GLEN JUSTICE
How do you play the boat show? Most people simply show up and look around, perhaps with a list of boats or equipment to examine. But some in the marine industry are promoting a more sophisticated approach for more serious buyers — and some of these ideas seem pretty smart.
At the U.S. Powerboat Show here in Annapolis, the Take the Wheel Program debuted this year. The program gives boaters educational seminars on boat buying, two days at the show and a ride on an express cruiser, center console, down east cruiser or trawler — boats like the Kadey-Krogen 55 Expedition — pictured above. The cost is $149 per person ($200 for couples), and includes a breakfast and a wine tasting.
For serious buyers, it appears to be a great way to do some serious evaluating in a short period of time, at a cost that is reasonable given that any boat you buy is likely to be one of your largest personal assets.
For boatbuilders, it is a way to focus attention on a serious audience. The program was run by the Annapolis School of Seamanship, in cooperation with United States Yacht Show and manufacturers like Krogen, Boston Whaler, Tiara and MJM Yachts, and dozens of participants signed up.
INDUSTRY PUSH
The National Marine Manufacturers Association is also trying to push a more developed approach to boat shows. Starting at the Tampa Boat Show in September, the NMMA unveiled an initiative encouraging boaters to "pre-shop" the show.
The idea is to get boaters to think about the boats they want to see, and then make appointments with the vendors to examine those boats at the show. On the show's website, there's a search feature that allows visitors to identify boats and book appointments. It even gives the booth number.
The NMMA plans to expand this program nationwide, making it possible to connect with the boats you want to see no matter where you live.
Both of these programs seem like smart ideas, insuring that serious buyers get the time they need to get questions answered, make proper comparisons and even get a sea trial.
Whether or not you use one of these programs, planning how to tackle a boat show —especially a big one, like the show coming to Fort Lauderdale at the end of the month — is a good idea. Back in 2007, we compiled a list of do's and don'ts.
Times have changed, but it's still pretty good advice.
