AC Boat Show

Would love to but still have work to do, planning to go on this Sat though.
 
Thinking of Saturday, depends on the weather. If there is snow in central jersey I will be clearing snow.....
 
We were there today. Largest boat I saw was a 42' Formula; they had a large display right at the entrance. If you were looking for Silverton, Carver, Hatteras, Egg Harbor or a bunch others you will be disappointed. Lot's of boats from Sea Ray, Bayliner, Rinker, Regal, Grady White, Yamaha, etc in the 19-30' range. If you are looking at runabouts don't miss the new model from Four Winns... I want one! (ain't gonna happen though). Many vendors but I didn't see anything new that peaked my interest. In reality, we didn't spend much time climbing on the boats and were out in a bit under 2 hours. Vendors I met at a local watering hole the day before the show opened told me that the manufacturers aren't giving much financial or marketing support for these shows anymore and, in addition, they used to be able to lift the big yachts into the AC CC from the property in the rear of the bldg using a crane . That property was sold and the new owner won't let them use a crane there anymore so even with mfr support big yachts are SOL at the AC show.

Parking at the CC is $12 however, if you park outside by the Tun Tavern (Sheraton) its $10. If you have lunch there they'll give you a voucher so parking will be free. Or, park at Ceasars for $5 and walk the 3 blocks (long blocks) to the CC.

Enjoy.
 
With the Miami show just a week away, factories aren't going to spend much effort on a small show
 
Thanks Mike. The way the weather forecast for the next two days, doesn't seem like I'm gonna make it.
 
This pretty much sums up the last 5 years at the AC Boat Show. My wife and I went there primarily to see the electronics vendors. The only large boat I have ever seen there was a Meridian Yacht in the 40 foot range about 3 years ago. This year even though I live less than 15 miles from the show I will not be able to attend because I can't walk or stand for long periods of time and I will not go in a wheelchair.
Bill
 
The AC boat show has been getting smaller and smaller every year. I have no interest in small runabouts so I never even look at the boats. I know some vendors who don't even go anymore because of costs associated and little or no return on their investment. Every year I go, I always say this will be the last year but somehow, I still manage to attend. I always look forward to the Annapolis show in the fall although it signals the end of my boating season.
 
Craig, you're right about the US Powerboat Show in October; great show. BTW, all the Upper Bay marinas were there but there was no one working in the SJC booth. I saw one guy take every coozie that was on the SJC table. Joe was in the Sassafras Harbor Booth. The best news I picked up was from the guys in the Georgetown Booth who told us that the Granary has a tenant and will be open by the time the season starts.

Billy, I remember a 65' Sunseeker at the AC Show prpbably about 15 years ago... nothing like that anymore.
 
Hey Mike, I wonder when Georgetown will start building their sheds? They have been talking about them for years but nothing going on as of yet.
 
Supposed to go Sunday but we'll see what happens with the weather. The show hasn't been the same to me since they stopped bringing the big boats in. First I've heard of the private property issues, in the past I heard something different (city wouldn't allow them to move a utility line or something like that?) The last couple years I've gone with a friend shopping for a center console and there's plenty in that category to look at, we'll see how much snow we get and if it's worth the trip.

John
 
I was hoping so see more responses on this thread, as I was interested in going. Does anyone have any opinions on the show this year before I spend an hour and a half drive to go over there?
 
The boat shows around here have turned into boat and outdoor shows. The campers and RV's have taken over and the boats are just small center console fishing boats. Plus there are booths full of stainless steel cooking ware and things like fruit and nut snacks. It is no longer boat shows. It's who ever pays the most gets the stalls.
 
As it turns out, I had a previous committment and couldn't go. But I do know what you mean about the cooking booths, and the booze booths and the jewelry booths. They're usually packed but I snicker as I pass them.
 
I was there Saturday. You didn't miss anything. And yes the biggest crowd I saw in the merchandise mart was in front of the stainless steel cookware demo...lol
 
Went to the Mid Atlantic Boat show in Norfolk on Sat.--Big disappointment. Lots of small boats, few vendors. Spent less than 1 hr there.
 
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