Cleveland Boat Show and Boat Shows in General

V

Valkyrie

New member
Hi Brats,

I went to the Cleveland Boat Show that opened today and came back somewhat disappointed, being spoiled by having a C-Dory and seeing very little that grabbed my interest.

I spent a little time on the sailboats, which seem too slick and Euro-modern for my tastes and almost all of the powerboats were go-fast boats or ski boats with a web of tower overhead boasting better speakers than we have at home or in the new Accord. The diesel Albin was a little interesting, but out of our realm.

I used to love the Cleveland Show which is held in the IX Center, which used to be a tank plant in WWII. It covers well over 500,000 square feet and while not comparable to the Seattle or Miami shows, it's usually pretty respectable. I worked the show a lot over the years: with the dive shop when I was teaching SCUBA, selling Jeanneau sailboats and when I was Project Editor for Great Lakes Sailor magazine.

We enjoyed the Seattle Show last year because of the C-Dory's, the accessories and most of all, meeting so many of you who I know from the site.

I did buy a new Honda 2, short shaft, so I have a long shaft to sell now, but the only generator that I saw was a Honda 2000, with not a 1000 in sight. I guess I'll probably get a Yamaha 1000 off the net instead.

Last year when we were at the Seattle show, I strongly encouraged the C-Dory honchos to get some dealers in the Great Lakes States (which have a third of the registered boats in the country) and offered to work the shows for them to help out. Still no C-Dory's.

We won't be at the SBS this year, but are planning on returning in 2009. We will be in the Charleston area when their show is running so at least we can check out the new C-Dory's.

Regards,

Nick
"Valkyrie"
 
When I lived in Utah I would go to the local boat shows. I was always totally dissatisfied with the offerings, and it was not until I attended my first SBS (before I moved here) that I walked in and said to myself, "Home, at last!"
 
Doryman":37i9aqui said:
When I lived in Utah I would go to the local boat shows. I was always totally dissatisfied with the offerings, and it was not until I attended my first SBS (before I moved here) that I walked in and said to myself, "Home, at last!"
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The first time we went to the Miami Boat Show, I said, "OMG, this is better than Disneyland!" :wink:
 
Talk about sticker shock--over half a million for a 40 foot boat! I think you are better off with the C Dory. I don't like the curved windows, and apparent lack of support in the "modern" cruisers....With 760 hp, you can easily be burning over 35 gallons an hour at cruising speed.

I gave up on boat shows many years ago. Sure the Miami and Ft Lauderdale (and I suspect the Seattle is in the category) are the show cases for the latest and greatest boats and accessories. I can read about the accessories on the internet--and eventually see them at my local dealers. I am not going to buy any of these items.

It will be interesting to see how boat sales come along this year--but I suspect that we will see several more manufactures go out of business, unfortunately.
 
Jeff Brigner":fn9ylosp said:
Cathy and I just got back from the Atlanta boat show and really like the Meridian 391. Seems like a logical step from a 25 :lol: Anyone know much about these? We really like the cabin with the view. btw This is just the boat specs the sale pending is not us !!!
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Don't forget, a 40' boat is not just 15' longer than a 25' boat -- the volume is several multiples bigger (I'm sure Bob can come up with the actual numbers.) Just a lot more boat to handle and feed and maintain.

Warren
 
In our opinion, a "logical step" from a CD 25 is a CD 22. We find it fascinating that our culture believes bigger to be better -- how would a heavier, more costly to buy and operate, difficult to transport, more complex, deeper draft vessel be more logical? Either will carry the same (most of the time) 2 people the same distance the same number of hours but one will be more than twice the expense, twice the down time for servicing and repairs, and can't go half the places. Sure it has more space -- if El and I want that we sit in the cockpit and look to the horizon -- can't find more space than that. Interior space? Why would we want that? Merely have to shout to hear each other? It's like a mega screen tv -- buy that and sit way back, or have a small one and sit close.

Sorry, we know everyone is different and has different opinions -- but you asked for opinions and we simply have never seen a better power boat (for our purposes) than the CD-22.
 
Hi Nick,

Then don't drive up to the Detroit Boat Show, unless you are looking for a pontoon, bass boat, or bowrider.. I was so disappointed in the 2006 show that I didn't bother to attend the 2007 show. Maybe things will be different this year but I am not too optimistic that it will.

