GREAT UPSTATE BOAT SHOW

Despite dramatic changes in the economic scene  last year, the Great Upstate Boat Show held in March, 2009, proved to be a lucrative event for both the dealers who displayed and boating enthusiasts who attended the show. Reports from show visitors as well as boating industry manufacturers’ reps working the floor described it as one of the best presentations and successful boating industry events held in the Northeast. “Exceptional low show prices attracted both new buyers and trade up or repeat buyers”, stated dealer Talia Chase of Castaway Marina in Queensbury, New York. “Then when they saw the great value with the features they could get for the money, many bought right on the spot”.

With over 25 dealers displaying more that 60 boat brands and over 100 boats on display in all, there was a wide variety for the interested boater to conveniently compare features, power options, pricing and dealer services, yet while in a warm, comfortable and spacious environment.

From ski boats to fishing boats to pontoons, bowriders, deckboats and even big cruisers, ample product was on hand to help boaters determine which type of boat would best meet their needs. Plus, competition for business generated by the dealers created an attractive buying atmosphere for the attendees and resulted in over $2 million of product sold at the show.

Recently, plans were confirmed for the 2010 Great Upstate Boat Show to be held again at the Adirondack Sports Complex in Queensbury, NY, March 26th through 28th, 2010. Produced by the Eastern NY Marine Trades Association, this show will again feature over 25 member dealers displaying all that is new in boating for 2010. “We’re building on the success of last year’s show in that we’re going to have even more to choose from”, stated Roger Phinney, Executive Director of the association. “Customers want to see the latest gadgets and features and are always interested in new innovations.

We expect the new models will have a lot to offer”. The 2010 Great Upstate Boat Show will have something for almost everyone including a great variety of product and dealers, extremely competitive prices on new models, non-current models and previously owned boats. Plus radio controlled boat races are back for kids of all ages along with last year’s hit, “Spotlight Alley”, highlighting what’s new in boating.

The 2010 show will also feature a “Pre-Owned Pavilion” where quality, previously owned boats from a variety of participating dealers will be displayed together in one special area. General questions about the different types of pre-owned boats offered will be answered by boat show staff and visitors interested in particular boats will be put in contact with the corresponding dealer.

There will also be a variety of boating lifestyle vendors displaying docks, boat hoists, boating accessories, wakeboards, and more for attendees to see. Plus, Coast Guard Auxiliary and NY Power Squadron representatives will be on hand on all days to answer any questions a visitor might have regarding owning and operating their boat. All this will be housed the spacious 98,000 square foot dome facility at the

Adirondack Sports
Complex located at 326 Upper Sherman Avenue in Queensbury, New York. Show hours are Friday 10am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 8pm, and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

New for 2010, a New York State Boater Safety all day course will be offered free on Saturday, March 27th at the show. The course is a required program for any person wishing to operate a personal watercraft and anyone under 18 who wishes to operate a motor boat. Seating will be will be limited to a maximum of 25 participants therefore interested parties are encouraged to pre-register by calling Roger Phinney at 518- 791-0070 or sign up on the boat show website at
www. greatupsateboatshow.com. Plus, to help promote safe boating in the region, the Eastern NY Marine Trades Association will be sponsoring a series of free Boater Safety courses beginning in February, 2010. Persons may go to the www.enymta.com website for complete information on these additional courses.
For more information about attending or displaying at the 2010 Great Upstate Boat show, contact Roger Phinney at 518-791-0070, or online at www.greatupsateboatshow.com