Boat Show Virgin needs help

[rmashton]

First time at the boat show, we'll be going a week tomorrow.

I've heard lots about having to book for appointments, book to view boats, remove your shoes everywhere?

We want to track down suitable boats, but I don't fancy not being able to see what I want to when I get there. My wife also wants to check out all the 'You must have one of these' stalls :-(

Can anyone offer advice for a boat show novice on the best way to spend your time? ie: Do I leg it round the vendors in the morning and book afternoon appointments, take a well earned rest in the Guiness tent over lunch and then slur my way around trying not to look too drunk and sound like I may indeed be able to buy a boat?

Any 'sensible' advice would be appreciated to make out first show a good experience.

 

[EME]

I got into this about 2 years ago.

I've worked out that best thing to do is to get there early and book appointments in afternoon to see what you want to. For this year's LBS I even made the appointments before I went...got treated like royalty for that one !

Guinnes tent NOT a good idea. On second vosit last year went with good mate/work colleague and overdid it. He got so ratted that he insisted on pressing horn on every BIG boat in place. No real problem, though just give nom de plume of most posters here and they'll understand as acceptable behaviour.

The 'Fun' stalls. Definitely done asap and early in day , cos everyone trying to get on blessed boats first like what you will want to do.

Other advice would be to leave SWMBO at home and go with budget agreed.

ALL in my IMHO of course

...I wanna boat please..

 

[Guest]

My good lady entertains our two young boys elesewhere, so the boat show is MY thing, giving me freedom to look at the interesting things.

I get there in time for the doors to open and make my way quickly to the try a boat stand and book a preferred boat for an am slot. Plan your am around this. (You may be able to book a pm slot in another boat after lunch - you can only book one slot at a time).

Use your show map/guide to locate those boats/exhibits that are of interest to you and make for them around your try a boiat slots.

It may pay to get appointments in advance on the boats that you are interested in. (you may get a complementarry ticket)

A lot of dealers will allow you onto their boats wearing deck shoes. Wearr comfy footwear that does not take a lot of hassle to put on/take off.

I usually meet up with my mate at the Guiness bar every couple of hours. By about 5 pm, any other plans normally go to rat s**t


Robbie W

 

[sailbadthesinner]

Have a look around
then book test sails/drives


I'd take clean deck shoes and thick socks so if you do have to tale them off you can do so without fuss.

oh and donot ask for a pina colada and a campari in the guinness tent
they donot have any.

Beer! Now there's a temporary solution.

 

[AndyT]

Get their early, best on a week day, NOT weekends and if you have narrowed your search down to a couple of boats, contact the dealer before you go they will often send out free tickets to people who are actually interested in buying and not just looking, Oh yes Guinness stand is essential !!! Happy hunting

 

[byron]

Find the Guinness stand and stay there

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[oldgit]

Re:Free beer?

Ask for bar bill for you and your 6 mates a jus sign something like Kim H sqigggle scrawl etc etc.Free drinks no prob.

Just hold tight dear it will not be so rough when we get round the corner,trust me.