Detroit Boat Show Reports Good Sales Despite 8% Drop in Weekend Attendance

LIVONIA, Mich., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — First weekend reports from the Detroit Boat Show indicate that despite the challenging economic conditions in Michigan there are boat buyers among us. Most dealers are reporting stronger than expected sales as consumers take advantage of the competitive pricing offered by dealers who are anxious to move product at the show. “Serious buyers are coming to the show as they realize that if you were ever considering the purchase of a boat, there may never be a better time to do so,” said Detroit Boat Show Manager Van Snider. “Interest rates and gas prices are down, water levels are up and dealers are offering great deals.”

Show management is attributing the 8 percent drop in attendance for the first weekend to bad weather on Saturday and the Valentines Day overlap. Despite the softer attendance over the first weekend, those attending seem to be motivated buyers. “Coming into the show we were already 100 percent ahead of last year and we continue to sell boats at the show — so we are having a great show,” said Paul Mitter of Wonderland Marine West in Howell. “Prices are better than they have been in a long time and people know it.”

The crowds are here, interest is high and we are selling boats — it’s been a great show so far,” said Tom Haag, Colony Marine, St. Clair Shores.

“The show has been better than we expected and the crowds are better than we expected. There is a lot of interest from consumers and the competitive pricing is very tempting. We’ve been talking to prospects non-stop and expect to close many of these deals before the second weekend of the show,” said Kurt Banas, Sunset Boats, Waterford.

“We sold as many slips the first weekend as we usually do during the whole show — we are very happy with the show,” said Carrie Clark, MacRay Harbor, Harrison Township.

“We are doing as well as last year which was the best year we had in the 60 year history of our company,” said Ron Wilson, Wilson Marine, Brighton. “People are looking for deals and if they see value they will buy. The deals are happening now, but those will start going away as the inventories start to disappear — timing is everything.”

Although the Detroit Boat Show offers strong entertainment for those looking for something fun to do in the middle of February, its true purpose is to bring boat buyers and sellers together for a one-stop-shopping opportunity. Many dealers attribute up to 50 percent of their annual sales to the contacts made at the Detroit Boat Show.

Timing is everything — so don’t miss the boat! The 51st annual Detroit Boat Show runs through February 22. Admission is $12 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Discount tickets are available at www.detroitboatshow.net. HOURS: Saturdays, Monday (President’s Day) and Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sundays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 3 p.m. – 9 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