London Boat Show 2015

[comino]

Having been either en-route or in the Med for the last three Septembers, we've missed the Southampton Boat Shows since 2011. It was a real pleasure to go there each year in the past. We'll be in the UK for the 2015 London Boat Show, but is it worth going these days, or should we skip it and hang on to the fond memories of years gone by. If there's just going to be a pile of speedboats on show, we'll not be happy.

 

[Seren]

Nowhere near what it was in the past - no doubt have the internet to thank for that. A few of the larger chandlers present with reasonable offers but in decline due to the net and high rents. Reduced to one hall now(at some time during the period the other will open up for Cruise/Travel shows etc) and much space occupied by charter companies, marinas and the like. Fewer sailing boats but plenty of mobo Gin Palaces. If you are near London probably worth a day's visit.

 

[sailaboutvic]

We not been for four years and then we found it to be very poor show , so hear say is that it change since them , personally unless I was on the door step I wouldn't bother go .

 

[maxy]

The numbers have been reducing steadily over the last decade sadly. the organisers have recognised they need to produce a spectacle that can't be seen over the internet and have listened to visitors and exhibitors alike. You're right, years ago the show was the only place to see the yachts and what's new, and that has all changed. But their is still something special about talking to another human about your boating needs and desires. For 2015 there will a rejuvenated show, which will hopefully improve further in the coming years. It has been a worthwhile show for us and we will continue to support it as we do Southampton. They have launched their 2015 London website yesterday, which gives a flavour of whats coming. http://www.londonboatshow.com

See you there!

 

[Carmel2]

I am staying well clear! Last time I went I bought a boat, now what a bloody stupid thing that was, sorry not taking that risk again.

 

[Sarnia]

We not been for four years and then we found it to be very poor show , so hear say is that it change since them , personally unless I was on the door step I wouldn't bother go .

Second that, never go to Excel again, Southampton is very good, try not to miss it.

 

[telford_mike]

If you live away from the south coast it's not much more expensive to go to Düsseldorf.

 

[vyv_cox]

If your plan is to go to LIBS for a general look around boats and fittings I would not bother. If your plan is to discuss detail with the manufacturers of specific equipment or boats then it is an excellent opportunity as there is far less time pressure on them.

 

[oldvarnish]

Go to Dusseldorf at the end of January. Great show - and English spoken on all the stands.

 

[roblpm]

Looked at the website. Not many sailing boats to look at I think! I went last year, was in the area anyway, and enjoyed it for a few hours. No Southerly this year. So a few jeanneau, hanse, thats about it I think??!!

 

[Baggywrinkles1]

Don't forget the Guinness Stand !!

 

[sailaboutvic]

Don't forget the Guinness Stand !!

What boats are on display there ?

 

[laika]

I'm not in the camp of people rubbishing the London Boat Show simply because it's at Excel. I think it's a great venue with unsurpassed transport links, and, notably, a dock. Even if the food etc. is a rip-off.

But last year was just the pits. Down to one hall (i.e. less than half the area of a couple of years ago) even including the non-boaty stuff. Very notable absences of manufacturers, not only boat builders (they're not what I'm interested in anyway). Navico (i.e. simrad/lowrance/B&G) weren't there. None of the bargain last-season clothing (just the odd rail of not very reduced stuff). No almanacs cheaper than Amazon. I was trying to find a pair of sealskinz gloves but only one stand had them and at full retail price.

Southampton by contrast has got better and better and then stayed good.

I've always needed two days to enjoy the boat show. Last year at London I was done long before chucking out time on the first day.

There's a thread on the motorboat forum saying that many manufacturers are returning and this year will be better. But I notice Navico aren't on the list. Will I go? Possibly, but rather than being an inevitable calendar event for me it's now a marginal decision.

 

[laika]

What boats are on display there ?

Nonspecific blurb here:
http://www.londonboatshow.com/2015/boats_at_the_london_boat_show.aspx

Exhibitor list (which isn't exactly answering your question...) here:
http://www.londonboatshow.com/2015/exhibitors/all_exhibitors.aspx?&Category=%220%22

 

[sailaboutvic]

On the Guinness Stand !!

 

[laika]

On the Guinness Stand !!

Ah. Point taken. Sorry.

Presumably stare deeply into the dark liquid topped with foam, move the glass to generate the degree of maelstrom you feel just about uncomfortable with and imagine whichever vessel you care to...

 

[maxy]

Looked at the website. Not many sailing boats to look at I think! I went last year, was in the area anyway, and enjoyed it for a few hours. No Southerly this year. So a few jeanneau, hanse, thats about it I think??!!

I am sure all those exhibitors who have spent thousands on their stands and staffing would be really excited to read your summary. Do Bavaria, Dehler, Varianta and Moody not count?

 

[roblpm]

I am sure all those exhibitors who have spent thousands on their stands and staffing would be really excited to read your summary. Do Bavaria, Dehler, Varianta and Moody not count?

Added since i posted i think!

 

[[70521]]

I am sure all those exhibitors who have spent thousands on their stands and staffing would be really excited to read your summary. Do Bavaria, Dehler, Varianta and Moody not count?

A very accurate synopsis I thought and given that there was a line-up of identical boats from four manufactures last year even less than you think.

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

It will be much the same as last year I expect...

I'll still be there though!

Pete