Do you like SBS?

[Medskipper]

Went to the show yesterday. ok ok it was tipping with rain the whole day (just my luck!) but I just don't really like the show.

Its spread out all over the place, it took fifteen minutes following the entrance signs to find the way in! every type of stand is spread all over the place, so if you are looking for chandlery items for instance you have to walk all over the exhibition! and its hard to walk back and compare like for like when considering an item! I used to like Earls Court because all chandlery was upstairs! so if you walked around the whole upstairs area you knew you had seen it all! at SBS I left the show with a feeling that I must have missed loads! Is it just me or does anyone else feel like this as well?

For me the best bit is being able to see all the boats in the water! but if you are not looking for a new boat a quick walk round is all that is needed, most of the salemen don't want you on board anyway! particularly when its pouring with rain and everybody is soaking wet!

Barry

<hr width=100% size=1>I just want to retire with my boat to the Med!

 

[gonfishing]

We went last year and were not intending to go back this year for the same reasons. However this year we are leaving the kids at home, so that should help!!!
I'll let you know on Monday when I get back to see if I still feeel the same about it, hopefully tomorrow should be good weather wise!!!

Julian

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[Nauti Fox]

Yep went yesterday as well,for us the worst thing was a lack of covered eating places as Mrs Unit 18 does'nt like her danish pastries filling up with water.On the plus side got a good deal from Eberspacher and found some lighting that will be ideal for what we want.I think its great if you're going after specific things and can talk directly to the manufacturers.By the way did you see the Oceana going out?
Al.

<hr width=100% size=1>No dear,the water goes in the other one.

 

[DavidJ]

We had a great day (on Thursday) and I took my mate not the wife.
I'm glad someone else found difficulty finding the entrance...I though it was only me!!
The experience is clearly weather and crowd dependant because we went on loads of boats (liked the Sealine T60!) and found the 'stalls' helpful. I'm sure with the layout that we missed a lot though.

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[Medskipper]

Yes I saw it! big bonus that, it was great, hell of a horn!! wouldn't want to hear that coming out of the fog!!

I agree with you, no shelter or place to sit when trying to grab a bite! there are so many small areas with stands that I'm sure quite a lot is missed! seem to be walking for miles!

Still MDL came up trumps for their clients, somewhere comfortable to sit and a free beer thrown in as well, Well done MDL !! Great service and hospitality.

Barry


<hr width=100% size=1>I just want to retire with my boat to the Med!

 

[Althorne]

We went on wednesday and seem to have got the best of the weather, which helps. We make a point of only going every 4 or 5 years or if we really want something that is best bought there or an upgrade of boat we want to see. I think shows are horses for courses, some you enjoy some you don't, no matter how often you go to the same one. Last time I went to SIBS I didn't enjoy it, this time I did. Also used the park and ride for the first time and would certainly do it next time. Much better than the town car parks although the £7 charge is taking the P**s when you think I bought 2 £14 entry tickets for £13.40. You pays your money................

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[ChrisChevey]

i enjoyed it, took the wife and my daughter, lilteenskipejo, who really enjoyed it.

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[BrendanS]

Enjoyed it too. Met a bunch of forumites, viewed several boats, and generally had a great time.

If you want to stay inside out of the wet (not much of a boater then?), go to the London show in Jan, and trawl round the many stalls, all of which seem the same. If you want to go see lots of boats on the water, then Sibs is good

<hr width=100% size=1>Me transmitte sursum, caledoni

 

[Medskipper]

You missed my point Brendon! I wandered around in the rain and It didnt bother me much, large number of people crowded into the tented areas to try and keep dry though! No I just feel that is so sprawling, bits of show all over the place, little areas with a few stands, then across bridges to get to a bit more! It just left me with the feeling that I must of missed loads thats all! I guess I prefer the London show because it appears to be more co-ordinated!

Barry

P.S. Iv'e been boating for many years in all weathers, conditions and climates!

<hr width=100% size=1>I just want to retire with my boat to the Med!

 

[gonfishing]

Good day overall, but

I do prefer London!!! just got back from the show, I saw all the stands this year ,I think!!! but certainly didn't have time to set foot on any of the boats?? I must agree with you Barry it is nowhere as "organised" as LBS. we did however have really good weather which made things quite a bit easier!!

Julian

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[JEG]

Yes. However, it would be substantially improved if, on some days, nico-junkies, fat people & backback users were banned.

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