Excel Boat Show

[Roy Smith]

Went yesteraday as part of a buinness trip
Did not seam as big as normal
Lots of ribs
if you go, check out the Gold Fish P36 Only £450.000
Corba had a tacky looking beige 7.6 and a 10.5 with sleeping where the inboard engine would go its got a Yamaha 350 V8 with twin 350 lts fuel tanks
The Avon stand had what looked like a Marlin Rib badged i think as a Zodic
The Riva stand had a retro wood boad that looked fantastic
Apart from Sunseeker etc etc not much else to see
There seamed to be a air of gloom about it not knowing what the season will bring.

[Paul Cannell]

Should be going Sunday 10th, have free tickets courtesy of those nice people at Yamaha.

[RAD]

I went today, it is obvious the show is dwindling with suppliers, the usual entrance with the ticket people is in one end of the north hall, then they have removed the opposite section in the south hall, there is no Navy boat on the water of which half the boats seem to have disappeared out there.

It is ok, great if you have a million pounds hanging out your back pocket, as for the free ticket, I got one but lost it, oh well.

If the RYA stop doing tickets for a tenner, I doubt I'll go in future, the internet is taking over....

[Trist]

I agree the show seems to be going downhill the stands were not up to the standards as usuall except the sunseeker stand of course

[250kts]

I am a little concerned at these reports, as I was planning to go up to wander round the trade stands for lots of bits & pieces and to view/feel goods, which is where the internet fails.

Is it going to be worth the 2 hour drive up???

Steve

[Tim M]

Originally Posted by 250kts

I am a little concerned at these reports, as I was planning to go up to wander round the trade stands for lots of bits & pieces and to view/feel goods, which is where the internet fails.

Is it going to be worth the 2 hour drive up???

Steve

I'd just go to the Marine superstore.

[Roy Smith]

The Show IMHO is the wrong time of year and wrong place
Heres a thought the Southanpton show in June July or Aug
Sunshine warm (with luck) i would bet that sales would be up 50% as boaters
get carried away and buy on impluse also the add ons GPS etc etc
why would you want to buy a boat in Jan cold, short days

[Knot Yet]

Following on from Roy's point........why would you want to buy a boat in Jan cold, short days just after Christmas with your wallet looking decidedly sad. - or at least mine is!!

[bogib]

My experiance over couple of decades is that ones X´mas and New Year is over people start thinking and looking forward to rising sun next even is the summer and it does attracts people to buy their expensive and inexpensive leisure stuffies including RIBs.

More often if blowing snowstorm and difficult driving condition the more people came to our store looking at summer toys.

Therefore sensible to have LBS in January, Dusseldorf as well and all Scandinavian shows are in February

I am busier last 10 days with enquieries than October, November and December alltogether.... so here you have it

Bogi

[Nasher]

I'm wth Bogi on this one, but only for those people looking for electronics and new boats on a short lead time.
If you are looking for a new boat on a longer lead time then I think Southampton is the best show so you can order in time for the following season.

I do however prefer Southampton for a load or reasons, especially as a family day out.

Nasher