompanied by an adult. Senior day is Friday, when all seniors will be admitted for $3. Adult discount tickets are available online at www.daytonabeachboatshow.com.

Tickets also can be purchased at the door. For more information about the boat show, contact David Ray of the Marine Industries Association of Florida at (386) 943-8383. Thanks to; Calendar of Events

For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures. Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway

Be sure to check out this weeks latest Pontoon Boat Videos
Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Request your Free FAQ and Pontoon Enclosure Brochure & Newsletter


Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures, get expert advise.
Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
http://www.north-american-waterway.com/pontoonboat_8×8_enclosure.htm

Tags: RickOstler, North American Waterway, used pontoon boats, Daytona Beach Boat Show, boat shows, pontoon boats, boats for sale

Share

Technorati Tags: boat shows, boats for sale, Daytona Beach Boat Show, north american waterway, pontoon boats, RickOstler, used pontoon boats

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. With a preview on the Norwalk In-Water Boat Show.

Boat dealers angling for scarce dollars in a roiling economy said they hope prospective buyers visiting the Norwalk In-Water Boat Show beginning today are looking for an “island of tranquility.”
That’s the term used by Frank Brennan, a sales executive with Norwalk boat dealer MarineMax Surfside 3 who is bringing 40 boats worth $20 million to the show at Norwalk Cove Marina next to Calf Pasture Park.

“This is a relaxation sport, and there are a lot of people looking for relaxation right now,” Brennan said.

The show, now in its 33rd year and hosted by Norwalk’s Rex Marine, features 700 luxury motor and sailing yachts, sports fishers, performance boats, personal water craft, inflatables, fishing gear, engines, electronics and marine accessories.

Brennan’s partner, Ray Vogt, said that at first, the state of the economy made him nervous. But now, “We are going to the show feeling very positive. We know people are going to buy because they think the entire marine industry is hurting,” Vogt said.

Many see a buyer’s market, and Vogt said he hoped bargain hunters will show up in droves.

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which represents the $37 billion per year industry and produces the Norwalk boat show, sales are far behind last year.

Estimates for power boat sales for the quarter that ended June 30 are off 26 percent, or more than 40,000 units, compared with the second quarter of 2007, said Kelly Kaylor, a spokeswoman

for National Marine Manufacturers Association in Chicago.

The sales trend mirrors the sagging Consumer Confidence Index and slumping housing market that has created a credit crunch for prospective boat buyers, Kaylor said.

Recent shows have had fewer attendees, but sales were strong, she said.

Scott Krugman, vice president for public relations for the National Retail Federation, said consumers are cautious and focusing on “necessity buys.”

“However, there is a segment of the economy that remains recession-proof,” Krugman said. “As long as they have discretionary dollars, they are in the driver’s seat when it comes to price.”

Greenwich boat dealer Phil Catalano said he will bring six Grady White boats to the show that range from 20 feet to 30 feet in length and are worth $49,000 to $200,000.

“We feel we have a top-of-the-line product, and we are a third-generation business. Our service to the customer is what is keeping our heads above water,” said Catalano, part owner and sales manager of J. Catalano & Sons in Greenwich. “I’m waiting to see how the Norwalk show turns out with the news about Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch.”

He will bring three new Grady White models that have never been seen together before, Catalano said. His company usually sells six to 10 boats at the Norwalk show, and it would be “great” to leave Norwalk Cove Marina having sold six, he said.

“There is no question that everyone is concerned about what is happening,” he said.

Rex Marine General Manager William Gardella Jr. said he was “cautiously optimistic” about the show’s bottom line.

“There is a lot going on with the economy, but the hope is people still recognize how important boating is to family fun and bringing families together and keeping them together,” said Gardella, who has pioneered a unique club that allows members to use boats without buying them.

Gardella, whose family owns Norwalk Cove Marina, said this year’s show looks strong.

“The docks are sold out. Boating has always been a cyclical industry that is in a trough now,” he said. “I see an opportunity to take advantage of inventory levels that are higher than what people want to see. I’m sure there are some really good deals out there. Face it, these are uncertain times and I’ve talked to dealers and they are hoping to move some inventory at this show.” Thanks to John Nickerson at Despite the economy, hope floats as boat show opens - The Advocate

Find out more information on Bayliner Boats and Bayliner boat canvas, Do-it-Yourself bayliner cover kits and subscribe to our FREE newsletter.

Be sure to check out this weeks latest Bayliner Boat Videos Here:

Rick Ostler, North American Waterway

Tags: UsedPontoon Boats, Norwalk In-Water Boat Show Preview, north american waterway

Share

Technorati Tags: north american waterway, Norwalk In-Water Boat Show Preview, used pontoon boats

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Here is a report from Tampa Boat Show.

The 2008 Tampa Boat Show, which ran Sept. 5-7 at the Tampa Convention Center, reported strong sales by exhibitors and a large number of leads from the nearly 18,500 people who attended, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which produced the show, reported in a release yesterday.

