Amsterdam boat show - any experience?

[Wunja]

Has anyone been to the Amsterdam boat show in previous years?

It is on next week and as it is just up the road, thought I would have a look, but the experiences of people more accustomed to shows would be appreciated.

Sort of things I'd like to know:
Are the stall price competitive?
Any activities beyond the stalls (web site is vague on this).
Any thing to keep a 10yo child interested (apart from pulling the galley doors off new boats /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )

Thanks

 

[Sans Bateau]

I went to a boat show in Amsterdam a couple of years ago in Aug!

Very little in the way of chandlery, but lots and lots of boats, many however best restricted to the inland waterways.

 

[vyv_cox]

We have visited it several times in the days when we lived in The Hague. It's very small, there are usually quite a few boats to board, a better sailing boat/mobo ratio than at London show. Lots of stands by importers, maybe interesting maybe not, as they don't sell anything direct. Very few chandlers, George Kniest usually there with a small amount on sale. Some small local chandlers usually there, we bough Jills waterproofs from one at a good price. Several unusual odds and sods, like vinyl boat names, custom bedding, etc.

OTOH there is quite a pleasant atmosphere, sea shanty concerts at the weekend, traditional boat building demos and competitions. Overall though, very low key. I recall talking to a British wooden boat builder who was very disappointed, expecting to sell a lot he had sold almost nothing.

I suggest you visit Dusseldorf, only 2 hours by train for you, best show I have ever been to, by a long way.

 

[theguvnor]

I`m going on Tuesday or Wednesday. First time at Amsterdam RAI but always go to HISWA in early Sept

 

[Sans Bateau]

[ QUOTE ]
HISWA in early Sept

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes thats the one I went to!