Boot Dusseldorf, the big indoor boat show 2025

[petem]

Pete, I think you should have a stand at Duss next year. Then we can tap you up for tickets

I don't think my entire turnover would pay for a stand!

 

[st599]

Some very interesting bits around the side of the show. German research institute Fraunhofer have a stand with some new battery technology, the presentation from the European Commission on carbon zero in recreational boating was very interesting, and the chats with electronic manufacturers about the new MCA spec for a "For Navigation" solution for the UK enlightening.

 

[Cariadco]

I'll be there tomorrow, but everything I'll be looking at will have a great big 17m pole sticking out of it...!!!

 

[henryf]

When you want to win best toy in the marina……

I didn’t ask the price but suspect it will be more than a powered surf board or jet ski.

 

[henryf]

Back to reality these looked a well built and designed bit of kit. Choice of battery or petrol powered - with the push back against lithium on boats the petrol looks a good option, 10kg lighter as well.

The handlebars are easily removable so you don’t have to deliberate over which option to buy. I think there’s a Jetsurf dealer in Poole.

 

[ari]

The short answer is we really like it. Much of my hesitancy had been because of the limited storage and under counter refrigeration often found with galley up designs.

We have a full height fridge freezer and there are also eye level storage units on the F55. We also haven’t wasted galley real estate on a dish washer. Having the opening window onto the cockpit allows you to service both inside and outside spaces on the boat. Sharon is able to keep and eye on charter guests from her control centre, with galley down they were out of sight when she was in the kitchen.

Little things like having the sink in close proximity to drinks chillers and ice maker are very handy. I’m a convert.

That's very interesting, thank you. Particularly as you've experienced both options.

 

[benjenbav]

I don't think my entire turnover would pay for a stand!

Perhaps you’re not in the mindset of spending big and putting up your prices in order to manage the transition to profit (as someone engagingly put it a ways up the thread)?

But just think of the fun you could have telling potential punters who’d travelled 1,000km in order to see your products to turn around and do one.

 

[st599]

I don't think my entire turnover would pay for a stand!

Annoyingly the number of small traders/clubs/associations stands has dwindled to nearly zero.

 

[petem]

Annoyingly the number of small traders/clubs/associations stands has dwindled to nearly zero.

Probably because 99% of marketing is now online.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

The strange thing is I spent quite a bit of time with them over 2 years at Cannes and championed their boats at the time.

I spoke at length with one of their production team who was from the UK.

They were a definite contender when we bought the F55 but at the time of ordering I think it was all they could do to satisfy orders from their existing dealer network. They weren’t interested in getting a boat into the UK.

Yes, the interest dwindled to zero when I said I was in the UK. Exactly the same. Weird, but who knows what goes through the head of boat manufacturers!

 

[petem]

Yes, the interest dwindled to zero when I said I was in the UK. Exactly the same. Weird, but who knows what goes through the head of boat manufacturers!

If they were that clever, they wouldn't be in the boat making industry.

 

[henryf]

The most incredible boat of the show must surely be from Mulder. Many builders use tradition, craftsmanship and perfection in their marketing. Very few if any truly deliver. Stepping on board this boat literally took my breath away.

The aluminium hull, the quality of the joinery, the styling. If I had to choose one boat as an object of desire this would be it. A properly little ship.

Future owners should be justifiably proud.

 

[Dino]

When you want to win best toy in the marina……

I didn’t ask the price but suspect it will be more than a powered surf board or jet ski.

I saw that in 2023, starting from €595,000

 

[henryf]

I saw that in 2023, starting from €595,000

Oh so not that expensive then. More than a Highfield tender but not quite as much as a Williams…..

 

[JerseyDiver]

Father Xmas (wife) surprised me with flights and tickets for both of us and son to go to Dusseldorf. Now there ready for show for next 3 days......turns out they are both competing in Eurotour SUP representing team GB Saturday and Sunday. I guess I will have to fill my time looking at boats.

1st mistake - leaving my phone on the kitchen table this morning and only noticing when we arrived at the airport.

 

[Skipper Felice]

I guess I will have to fill my time looking at boats.

1st mistake - leaving my phone on the kitchen table this morning and only noticing when we arrived at the airport. ... ...

Well - as a good seafarer on the high seas ... you will be skilled to find your way around the day without your "smart"-phone and your "pocket life spy" without any kind of AI ...

 

[henryf]

Father Xmas (wife) surprised me with flights and tickets for both of us and son to go to Dusseldorf. Now there ready for show for next 3 days......turns out they are both competing in Eurotour SUP representing team GB Saturday and Sunday. I guess I will have to fill my time looking at boats.

1st mistake - leaving my phone on the kitchen table this morning and only noticing when we arrived at the airport.

Enjoy your time there. We had a good show this year. Did a bit of networking, enjoyed some good food a popped over to Classic Remise which, if you like cars is amazing - and free to enter.

 

[JerseyDiver]

Enjoy your time there. We had a good show this year. Did a bit of networking, enjoyed some good food a popped over to Classic Remise which, if you like cars is amazing - and free to enter.

Thanks Henry- Classic Remise will have to be next year. The atmosphere in the pool for all the events was excellent. My son enjoyed chilling out with various world champions in the riders chill out area.

As for the boats, If you are a serious buyer and want some time with a dealer - pre book. That said, I had no issue viewing the few boats I wanted to and a few that were just out of curiosity. The longest wait was only a few minutes to look at a Botnia Targa that had a family viewing ahead of us.

Motorboats definitely out weigh the sails at Boot, a surprising number of electric / hybrid options showing the potential future.

 

[Cariadco]

Thanks Henry- Classic Remise will have to be next year. The atmosphere in the pool for all the events was excellent. My son enjoyed chilling out with various world champions in the riders chill out area.

As for the boats, If you are a serious buyer and want some time with a dealer - pre book. That said, I had no issue viewing the few boats I wanted to and a few that were just out of curiosity. The longest wait was only a few minutes to look at a Botnia Targa that had a family viewing ahead of us.

Motorboats definitely out weigh the sails at Boot, a surprising number of electric / hybrid options showing the potential future.

Electric Boats, 'potential' future!!!! Very Good.

 

[EricJ]

Dusseldorf was very nice. Despite the generally smaller stands and some empty spaces in the sail boat and holiday halls, it was a fantastic mix of everything related to watersports.
The F58 was certainly a highlight. The use of space is impressive; very well proportioned inside. The size of the windows amazed me even for a 58 ft boat. The dining table opposite the galley is nice but I think it is not a must. A sidedoor would have been nice and on the flybridge there is no edge at the back of wetbar to prevent the freshly prepared canapes from flying off the flybridge. Other than that it looks to be close to perfection.

I also liked the Nimbus 495. Well finished, large sidedoor, negative windshield helping to keep visibility. It would have been good if they stayed with shafts but this design has IPS. Plenty of space in the engineroom though.

The Marex 440 is a great boat in its category. At the show they had the Scandinavia version with the dinette inside and a smaller galley rather than the gourmet version with the huge galley. Very well finished and available with shafts, outdrives and IPS.
New for me were the Skilso and Viknes boats. Clever designs, especially the Viknes which packed two good cabins plus a single bed under the dinette in a 10 m hull. All the space down below comes with a rather large step in the sidewalk to the bow. Not as easy on the eye as some other brands, but a refreshing design.

At various stands it surprised me how much sales personnel is just standing there, looking at their phones, chatting with each other, instead of walking up to potential customers.
Overall a great day.