Boat Shows?

[PAkev]

I noticed there are a few boat shows coming up which are within a reasonable drive (2-3 hrs) from my home and have been considering attending. One is in Atlantic City, NJ. one in Norwalk, CT and another in Annapolis, MD. Although I know the boat I will am getting in the spring, I was thinking of attending so that I may perhaps get some ideas of good rigging alternatives. From the context of the advertisements, it appears there is something for everyones boating interests. What I don't want is to drive there only to have the opportunity to walk by several luxury cruisers that I will never be able to afford. I've been at a few local boat shows but believe these to be of much greater magnitude. What can I expect to benefit from attending one of these?<br /><br />Kevin<br /><><<br /> <><

 

[RatFish]

Re: Boat Shows?

PAkev,<br /><br />I was at the Atlantic City show today. Tell me what you are looking for and I'll try to tell you if I think it is worth it for you to make the trip. Generally speaking, there was all size boats. Big bucks to low bucks. High quality to low quality. There is a lot to see. I was there for about 6 hours.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Boat Shows?

Ratfish,<br /><br />I'm getting a 19ft Polar Center Console. I already bought a Lowrance x18c fishfinder/GPS which the dealer agreed to install. I will also be looking to rig the boat with a bow mount trolling motor, a pair of downriggers, a VHF radio, and AM-FM CD player. Since these will be add ons after I hand the dealer a big fat check for all the money in my bank account, I will probably do the installations myself as finances avail the purchase of each option.<br /><br />I would like to get a good look at various manufacturers installations of the above so that I can have a good idea of whats available and how/where it would fit on my new boat. <br /><br />BTW, did you notice if Godfrey Marine was there with any of their Polar center consoles?<br />Kevin

 

[DJ]

Re: Boat Shows?

PAKev,<br /><br />What you will get is: ideas, ideas, ideas.<br /><br />Since you have pretty much settled on a boat. Concentrate on the smaller displays that may have someting you've never seen before.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Boat Shows?

PAkev,<br /><br />djohns19 pretty much summed it up. I don't think the AC boat show will shed any light on rigging. The boats, for the most part are factory units without all the "add ons" installed. For what you are interested in, I would not bother. You would be better off going to a marina on a weekend and asking people to check out their setups. There are a lot of booths setup with sales people giving demos of gear but its not setup in the boats.<br /><br />Yes, there was a nice setup of Polar boats on land. They have some really sweet boats! From what I saw, the Polars are a fine platform. As for the marina displaying the Polars, I'm pretty sure it was Godfrey. I can't remember for sure but I definitely remember the Polars! Nice.<br /><br />Good luck with your new boat and good luck fishing.