The New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo, which ran from Feb. 18-21, said it had record attendance in its fifth year.
More than 30 dealers showcased nearly 80 boat brands of all types and sizes. Organizers said the fleet of nearly 275 vessels represented new products for 2016 that could meet a variety of budgets.
Visitors shopped for boat slips, accessories and insurance, and hundreds attended seminars presented by the Recreational Fishing Alliance and The Fisherman Magazine; younger boaters enjoyed activities and crafts in the Kids Cove, which was presented by New Jersey Sea Grant.
“We seem to get more customers each year we exhibit, and this year was no exception,” Aaron Held of Octopus Yachts Marine Electrical Systems said in a statement. “We engaged both current and new customers from a diverse customer base and were able to close several deals in person. We are looking forward to the fall show in Lakewood!”
Organizers said exhibit show space was sold out, sales and strong leads were reported throughout the four-day show and attendance was 5 percent higher than the show’s best year and up 19 percent from last year, which was affected by snow.
“This is my fifth year participating in the show and every year the show seems to grow in popularity with the consumer,” said Fred Brueggemann of Statewide Marine Services and Key Harbor Marina.
“It is an easy show to navigate through and attendees seemed to enjoy the large variety of boats to choose from. As a dealer, I always look forward to this show to give the selling season a boost, and this year was a great success.”
