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Category Archives: BoatU.S.

Boat Show Season

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Scott Smith

Boat Show Season

Question: Its almost boat show season around the country!  I like attending the show in our area.  However, sometimes I am overwhelmed with all the things to see.  Since you go to many events, any advice on what is the best way to get the most out of a boat show.

Answer: Boy, that is a wide open question. First you have to ask yourself why you are attending a boat show (or any show for that matter). Are you attending as new buyer looking for a new boat?  On the other hand, are you attending as an owner looking to upgrade what you already have or just add on to your equipment?  Maybe you are a manufacturer or dealer…. that is a completely different reason.

My situation is even different from that.  I am looking for new products, new boats and new companies.  I am interested in anything that might be of interest to my customers and readers.  I like to keep up with the industry and review new products or boats.  I am also looking for things I want for myself.   I also look for shows that will allow me to give seminars and promote my books.

Of course, I am always looking for a location that I like to visit.  I like the local shows but that is not the same as taking a trip to a distant location and using it like a working vacation.  (Just don’t tell my wife how much fun these shows are!)

One of my favorite shows is the Miami International Boat Show in February (2/14/2019 – 2/18/2019).  Look up their schedules at www.miamiboatshow.com.

boat show season

While I no longer give seminars at the Miami Show it is still a huge show with more things than you can see in a couple days.  Plus its Miami, a great place for boats, food and cigars.

That said, it is probably best to decide why you are at the show and establish an agenda for the time you will be attending.   Reviewing or looking at a boat can take a significant amount of time.  Plan your time accordingly.  In most cases you will want to look over the boat, listen to the sales pitch and, if possible, try it out on the water.

Because it will be a time consuming experience, do a little research ahead of time.  Review models and manufacturers that you have an interest in, on the manufacturers website or at a local dealer.  Go to the website for the show or event you will be attending and get a copy of the exhibitors list.  Review the exhibitor list and rank the manufacturers or dealers by your interest.  It sounds like a lot of work but if you prioritize the models you want to see, you can spend less time wandering the exhibits and more time shopping.  You will also find that you will probably have more time to leisurely enjoy the show once you have achieved your “requirements”.

If you are looking at products or upgrades to your existing boat, it is a variation of the same agenda.  Look through the exhibitor lists and develop a plan and route through the exhibit area.  It is also important to keep track of other things that might be of interested as you are looking at the exhibitor list or walking around.  You can always come back to a booth or visit the company’s website later (or back in your hotel room!).

Its a great experience even if you arent shopping for anything in particular.

boat show

Posted in Boat Insurance, boat ownership, boat safety, Boat shows, boating, boating safety, boatshows, BoatU.S. | Tags: Boat Shows, boating, boats, evinrude, marine, mercury, Miami Boat Show |

Miami Boat Show 2018

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Scott Smith

Miami Boat Show 2018 Pictures

Miami Boat Show 2018 – a few pictures from this years show.  One thing that was not missing was horsepower. Boats with two, three and even more outboard motors on a boat.  And outboards with 400, 500 and more horsepower.  Who would have thought that the outboards would be such a huge market. My favorite type of boat!

miami boat show

Posted in boat crew, boat docks, Boat Insurance, boat maintenance, boat ownership, boat parts, boat projects, boat safety, boat service, Boat shows, boating, boating safety, boats, boatshows, BoatU.S. | Tags: Boat Shows, boating, boats, Cigarette boats, evinrude, lakes, marinas, mercury, Miami Boat Show, outboards, sailboats |

Offshore Sport Fishing Boats

Posted on August 4, 2017 by Scott Smith
Sport fishing                       
Q.  I like to spend time offshore fishing and I am considering an investment in a sport fishing boat.  Is there anything specific I should look for?
A.  There are really a number of factors to take into account.  First, you need to decide on your plan for using the boat.  If you are truly dedicated to using it as just an off shore fishing boat, then the design will need to target just fishing.  In reality, I do not think you will find many of these “just fishing” boats used by recreational boaters.
If you look at the available sport fishing boats on the market, I think you will find that a large percentage of the offshore fishing boat designs are more than just fishing boats.  Most of today’s sport-fishing boats have become weekend and vacation getaways.  A few of the larger ones are even long term live aboard vessels.  
If you are serious about using the boat as a fishing boat, you will want to look at the size and layout of the fishing area.  You will definitely want a roomy section of the cockpit that has accessible bait wells and storage areas for the catch of the day.  In addition, most sport fishing boats need a decent fighting chair.  That means you will need a spacious enough area to accommodate the chair, the crew and the cheer squad for that record catch.  
The next major question you need to ask yourself is what type of waters you plan to spend most of your time in.  If you live and plan to use the boat in the Northern waters (East or West), you will want to shop for a boat that has the ability to handle rougher waters and colder temperatures.  Being cold and wet on a boat with nowhere to warm up will reduce your enthusiasm.  A boat that is too small for your water can make the trip uncomfortable to only the hardiest of the fishing crowd.  Do not buy a boat that you “think” will be big enough.  Test your planned purchase on similar water before you spend the money.
With that in mind, the location and use will also determine a few of the amenities you opt for.  To extend the fishing (or any use) in the Northern areas, the cabin should offer heat for that cold weather warm up.   If the boat is to be in the southern waters where the temperatures can be rather high, the cabin needs to be air-conditioned.  Many of today’s owners move their boat back and forth so they should be equipped for both climates. 
 That choice will come down to the location it is used, the fishing area of the cockpit, the passenger comfort and finally the personal styling preferences.   
Posted in Boat Insurance, boat ownership, boat projects, boat safety, Boat shows, BoatU.S., deep sea fishing, fishing boats, Mercury outboards, Mercury outboards Seattle boat show, sport fishing |
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