London Boat Show - what did I miss?

kimhollamby

kimhollamby

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www.kimhollamby.com
Despite best of intentions I didn't make it to the show this year; in fact spend most of the first few days trying to ensure staff weren't stranded as they flew into LHR or, errr...stranded as they tried to fly out. And an extremely convenient appointment that would have placed me near Excel for late night Thursday was cancelled. Best laid plans and all of that.

Highlights anyone?
 
I think it was clear that the UK boats have a big price advantage over Eu ones. Ok, you might say we all know that, but its a bit different when you go from one boat to another and then look at the price tag.
For me, S/S managed to display the most vulgar boat I ve ever seen right at the front of their stand,Fairline were extremely courteous indeed, but I just love those Nordwests. It would have been intersting to see the 37 f/bridge against the 37 they were showing.I dont think I can say they are expensive bcz of the quality, but its quite a big ticket for 37ft.
The show was smaller, and even those displaying had smaller stands on the whole. I enjoyed it alot; I guess thats what it should be about.
 
boat show or lack of it

we were disappointed.
seem to be a lot less of everything with many "stalls" selling the same thing.
just appeared to be a lot less this year and so much more quieter too.
 
No where near as much as in previous years, I looked around in about 3 hours then went to bar and by 3-30 on sunday they had run out of Guinness, very dissapointing
 
So its now 3:30

aquapower said:
No where near as much as in previous years, I looked around in about 3 hours then went to bar and by 3-30 on sunday they had run out of Guinness, very dissapointing
Click to expand...
They ran out of Guinness?

I dont really understand this as I spent 10 days next to the Black and White Bar and trust me I saw the foundations weakening so I took it upon myself to support it everyday that included a last pint at 4:45pm on Sunday.

I always have one (always by myself) close to opening and one close to closing its an OCD thing, like wearing a new pair of socks on every flight I take...
 
Think I was at the wrong bar as there was more than one, typical, never mind they didnt run out at the premier inn thank god!
 
Well I went for a meeting on the Friday and had a quick look round and then went back on Saturday. I think the show is what you make it and a lot of people on here are in the not as good as it used to be mode, we get that every year on all shows, then others look at it and dont go stall holders dont take money and dont return then the circle continues. Im not saying they all do but it doesnt help lets be positive and encourage more people to go. I guess if you have been in boating 20 years and know everything, have everything then maybe your right its no good, but if like me you are in your first 5 years of boating then its interesting

Its a vast cost to attend these shows I do a 3 day exhibition and with hotels and London prices I know what it cost let alone 10 days, I drove up M25 to London the week before Christmas and followed 3 lorries with Princess boats on thats how long this show takes to set up.

Yes a lot did the same thing but sometimes thats good, I went with someone and his boat engine manufacturers were there and spent 10 mins talking to him about do's and dont's, how valuable is that. Then I went to another stand Kuranda they do batteries and power items, spoke to them for some time and learnt something there you only ever find buried in manuals, Im sure you all knew you should not mix gell and acid batteries on some chargers, but I didnt. I thought a battery was a battery and a charger was a charger.

Then there is boats even if you cant afford a new one you can get ideas for your current one you can change things.

I also did something I had never done before as it was quiet I asked to look round a yacht, I explained I have a Mobo and am nosey and the guy said help yourself, they look good, I would never buy one but was nice to look round.

so its what you make it run round and moan go home or take it as it is a bit smaller than usual, but was a day out in this gloomy weather and would rather have a day out than not.
 
Last edited:
kimhollamby said:
Despite best of intentions I didn't make it to the show this year; in fact spend most of the first few days trying to ensure staff weren't stranded as they flew into LHR or, errr...stranded as they tried to fly out. And an extremely convenient appointment that would have placed me near Excel for late night Thursday was cancelled. Best laid plans and all of that.

Highlights anyone?
Click to expand...

A bloke selling a folding ladder. Otherwise you didn't miss much
 
kimhollamby said:
Despite best of intentions I didn't make it to the show this year; in fact spend most of the first few days trying to ensure staff weren't stranded as they flew into LHR or, errr...stranded as they tried to fly out. And an extremely convenient appointment that would have placed me near Excel for late night Thursday was cancelled. Best laid plans and all of that.

Highlights anyone?
Click to expand...

Hi Kim
Hows it hanging.
were on a tight reign these daze Dan is sunning himself yottin & still cracking the whip;)
 
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