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51st Annual Detroit Boat Show to Bring 9 days of Summer to Cobo Center

Posted on: Monday, 9 February 2009, 06:10 CST

Boat show offers everything boating plus entertainment and fun for all Feb 14 - 22

LIVONIA, Mich., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 80,000 Michigan residents are expected to visit hundreds of exhibitors and see hundreds of new 2009, 2008 and 2007 model boats of all types and sizes during the 51st Annual Detroit Boat Show scheduled for February 14-22 at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit.

With Michigan's best dealers all under one roof, offering the best pricing of the year, there is no better way to compare and shop for a new boat. Many dealers and manufacturers offer early order discounts as an added incentive to buy at the show. Boats purchased at the show can be customized and ready for a spring launch.

Many dealers say they can attribute up to 50% of their annual sales to sales and leads generated at this show. More than 1,500 boats, worth an estimated $50 million, traditionally sell during the Boat Show's nine-day run, but it is much more than just a sales event. The show also offers fun activities for the whole family.

"The Detroit Boat Show is a great event to attend whether you are in the market to buy a boat, or if you are just looking for an opportunity to have some family fun," said Boat Show Manager Van Snider. "We bring hundreds of boats for fishing, skiing, wakeboarding, pontooning, and cruising to Cobo for easy comparison shopping, but we also fill the hall with great activities and promotions for those looking for some entertainment or something to do with their families, friends, or kids."

Shoppers are able to visit hundreds of exhibitors displaying ski boats, fishing boats, cabin cruisers, bow riders, pontoons and personal watercrafts. Also available for purchase are motors, dockage, water toys, skiing and wakeboarding gear, boating and fishing accessories, electronics, boat gear, jewelry, nautical gifts, artwork and much more -- all under one roof in a casual and fun environment.

Amidst the gloom, there are many positive things boaters should be focusing on. For example:

• Water levels across the state, including the Great Lakes are up.
• Interest rates and gas prices are down - The Energy Information Administration, which provides the official energy statistics for the U.S. Government, tells us that gas prices should remain below $2.00 for the summer of 2009.
• Fishing is good - The DNR Reports Master Angler Fish Increased in 2008.
• Lt. Governor John Cherry and the MI Office of the Great Lakes (OGL) recently approved and released the Michigan Great Lakes Plan, Michigan's long-term strategy to restore and protect the Great Lakes.
• Boating continues to offer value far beyond the cost to participate and
• Michigan continues to be one of the finest boating states in country.

It is a great time to buy a boat. "Placing an order in February allows you to personalize your boat and get great deals with first quarter pricing on 2009 product," said Snider. "Excess inventory for 2007 and 2008 is sure to result in some incredible savings opportunities on dozens of new 2008 and 2007 model boats we'll have on display and financing is available at the show."

The Detroit Boat Show has been staged every year for 51 years, and is known as the premier boating event in the State of Michigan. The Detroit Boat Show is known as one of the top boat shows in the country in regards to size, sales and attendance. The Detroit Boat Show is owned and produced by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), a non-profit association representing marine businesses throughout the state. Revenue generated from this event is returned back to fund boater interests via MBIA's programs and services.

Boat show attractions scheduled for 2009 include: a Bond Boats display; the Hawg Tank Casting Demos, Capt'n Willie's Pirate Island, the Antique and Classic Boat exhibit, the Boating Kids Clinic, Rail Jam Wakeboard demos, Live Music at the Beach Bar, Princess of the Boat Show Bikini Contest, the Discover Boating Center, Franklin the Turtle, Salty Dog and much more.

Show dates are February 14-22. Admission to the show is $12 for adults, children, 12 and under, are free with an adult and seniors 62 and over receive free admission on Monday, February 16.

Discount tickets and promotion updates are available at www.detroitboatshow.net.

Show Hours:

• Saturdays, Monday & Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Sundays: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Parking is available at Cobo Center and surrounding lots. For more information visit www.detroitboatshow.net, or call the MBIA at 1.800.932.2628.

SOURCE Michigan Boating Industries Association

Source: PR Newswire

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