Happiness is being on the water at a boat show. Paradise is finding your perfect boat. But there are so many boats to visit at a show and never enough time. So, before you even step on the dock you must decide what you want your boat to do for you. That will help focus your mission. Then you can plan how much time to spend on the docks versus on the shore looking at new products to go with your perfect boat.
Many will spend more than one day walking a boat show to try to see everything. This can be an overwhelming adventure, so we have a few tips to help make it more fun as you plan your dream.
Mission Control
Knowing how you plan to use your boat can manage your options. Most boat shows will have a program with the dock layout separating smaller day boats from long-range cruisers. Clearly stating the mission of your boat will point you to the best place to start.
Fast, planing boats with big engines are perfect for quick weekends and vacations. And slower, full displacement boats like trawlers are more economical for long-distance cruising such as the Great Loop or seasonal snowbird migration. Your mission to choose.
Jotting down notes with must-haves versus nice-to-haves is a good start. Some even create a spreadsheet to compare and contrast.
Propulsion Systems
The next decision is what type of propulsion system: outboard, inboard/outboard, gasoline or diesel, inboard straight drive or space-saving inboard V-drives, PODs like the Volvo IPS or Jet Drive such as a Hamilton. But wait! There’s more…hybrid diesel electric or pure electric are the latest propulsion choices. And bow or stern thrusters added to your choice in propulsion systems can make docking easy. Research these decisions before heading to the boat show. Read up to learn the lingo and write down your questions to ask the experts when you arrive.
Walk the Walk
Take it all in when you walk around and then go aboard each boat. Consider the agility, mobility, and lifestyle features you and your mate prefer: air conditioning systems, how many staterooms, heads, steps, or ladders to connect you up to the flybridge or down to the lower berths.
If sleeping aboard is your plan, then lie down on the berth with your mate and see how you fit. Go into the galley and pretend to cook your favorite meal. Stand in the shower and raise your elbows to lather up or maybe you prefer using the shoreside facilities.
When you walk the walk can you also talk the talk? While your deckhand works the fenders and dock lines consider helmsman sightlines and ease of communication with all crew. Check cleat accessibility and where to stow your fenders and lines. Maybe a pair of electronic headsets should be looked at to keep in touch without yelling. Save that thought for the shore booths. Add it to your list for later.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
If you can’t see or reach your equipment, then it won’t get the attention it needs. Can you easily open the sound shield box on your generator and look at the machinery for leaks or loose belts? It is key for fuel filter visual inspection and changing filter elements to be convenient. New boat long-term warranties are great, but preventive maintenance is better. Don’t forget accessibility for daily engine and transmission fluid checks.
There are other accessories to consider such as stabilizers, active fins on slower or medium speed boats or gyros, interceptor-type on faster boats.
Alternative Features
Keeping the mission in mind, consider price and warranty, accessories included with the boat, size (length, beam, draft, air draft) for dockage, and of course, the speed compared to the fuel economy. Some sailors and trawler owners speak in terms of gallons per hour while a faster boat may consume 40 gallons per hour. Sounds expensive considering the price of fuel BUT how far will the boat cruise in an hour?
A 25-knot boat will travel about 25 miles in one hour and that translates to 1.6 miles per gallon. A trawler may consume about 5 gallons per hour at 7 knots and that is about three-quarters of a gallon per mile. Yes, there is a difference, but bear in mind the adage of time is money. Do you plan to use the boat for weekend getaways where the faster speed is appreciated or starting a dream cruise to the Caribbean? Decide which is worth more to you when boating.
Pre-plan
If you are buying a new boat, then part of your pre-planning could include a call to the boat dealer a few weeks before the boat show starts. Make an appointment to tour the boat at the show. It might sound odd, but you want to make sure you do not have to wait for hours to gain access. Many manufacturers offer special boat show pricing. Ask or you will never know for sure.
Learn More at the Land Exhibits
Now that your head is filled with what you learned aboard, it is time to step back on land. A visit to the land exhibits at the show requires an open mind that is ready to learn— even more. Boat shows feature major vendors that supply the engines, generators, stabilizers, watermakers, and of course, the electronic navigation suite. Take time to meet with the individual experts with this equipment. They can help you understand their special features.
Maybe you just want to see a certain gadget that you read about in Southern Boating or learn what you need to do to replace a piece of onboard equipment. Often, the land exhibits are manned by product representatives who are thrilled to talk about the latest in their company’s technology.
Define Your Mission
Research the boats and equipment scheduled to be at the show. Contact brokers or dealers to be sure you can get aboard your dream boat. Snag a copy of the boat show map or download the app to learn where the vendors who you want to visit are located. Go early and plan to spend all day or maybe every day of the show to find your perfect boat.
Captains Chris & Alyse Caldwell are USCG 100-ton Masters and cruising coaches who offer personal boat training online or on board your boat anywhere. The Caldwells help build your cruising confidence with hands-on training, with their AskCaptainChris.com training videos, through two-day seminars filled with tons of tips for the boater who loves learning, and now remote learning. Learn more about Captain Chris Yacht Services.
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