More than 600 boats were on display at the 2008 show with several vessels of all makes and sizes sold at the show, including more than 30 entry- to mid-level boats, representing millions of dollars in retail sales for local boat dealers, NMMA reported.

“We were especially pleased with the upbeat attitude of exhibitors at Tampa and were excited to learn they saw such strong sales,” said Ben Wold, executive vice president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “We feel good about what’s ahead and hope the sales exhibitors experienced at Tampa are a sign of things to come this show season.”

Appearances by Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand, co-captains of the commercial fishing vessel Time Bandit featured on Discovery Channel’s popular series Deadliest Catch, were a very popular draw during the event. Nearly 1,000 show-goers took the opportunity to meet the Hillstrands during four, three-hour sessions on Friday and Saturday of the show.

Robert Tronio from Sunray Marine, who sells boats by Pro-Line and Rinker, among others, said, “We were very pleased with attendee turnout and were able to close 14 deals on site – quite a lot given what we were anticipating as a result of sales having been down all summer throughout the industry.

Attendee interest levels were high even from those who weren’t quite ready to sign a contract.”
Thanks to; Strong sales reported at Tampa Boat Show

Find out more information on Bayliner Boats and Bayliner boat canvas, Do-it-Yourself bayliner cover kits and subscribe to our FREE newsletter.

Be sure to check out this weeks latest Bayliner Boat Videos Here:

Rick Ostler, North American Waterway

Tags: BaylinerBoats, Tampa Boat Show, north american waterway, boat shows

Share

Technorati Tags: baylinerboats, boat shows, north american waterway, Tampa Boat Show

39′ Bayliner 3988 Motor Yacht
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. For the next few years will Boat show’s be a buyer’s market? Tough economy can mean major discounts from manufacturers.

News from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer says it will be a buyer’s market. With tightened credit and high oil and gas prices, these are hard times for some makers and sellers of boats — an item that few people, despite the Northwest waters’ allure, really need.

But that makes these good times for would-be boat buyers who can afford to plunge ahead, particularly when shows like the 2008 South Lake Union Boats Afloat Show, which opens Wednesday morning, often offer large discounts over regular prices, said several area manufacturers and brokers.

“It is a buyer’s market, no question,” said show producer Bonnie Bergquist, who also is manager of the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association, a Seattle trade association.

The 31st annual Boats Afloat Show, which claims to be the largest on-water boat display on the West Coast, will offer more than 200 power boats and 50 sailboats, worth more than $132 million.

For those seeking to straddle the line between power and sail, the show has two sail-assisted motor yachts that burn just one gallon of gas an hour. There also are several megayachts, a submarine and a houseboat.

In this highly cyclical industry, sales of new boats totaled $14.4 billion in 2007, down 5 percent from 2006, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Dave Calhoun, a broker at Sunset Yacht Sales in Gig Harbor, said sales there are “definitely slower” than ever during his four-year stint there, especially with midpriced boats such as Bayliners and Sea Rays selling for between $20,000 and $60,000. Lower-priced boats, between $10,000 and $20,000, are selling pretty well, as are those costing $100,000 and more, he said.

“People aren’t used to the fuel prices, interest rates are higher, lending criteria are tougher, and there’s a lot of uncertainty about the economy,” Calhoun said. “Another broker here for 17 years says it hasn’t been like this since 9/11.” People who already own boats aren’t necessarily selling them now. “But I do think people are using their boats less, and they’re going more slowly to save money,” he said.

Boat makers, at least 35 of which are based in the Northwest, are trying to develop technology to keep their products attractive during straitened times.

For example, more than 100 manufacturers of inboard-engine boats between 34 and 70 feet long are using the Inboard Propulsion System, from Volvo Penta, which is claimed to be 30 percent more fuel efficient than conventional inboard drives, said Pat Kelley, owner of Blackfish Marine, a dealership with locations in Seattle, Anacortes and Vancouver, B.C.

The system also is said to reduce noxious emissions by 20 percent to 30 percent. Outboard engines, usually used to power smaller boats, have made great advances in fuel efficiency and emissions reductions, particularly through an emphasis on four-stroke technology, Kelley said.

The use of fuel-efficient outboards is one factor that has kept revenue at Glacier Bay Catamarans LLC, a boat maker in Monroe, from declining even beyond the 35 percent year-over-year downturn it has suffered, said Vice President of Sales Mark Mansfield.

But the higher cost of freight and key raw materials, such as petroleum-based fiberglass resin, has led makers to raise their own prices, which inevitably causes boat prices to rise, Mansfield said.

Sailboats, an obvious choice when fuel prices rise, are understood to require more skill than powerboats. Still, they’re selling very well, Sunset Yacht’s Calhoun said. “Some people are just getting into the sailing thing, but I also have to think it’s because they burn about a pint an hour when motoring,” he said.

Some boat buyers — even baby boomers, with more disposable income on average than younger buyers — are choosing smaller, less expensive models.