Best regards,
 
The Detroit Boat show later in the year which is held at multiple locations on the water has many fine boats. I have threatened for some years to go to the trawler fest in Wisconsin. They boats, classes and etc. The dealer sells a variety of NW pilot house boats as well as all the exhibitors.

El and Bill, I was reminded that in the seventies during a round of escalating oil prices we were encouraged to build energy efficient homes. One suggestion was to build seating closer to windows and use smaller windows. If you don't think the view will still be big ask someone with eyeglasses.

Mark
 
I went to the New England Boat Show in Boston Saturday. Last year they had C-Dory (C-25 and C-22), this year only Ranger Tugs. I took a look at Ranger Tugs, looked at the Rosborough, and that was all I was interested in. I spoke to Raymarine reps....I wanted to get to the bottom of the notion that if not installed by a Raymarine tech you don't get a warranty. This rep said that is a common misconception, said everyone gets a 2 year warranty, does not matter who installed. If a Raymarine tech installs the product, they give you an "in boat" warranty which means they will supposedly come to your boat. Still 2 year year warranty. If you intall and it goes bad, you need to remove it and ship it to Raymarine but a 2 year warranty. So that's good to know...also got some ideas about how to rig my electronics. I think I am going to forgo the $1000 fish finder on opt for the (dramatically less expensive) St40 and "in hull transducer".

Anyway - gigantic space for a show and tons of boats and gear.
 
One of the things I like most about the SBS is the relatively large number of "salty" boats built and sold here in the Northwest. The show is still dominated by slicker ski and speedboats destined for lake use, but we always have C-Dory, Grady, Skagit Orca, Whaler, Osprey, SeaSport, several sturdy welded aluminum makes, and now Ranger tugs. Now with the Seahawks finished the boat show is the next entertainment milestone for me! See some of you there. Mike.
 
Hi Guys and Gals!

Not to be an alarmist or a pessimist, but here's something to remind ourselves about:

Do you get BOAT SHOW FEVER when looking at all those shiny new boats?

Have you ever heard of BUYER'S REMORSE?

Does your state have a COOLING OFF PERIOD during which you can reject a sales contract?

Will you be happy working for another 5-10 years and postponing your retirement to pay for that new boat in the driveway?

Of course, most of us have the common sense and self discipline to avoid these pitfalls of BOAT SHOW FEVER, thank goodness!

Me, I'm leaving my checkbook at home!!!

Joe. :thup :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
Of course, most of us have the common sense and self discipline to avoid these pitfalls of BOAT SHOW FEVER, thank goodness!

Me, I'm leaving my checkbook at home!!!

Joe.

*************************************

What -- no debit card!

Bill Uffelman
President & CEO
Nevada Bankers Association
 
Bill Uffelman":3f73ao8x said:
Of course, most of us have the common sense and self discipline to avoid these pitfalls of BOAT SHOW FEVER, thank goodness!

Me, I'm leaving my checkbook at home!!!

Joe.

*************************************

What -- no debit card!

Bill Uffelman
President & CEO
Nevada Bankers Association
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I've got that, and plenty of credit cards!

But I should add to the above post the following consideration:

Are you really ready to buy a new boat in the face of a very probable recession?

Joe. :sad
 
Just funnin' you about the debit card. Here in Las Vegas it is harder and harder to write a check -- PIN debit card or credit card with photo ID much preferred.

As to buying in the face of recession, a friend once said I refuse to participate in the bad times. If your income is relativley assured and you have little expectation that the boat will be available at depressed prices in the future then why not?

I used to be the Ranger 20 (Kent WA Ranger) sailboat dealer in the midwest and show sales were a huge part of my business -- all shiny under the lights, easy to compare to other (inferior!) boats, etc. Just sign here sir and we will get your boat ordered tonight!

Bill Uffelman
Las Vegas NV
 
Bill-

No offense or bad tidings intended here, either, just a call to be realistic in light of the times!

And yes, those with very stable and comfortable incomes can come through tough times more easily and can even take advantage of the situation to buy at reduced prices, and then come out ahead when the economy recovers.

Nice talking with ya'.

Joe. :thup :teeth
 
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