South Wales Boat Show

[stownsend]

Evening All

Just returned from the boat show in Swansea. Just a few points and observations compared to previous years.

Great value with the 2 for 1 offer in MBM, parked nice and close to the enterance although a bit of a walk to get to the main bit. Seamed slightly smaller than last year but had more boats on display. Had trouble with the pushchair on the gravel, the carpets helped but some areas I had to carry it and the baby, also didn't manage to get onto the pontoons with the pushchair as it was a bit too narrow (my driving isn't the best !). It was also nice to walk into the marina area.

The main reason for going down was to collect my anchor chain from SW Marine !

Cheers

Stu

 

[lancelot]

I wonder how many were put off by the high entrance charges. Adult £8; Child £3; Family £20. It cost us £19. for 2 adults and 1 child. Very few chandlerers. Stall sellers also complained of high prices and not many punters.
Although we had a fairly good time, I bet many boaters could not justify paying the entrance fee.
Normally, the 2 for 1 tickets are well advertised in the sponsoring mag. I did not see the advert in the Mobo mag., probably because I am sail.
Fair winds,
Lancelot

 

[Graham_Wright]

Never have so many done so much for so few with such little reward.

Many complaints from stall holders who made a financial loss.

Boats, what boats (3)?

 

[Csail]

We had a stand there and made a big loss so as the others have said (exhibitors) we probably won't go again. Also i think most people were just out for the sake of it and not sailors.Think i'm down by £300 ish from 3 days away (plus fuel etc). If i stayed here, between us it would have been well over a grand income!
Can't fault the organisers but its the financial climate i think.People were walking away when they were asked for 18 quid to get in. Also i didn't see it advertised much in the places you would expect.
Bet you there won't be one next year after what i heard.
Shame but true.

 

[Csail]

Never have so many done so much for so few with such little reward.

Many complaints from stall holders who made a financial loss.

Boats, what boats (3)?

There were loads of boats!!!!!

 

[carise]

There were loads of boats!!!!!

There were lots of boats, but I think there were only 6 on the water (a 5 min walk from "main" show) with the zapcats/thundercats, a few dinghies and canoes stuck out on their own! Challenger, which should have been a really big draw was stuck god knows how far away. Colleagues and I didn't realise that the boats were actually part of the show for a good hour - no signposting and a very poor layout. There was no natural circulation around stands; lots of wasted space and generally a very poor show!

The opportunity was there, with the dock being adjacent to the show, but that opportunity was wasted! Glad I didn't have to pay!

Here endeth the rant, for now!

 

[stownsend]

There were def more boats than last year, mainly helped by Cambrian Marine by the car park.

Cheers

Stu

 

[Sneds]

We went from Bristol to Swansea on our boat with the intention of visiting the show, after learning of the £8 each (!!!) entrance fee we didn't bother and went to the pub instead.