For example, buyers of 25-foot Ranger Tugs, made by Ranger Boat Co. in Kent, may originally have had their eyes on a 32-foot Nordic Tug, a more expensive boat made in Burlington, Ranger Vice President of Sales Jeff Messmer said.

Still, “the (manufacturers) that are really hurting are those that have sold to the younger buyers, who took loans,” Messmer said.

One of the Northwest’s largest dealers, Olympic Boat Centers, filed for protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in July. It was one of the largest dealers of boats made by Lake Forest, Ill.-based Brunswick Corp., with 19 locations in Washington, California and Canada.

In a statement in July, the company blamed the “sluggish retail boat market” for its bankruptcy, under which it continues to sell boats, though with liabilities of $50 million to $100 million and assets of only $10 million to $50 million.

Fewer companies are exhibiting at Boats Afloat this year, occupying roughly 182,000 square feet of space on the water versus last year’s all-time peak of 196,000 square feet, said Bergquist, the show’s producer. “I think companies are being careful of their budgets. Show fees, hotel stays, food, gas all add up to a big price tag to be in the show,” she said.

A free show last month featuring trailer boats may have siphoned off some dealers and manufacturers, she added. Despite the downturn, dealers said they’re optimistic that the show will produce good sales.

“The intelligent buyers know when to buy, so I gotta believe that at Boats Afloat, you’ll see more people buying instead of just looking than ever before,” Glacier Bay’s Mansfield said.

IF YOU GO

31st annual Lake Union Boats Afloat Show

South end of Lake Union

Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

$10 for adults, $5 for children 12-18, free under 12.

Free life jackets for the first 300 visitors under 14.

Thanks to DAN RICHMAN, P-I REPORTER for this; Boat show’s a buyer’s market

Find out more information on Bayliner Boats and Bayliner boat canvas, Do-it-Yourself bayliner cover kits and subscribe to our FREE newsletter.

Be sure to check out this weeks latest Bayliner Boat Videos Here:

Rick Ostler, North American Waterway

Tags: baylinerboats, South Lake Union Boats Afloat Show, north american waterway, rick ostler

Share

Technorati Tags: baylinerboats, north american waterway, rick ostler, South Lake Union Boats Afloat Show

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. News out of Port Credit, Ontario the In-Water Boat Show was a huge success this summer.

Boaters and dreamers alike flocked to the 18th annual Port Credit In-Water Boat Show that ran from August 22th to 24th, 2008 making it their largest show ever! A beautiful weekend, brokers were writing deals until after 8pm!

As an outcome of the event, The Store Mason’s Chandlery handed out fund raising charity cheques to Ontario Sailing’s Able Sail program, Broad Reach Foundation, and Carol, who was a walker in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer event.

The show featured power boats from Carver, Cruisers Yachts, Four Winns, Bayliner, Mainship, Monterey, Regal, Sabre and Silverton. The largest boat there was a 59’ Marquis!

In sail boats there were examples from Beneteau, Bavaria, Catalina, C&C, Delphia, Hunter, Hansa, Jeanneau and for the first time in Canada, the crowds saw the Lagoon 380 Catamaran.

Other Show features included the popular Speakers Theatre brought to you by The Store. There were also Land displays with PCOC exams on site, Canadian Border Services, Services Canada, Coast Guard, clothing, gifts, charters, insurance, BoatersLiveAuction.com advisor, magazines, Canadian Hydrographic Services, Sail companies, fall course sign-ups and more! Paul and Sheryl Shard were very popular this year, both at their boat (a Southerly 42) and during their seminars.

One of many new tents this year was the Consignment Tent, sponsored by BoatersLiveAuction.com. It was highly successful, raising over $850 for local Youth Sailing Programs and Sick Kids Hospital.

Andrew Papierz, one of the many people who brought in items to be sold at the tent, donated 100% of his items’ selling price to these charities! In fact, the Consignment Tent was so successful they’re doing it again next year!

After boarding the boats and visiting the exhibitors booths, folks were invited to relax in the Boat Show refreshment garden, sponsored by the Port Credit Lion’s Club. They enjoyed the view of Port Credit Harbour and listened to the Blues featuring Virgil of the South-Side Shuffle. They also enjoyed hotdogs and hamburgers from Hank’s Franks and sandwiches and wraps from the Waterside Inn.

For more information on next year’s show, visit www.portcreditboatshow.ca or call 905-278-7005. Thanks to; Boating Industry - Port Credit In-Water Boat Show Largest Ever

Tags: Bayliner Boats, Port Credit In Water Boat Show, boat shows, north american waterway, rick ostler

Find out more information on Bayliner Boats and Bayliner boat canvas, Do-it-Yourself bayliner cover kits and subscribe to our FREE newsletter.

Be sure to check out this weeks latest Bayliner Boat Videos Here:

Rick Ostler, North American Waterway

Share

Technorati Tags: baylinerboats, boat shows, north american waterway, Port Credit In Water Boat Show, rick ostler