New England Boat Show Warms Up Boaters

Fifty-four years and newly owned by NMMA, the New England Bost Show opened as anxious boaters packed the showroom floor. It was a tough boating season last year and long winter. In fact, the weather outside was a bit frightful with cold winds, rain and snow. “The show was a little smaller due to the economy,” says Joe O’Neal of New England Boat Show, “but 85% of the dealers were back from prior years.”

So, what was new at the show this year? Two big things: the Affordability Pavilion and a “Green” Boating Zone. Here you found twenty-four boats to buy for $250 a month or less with a normal down payment and terms. West Marine had a display of the latest eco-friendly products.

Three hundred plus exhibitors filled the aisles with a variety of displays. My favorite, like so many others, is climbing aboard the different boats and getting a feel for which size would be right for you, your family and friends.

The climate at the show was much warmer than last year; sales and leads were definitely up.