Boat Show 2025

I'm going. I've only been once, last year, so I have no memories of long-ago boatshows to compare to. Had a great time last year and expect to again.

I can see why they might be keen to tidy away the very long, narrow entrance part they had last year. Some nice bits there but an awkward arrangement.

i just hope that not everything in Powerhub is really single-mindedly powerboaty.
 
Oh wow, hadn’t looked at the plan yet. Those first areas were always a bit odd, felt more like a country fair than a boat show. We always rushed past and over the bridge to get to the main areas. There was definitely room last year to pack more into the main arena and looking at the plan it looks like they’ve done that.
Looking forward to it!
 
smert said:
Not having the bridge over the road is going to save the organisers a fortune
Click to expand...
I seem to recall that there was only one last year as opposed to the previous two. Crossing Herbert Walker being controlled by a couple of security bods.
 
Anyone been yet to the boat show?
I was there on opening day, and the great weather meant you could walk around without your shoes on and then hop on and off lovely boats all day. There was a couple from Derby who were very kind and great people, just sayin' hi if your here. Cheers.
 
Ah, the long drawn-out death of British Boat Shows!

'I remember when...'
....there were new boat launches of British boats.....
....when the relished winter trek to Earl's Court punctuated the dreary days...
....when even the Beaulieu Boat Jumble was eagerly anticipated!

Many years ago, I even brought a Kelsall cat round from the Hamble, moored it among the teetering wooden piles just off Mayflower Park, and took the dinghy ashore into the Show. The few security bods had no instructions, so they were quite content to let us pass in and out.

Today, thinking to avoid the hassle of driving there and back both in a day, I looked to book a nearby hotel for a couple of nights, leave the car and walk in.
Caramba! They've all doubled their prices for the Show period, and several are fully booked up.

That doesn't look attractive at all!

I think now perhaps I'll just save my pennies and head instead for Paris/Nautic or Dusseldorf....
 
zoidberg said:
.. perhaps I'll just save my pennies and head instead for Paris/Nautic or Dusseldorf....
Click to expand...
The SBS always feels like "Rip Off Britain" whereas BOOT in Dusseldorf is very well organised and huge. It's possible to do it as a day trip from the UK if your flight times work. The messe is 15 mins train ride from the airport.

If you do spread the visit overnight, I highly recommend eating at Brauerei Schumacher in the city.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Resta...macher-Dusseldorf_North_Rhine_Westphalia.html
 
It's definitely much smaller. There are fewer exhibitors, the hall space is smaller, the catering is smaller and the pontoon marina is much smaller. Doesn't mean it'll be weaker as a result but may well be.

Nonetheless I'll be going, possibly Monday but not firmed up yet.
 
We might venture down tomorrow using our free Haslar marina tickets as it might be last year we can have free entry and beers at the Boatfolk stand so it might be a bit of a historic moment . As for boats I’ll be looking at all those mobo that retirees love and no doubt realise I need to buy a secondhand British boat and save a few beans for trips to canaries and Caribbean courtesy of BA . Hopefully it won’t be to wet tomorrow but if so might be Monday with the dog in tow
 
ashtead said:
We might venture down tomorrow using our free Haslar marina tickets as it might be last year we can have free entry and beers at the Boatfolk stand so it might be a bit of a historic moment . As for boats I’ll be looking at all those mobo that retirees love and no doubt realise I need to buy a secondhand British boat and save a few beans for trips to canaries and Caribbean courtesy of BA . Hopefully it won’t be to wet tomorrow but if so might be Monday with the dog in tow
Click to expand...
Is there a recommended way of towing your dog? Is a short, tight line holding his nose tight to your transom a good thing?
 
Just got home after a visit today. It was useful to me as I wanted to sort out a couple of specific items with Harken and Garmin that I couldn't via the internet and measure the inside of a boat oven, again the details not available online.

I'm annoyed with myself for ordering a plotter with 'the boat show discount' only to discover it's 20% cheaper via numerous online chandleries, grrrrrr.

We did stroll round the pontoons to get some fresh air but didn't get on anything as a) nothing of interest and b) don't see the point if I'm not buying.

There was a Bentley stand, loads of big ribs, jet skis, dozens of massive outboards and as above not really my thing.
 
xyachtdave said:
I'm annoyed with myself for ordering a plotter with 'the boat show discount' only to discover it's 20% cheaper via numerous online chandleries, grrrrrr.
Click to expand...

Oh no, that is annoying. I’m planning on buying a plotter at the show. Who did you buy it from? Cactus are there and ‘should’ be one of the cheapest.
 
Had a lovely day at the show today. Didn't seem hugely busy for a first Saturday. I think it was only very little smaller than last year and probably better laid out. Spent a fair bit, but not particularly on trying to drive hard bargains on major boat gear. I did examine a bunch of hardware I will probably end up buying over winter refit, but sellers won't see the connection.
 
I went on Friday, I’m in the yachting industry so attend pretty much all shows, it was my second this month with a third next week !

SBS was purely as a visitor, yes it’s just Mayflower Park, yes it’s considerably smaller however it seemed to work far better.

Visited all the stands I needed / wanted, caught up with a few people, came away with a couple items I needed (not all shows have chandlery or gadget stands) had a couple of coffees and a slice of cake. Parked for 7 quid and all done

It is what it is, a domestic show that has everything anyone would possibly need unless you are buying an actual boat where other shows may offer a greater selection.

Sadly Cannes is the Southampton ( and others !) killer but despite being spread over two locations and more yacht choice than you could ever want, I couldn’t buy a pair of shoes or a fender clip ;)
 
I went yesterday on my own and today with the family. I thought it worked well despite being smaller. Today’s weather was a bit punchy mid-afternoon though, with heavy rain and 40 knot gusts. The kids enjoyed seeing all the stuff we can’t afford. The Hallberg-Rassy 69 is some vessel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top