With the overall disappointing pace of spring boat sales, and interest rate cuts by the Fed not likely anytime soon, dealers must be aggressive in their marketing efforts, and that includes capitalizing on any shows still still to come, such as those in Florida, Ohio and Washington.
FLORIDA: The Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota, presented by Boat Owners Warehouse, will open its gates tomorrow morning and run April 19-21. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast at Marina Jack on the downtown waterfront, this in-water show features everything from kayaks to motoryachts. Visitors will also find tents packed with the latest gear and retail items, from apparel to artwork.
Among the popular features is a Kids Fishing Clinic, better known as “Hook the Future!” This has become an annual attraction for kids to learn about the wide variety of fish species they can catch, as Capt. Don Dingman demonstrates techniques. His program not only teaches kids how to fish, but parents also learn how important it is to spend quality time as a fishing family. In addition, each kid leaves with a custom Hook the Future-Carolina Skiff rod-and-reel combo.
OHIO: What began for area dealers as a small spring boat-sales event has become a big festival for boaters to celebrate the start of Ohio’s new season at what is now the largest spring boat show on the Great Lakes.
Next week the Progressive Catawba Island Boat Show will drop anchor in Port Clinton on Lake Erie, April 27-29. This in-water event, now in its 19th year, has morphed into a popular spring festival along with a big boat show enjoyed by more than 10,000 visitors annually.
The show features power- and sailboats ranging from paddle craft to 70-plus-foot motoryachts. Many larger models weren’t trucked to January’s traditional winter show, so they’re getting premiere showings in the yacht basin at the Catawba Island Club. Moreover, the marina is ringed with nearly 100 accessory and service exhibits featuring everything from marine gear to fashion wear.
The show is also packed with daily special events and entertainment including, seminars on boating, musical performances by popular Lake Erie Islands talent, a Kids Discovery Zone and a variety of food trucks— plus, a unique focus on sailing with a special emphasis on newcomers to find out if sailing is right for them.
Called “Discover Sailing,” licensed captains take prospective sailors out on the lake aboard Jeanneau sailboats for a hands-on experience. The would-be sailors raise sails and take the helm for a taste of running before the wind. The show is produced by the Marine Trades Association of Ohio.
WASHINGTON: The Spring Boats Afloat Show on South Lake Union in Seattle runs April 25-28. More than 100 power- and sailboats will be packed into the show site, produced by the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association.
The region’s largest in-water show, it also boasts many shoreside exhibitors with the latest innovations in accessories and services. Plus, there will be a Dockside Marketplace featuring a variety of exclusive products by nautically inspired artisans.
Among the big lineup of boats will be many models making their Northwest debut, such the head-turning 106-foot yacht from Alexander Marine USA. Other show features include Seattle’s only pirate cruise, the Emerald City Pirates, offering free rides aboard Queen Anne’s Revenge; the Center for Wooden Boats’ “Kid’s Toy Boat Building”; seminars held aboard the National Historic Landmark Steamer Virginia V; and live and dockside festivities.
Salmon for Soldiers is the show’s official charity partner. It provides free fishing activities throughout the year for veterans and active-duty military members. Its mission is to reduce stress and create new relationships through boating and fishing.
