Boat Shows

Sibs: = On the water = Real world.

Excel: = False = Rigid boats - Centraly heated - False Lighting -

Agree: Excel = Diminishing show of boats & exhibitors. Stands usually same old stuff.
Could be merged with an Caravan show to fill space etc etc. But in the real world Southampton for the U/K has to be the real show, and best logistics for everyone.

Even some dealers have now created their own open weekends on the South Coast throughout the year to try a boat without all the pomp and ceremony which has actually resulted in sales! and less overheads all round.

Proven fact, so-

That's my opinion anyway and goodnight and merry christmsas.
 
Excel Better than Xmas ?

"Genoa - is very international and you see all sizes and types of boats."

Always go to both LBS and SBS.
Each offers a different aspect on boating and because of their different locations and aspirations,they each mark something in the boaty year to look forward to,especially Excel,which is a bright point to look forword to in the bleak midwinter.
For those who find Excel has no attraction,fine,perhaps boating in all its aspects has lost its appeal and perhaps the Camping or Golf exibitions would provide something of more interest in the long term.
Despite all the naysayers Excel has continued through some of the most challenging economic times within memory,another venue,on the other side of London, did not survive during the most profligate.
Have been to Genoa and did enjoy the experience,but,its 1000 miles away and both SBS and LBS provide a much more accurate picture of the sort of boating that goes on in the UK.
Having been boating since the 1950s and despite there not being a chance in hell of buying anything that floats at Excel,will still be there staring at all the shiney glass fibre and hoping to get mud of the pile of some rich gits white carpet.
A chance to meet up with folks again who own anything from a 60ft Squadron in Spain down to 22ft Fairline on the Thames......long may it last.:)
If you dont like it do not go,there will probably be something on the telly....a repeat of Xfactorcomedancinginthebigbrotherehousewithaddedsimoncowell...Enjoy.
 
Last edited:
Sibs for those that live local and Excell for those that live around London and Midlands.

Not interested in walking along pontoons at Sibs looking at boats and the halls are to crowded, but I still go every two years.

Love Excell because it is not as frenetic and the exhibitors have time to talk, and of course it is local to me.

No exhibition is perfect for all people but we should be thankful that we have this little ray of sunshine available to us in boring January should we wish to avail ourselves to its admitted limited offerings.

BUT just wait until the massive extention, that is being constucted at the moment is finished which will double or even treble the available floor space.
 
Miami is good

jimmy_the_builder said:
It's hard to beat Miami: tons of boats, easy to look at anything you like, guaranteed sunshine.

Cheers
Jimmy
Click to expand...

As long as you finish off Sunday with a big fat Cheeseburger in the Fontainebleau (the finest burger I have ever had and I have had a few)

I prefer Ft Lauderdale Stateside for its bonker factor.

There is only one show for me and you have to sail and that is Annapolis, cant explain why, you just have to go there to understand.

Keep um coming

Oh and Rio is pretty mad, not many boats though....
 
Well I have had no experience of all these foreign boat shows so cannot comment, but I am looking forward to Liverpool. As has already been said if you are in the South or East LIBS is good but if you think what Liverpool has to offer it should be a good do. Central for everyone in British Isles, Ireland (North or South), Scotland, Wales and the rest of England easy to get to good motorway links and trains and planes as well. So bring it on !

Mal
 
Birmingham OLS

We found ourselves at the NEC in Birmingham February, Boat,Caravan & leisure show or the Outdoor leisure show I think it's now called.
If you like the variety then this show will take some beating, year on year the Mobo hall gets biger and better, as with a small show you have time to look and talk and when you need to take a rest there are many side shows and attractions too.
Picking up some essentials can be done cheaply by visiting the caravan/camping sections and take a look at those modern designs in park homes!, better than our home some of them.
If you live central uk theres nowhere more accesable, NEC is next to Birmingham International train station, a maglev ride from the airport and situated next to the M6/M5/M42/M40 covering almost all destinations.

Been to excell, which we have only done once, location is a pain to get too, earls court many times, which is expensive to park and then tube in, and southhampton which is by far the best show on the water (UK).
So here's my vote: Birmingham NEC Outdoor leisure show, February.
 
DougH said:
Sibs for those that live local and Excell for those that live around London and Midlands.

Not interested in walking along pontoons at Sibs looking at boats and the halls are to crowded, but I still go every two years.

Love Excell because it is not as frenetic and the exhibitors have time to talk, and of course it is local to me.

No exhibition is perfect for all people but we should be thankful that we have this little ray of sunshine available to us in boring January should we wish to avail ourselves to its admitted limited offerings.
Click to expand...


Couldn't have put it better myself.

Tom
 
Excel is just up the road so tend to go to that one more than sibs, unless looking for something specific that wont be at excel. Have bought a boat or two on the strength of both shows.Excel may not be the best show for exhibitors but to not have at least a token presence at all shows may prove costly in the long run. Having just acquired a new boat I think the clothing exhibitors had better prepare for SWMBO this year & stock up. I will not be able to limit her budget on the grounds of saving up for the boat this year.:eek:
 
Cannot understand the bile that is heaped on Excel - if you don't like it, don't visit - simple as that.

As for the yearnings, ever expressed, for Earls Court - I was delighted when I no longer had to fight my way to get there and fight again to see anything while there.

Tom
 
"So here's my vote: Birmingham NEC Outdoor leisure show"

" ......................will your alloy wheels still be on the car when you come out ? :)



"what Liverpool has to offer it should be a good do."
........will your car even be there ? :)
 
my choice is Southampton, for the range of boats and gear, local for me, it takes me about 15 mins to get there, and at my time of life, I don't want to waste anytime getting there or queuing to see something I might want to purchase.:D I buy the tickets in advance on line.:)
 
NEC

oldgit said:
"So here's my vote: Birmingham NEC Outdoor leisure show"

" ......................will your alloy wheels still be on the car when you come out ? :)



"what Liverpool has to offer it should be a good do."
........will your car even be there ? :)
Click to expand...

Ha Ha, of course they will, but the car may not be where you left it(only joking), still it's very well organised, free parking on security controled car parks and free shuttle bus to and from the entrance so no long trudge with your booty.
Now Liverpool is another show to which I lay claim to have not attended, I would however make it part of a long weekend citybreak just for the fun of it, what time of year we talking about?
 
RichardShead said:
Ok lots of debate as to which one but which one is really your favourite and for what reason? Any Country, any town just name which and why?
Click to expand...

Dusseldorf because it's so much larger than any other show and you see so many boats you will never see at a UK show plus Dusseldorf Altstadt is great for going out in the evening
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

B
Holyhead Marina these days?
Replies
2
Views
299
Blue Seas
B

Share this page

Top