London Boat Show

[Duster]

The only day I can go this year, is the first day, Thur 6th Jan, the "Preview Day" - are there any dissadvantages with this day - like can you buy chandlery etc?
Often MBM or the RYA have cheaper tickets if you buy in advance, I have not seen any offers this year - are there any about?
Regards mikej



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[jhr]

Advantages - less crowded, more serious punters, so you're less likely to be regarded as a time waster by exhibitors, nobody yet suffering from Boat Show Fatigue. I think you can buy things as for any other day.

Disadvantages - twice the price /forums/images/icons/crazy.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>Je suis Marxiste - tendance Groucho

 

[flaming]

Other disadvantage is that some of the less organised exibitors may still be assembling part of their stand or unpacking stock.

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[tcm]

I'm not sure this is allowed. In lots of exhibitions there are limits as to when stand building should be finished and so on. Either way, you can certainly buy chandlery. the guiness bar seemed no less busy, tho...

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[Koeketiene]

For "some" read most.

Been to a London & Porthsmouth preview day - waste of money.
£22.50???

<hr width=100% size=1>Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.

 

[kds]

For "most" read "hardly any".
I agree with the positive comments made here and I find preview day the only time to look at things at leisure - and an excellent day out without having to thread one's way between crowded isles. There is the odd pretty girl around, too. Not that that is of any interest to me, of course.

Ken

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[Evadne]

Seconded.

I went to a preview day at Earls Court a few years ago: quite apart form the welcome lack of pushchairs and anklebiters, and comparative excess of places to sit down, eat, etc., the staff on the stands were all smiling and polite. Worth the extra if you're there for a reason, or even if you're just looking.

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[Mike_Martin]

Not so! No stand build is allowed after 5th January it is even difficult to replenish stock after the show opens. This is because "build" starts on 17 December.

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ofcom.org.uk/licensing_numbering/radiocomms/maritime_licensing/?a=87101>http://www.ofcom.org.uk/licensing_numbering/radiocomms/maritime_licensing/?a=87101</A>

 

[Koeketiene]

Well, I'll believe it when I see it. Won't be this year tho - what a rediculous price!

Also with regards chandleries - you can more or less forget great deals on opening day. The philosofie seems to be that if you can afford the rediculous ticket price, you're loaded.

On the whole I have found stuff to be more expensive on boat shows. Last January passed by the Merlin stand as I wanted to look at the Dolphin battery charger I had seen advertised in PBO. Was quoted a "special" boat show price £69 OVER the price advertised in PBO. Obviously didn't buy it then. Ordered it the next day over the phone and got it at the advertised price.

<hr width=100% size=1>Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.