“Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks” ~Warren Buffett
It’s boat show season again. Marine dealers and product inventors are smart…why not take advantage of the boating doldrums of mid-winter to start getting people thinking about the water again? Believe it or not, spring is right around the corner, and these guys know it. Whether you are in the market for a new boat or PWC, or just looking for a fun place to spend an afternoon dreaming, a boat show may be just the ticket.
The Miami International Boat Show is massive. It is divided between 3 different locations: the Miami Beach Convention Center and two local area marinas. It is truly a boater’s paradise. Boats from nearly every manufacturer are showcased under gleaming lights, and are open to boarding. Every accessory you can imagine – and some you cannot – is also on display. It is a fantastic time to get a sampling of everything out there. There are electronics and cleaning products, rods & reels, dive gear, innovative new dock ladders, clothes and sandals, representatives from charter boat vacations and Caribbean islands. The list goes on and on.
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| Kawasaki, Yamaha, Seadoo...oh my! |
The good news is, PWC have a healthy representation at most shows. Their growing popularity as affordable family water recreation has steadily drawn up sales figures over all manufacturers. The increased reliability, innovative creature comforts, ease of towing and storage, and environmentally friendly reputation make PWC an instant success. Plus let’s face it, they’re slick, shiny, colorful, powerful, fun, and just generally bad ass. And if all that isn’t enough to make you want to run right out and get one, boat shows are almost guaranteed to offer special incentives to buyers, like a $500 discount in purchase price, or a free or deeply discounted extended warranty plan.
Let’s not forget the accessories! Few things have more accessories than boats. For PWC that includes special easy-load trailers, aftermarket rear boarding steps, a plethora of different life jacket styles, water skis and wake boards, towable water toys, anchors and toolkits especially for PWC, seat covers and traction mats, performance modification upgrades and parts. Local dealers usually provide the vessels on display, and can often do sales right there on the spot, including financing. After all, boat show vendors are there to sell you stuff.
Make sure you take some time to visit the towing insurance, boat insurance, and boating legislators’ booths. All kinds of boating interests are represented, and it is a great time to get educated on the laws and regulations affecting (or threatening) your boating style. Also consider signing up for a boater safety course. They are always represented at shows as well.
Don’t let the winter drear keep you down! Get that driveway cleared of snow, and get yourself out to your area boat show this winter. And I totally wouldn’t be mad at you if you came home with a nice new PWC just in time for spring! J
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| I condone the purchase of skis when there is snow on the ground! |
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