Some change in attitude at the Boatshow this year

[Guest]

Other than finding that 10:00 - 19:00 wasn't enough time to get to all of the stands of interest, I have to say I found those stands I did visit to be extraorinarily helpful and welcoming.

There was no problem in taking another close look a the Najad and Pacific Seacraft ranges (go see the Pacific Seacraft 42 - perhaps the perfect cruiser?) and there was no snooty attitude on the stands such as I encountered last year.

Schaefer, Harken and Selden were superb in giving fair assesments of their gear and I was able to make a decision based on fact.

All in all, I thought it was was great.

 

[rogerroger]

Re: Some change in attitude at the Boatshow this y

Perhaps an indication that tough (er) times are ahead for the marine industry so they now start to pay a little more attention to potential customers.

I'm going on Saturday - but don't think the Mrs will be happy dragging round for 9 hours !! (if only they'd put that Eastenders omnibus on a Saturday...)

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[tony_brighton]

Re: Some change in attitude at the Boatshow this y

Its amazing how an economic down-turn encourages customer service.

 

[brians]

It seemed more for serious owners than for the day tripper as it has been in the past. Didn't noptice any noisy fashion shows or similiar distractions but then I did go after 1600

 

[tony_brighton]

you missed the quiz show with smoke then.

 

[billmacfarlane]

I found something similar. I went on Saturday and had quite a few technical questions needing answered. Much to my surprise they were on every stand I visited. I thought it was quiet for a Saturday so maybe the staff actually had time to deal with queries which isn't always the case.

 

[davel]

I had similar experience / observations as others.

I went on Saturday and found the whole thing pretty refreshing. All seemed helpful and friendly and had time to talk sensibly. Seemed MUCH quiter than previous Saturday visits, even the Guiness Stand served me within 30 seconds of my arrival !

Didn't notice any intrusion from the floor show/quiz thingy.

Food/Drink quality much better than on previous visits.

Bargains seemed less obvious, definately less obvious than in the past.

Came away feeling that it was the best LBS I've been to.

 

[Guest]

Re: Some change in attitude at the Boatshow this y

We went on Thursday and Friday, and there were noticeably fewer people about. Noticeably less press and foreign visitors on the Thursday.
But it was a better show than previously (or at least for a long time).
One cag for me: The appalling food at the RYA lounge. Laurel duid better, she ate at Pret a manger and it was much better and no more expensive. Perhaps the RYA can think about it before next year.


William Cooper