capnsensible
Well-known member
Just like high street retail, I reckon the end is nigh for boat shows.
Southampton Boat Show attendance
- Thread starter Concerto
- Start date
dunedin
Well-known member
I agree for general equipment etc.
But a physical boat show is a unique opportunity to go on board and compare different boats from different manufacturers - layout, space, build quality etc. That was how I chose my current boat. But most of us buy a new boat very infrequently. And to work there needs to be a lot of boats there.
So probably only need one or two of these in Europe, as if planning to spend £1/4 million upwards in a new boat, a 500 mile or so flight to such a show should not be a deterrent. (Those moaning minnies who used to complain about the “difficulty” in getting from West London to Excel were probably tyre kickers anyway.)
Equally Oyster, HR, Arcona etc won’t be worrying about people who were put off by a £16 entry fee, as unlikely to be people with the cash to be new boat buyers.
flaming
Well-known member
It will be if they don't adapt and keep relying on the old model.
Praxinoscope
Well-known member
Several problems surround events like the SBS.
We decided not to attend, partly because I would only be interested in the chandlery stands showing small chandlery items as I have no intention of buying a new boat, or interest in viewing boats that I could only afford in my dreams, ( I think there are others who think the same) and the cost of distance travel to/ from the show including potentially an overnight in an hotel is an added deterrent. This ignores the cost of refreshments on the field, I have seen £10 mentioned as a price for a burger,.
Despite what the general public believes, boating is not in general the luxury end of the leisure industry, yes there is that part of it, but I would suggest that a higher percentage of those who go boating in all its forms are not in the luxury section and spend not much more in a year on their hobby than someone who follows a football team to their home and away games.
From an exhibitors viewpoint, shows are an expensive operation that need to have a reasonable potential to generate sufficient business not just to cover the cost of exhibition stand costs (Cheapest at SBS ’ is £1110 + VAT for a 3x3m bare outside pitch through to £4300 for a 3x3m minimal fitting inside pitch) this of course excludes staff costs, travelling, hotels etc, one needs to sell a lot of shackles/pick-up buoys etc. to cover these costs so the SME’s that would provide the visitor small item interest have to be very sure of the benefits of exhibiting, especially in times when the economy is in a fragile state.
So the show reverts to the high end of the market where the economy is less fragile and loses the SME’s and low budget visitor that would in the past have inflated the numbers.
Is the ‘Show’ doomed? as capnsensible suggests? Possibly but not necessarily, somehow the SME’s need to be attracted back, perhaps widen areas of the attraction, to include products that might appeal to a wider section of visitors, improve the catering ,
and hope that the cost of travel declines to a more affordable level so that travel from more distant areas can justify the cost of visiting.
We decided not to attend, partly because I would only be interested in the chandlery stands showing small chandlery items as I have no intention of buying a new boat, or interest in viewing boats that I could only afford in my dreams, ( I think there are others who think the same) and the cost of distance travel to/ from the show including potentially an overnight in an hotel is an added deterrent. This ignores the cost of refreshments on the field, I have seen £10 mentioned as a price for a burger,.
Despite what the general public believes, boating is not in general the luxury end of the leisure industry, yes there is that part of it, but I would suggest that a higher percentage of those who go boating in all its forms are not in the luxury section and spend not much more in a year on their hobby than someone who follows a football team to their home and away games.
From an exhibitors viewpoint, shows are an expensive operation that need to have a reasonable potential to generate sufficient business not just to cover the cost of exhibition stand costs (Cheapest at SBS ’ is £1110 + VAT for a 3x3m bare outside pitch through to £4300 for a 3x3m minimal fitting inside pitch) this of course excludes staff costs, travelling, hotels etc, one needs to sell a lot of shackles/pick-up buoys etc. to cover these costs so the SME’s that would provide the visitor small item interest have to be very sure of the benefits of exhibiting, especially in times when the economy is in a fragile state.
So the show reverts to the high end of the market where the economy is less fragile and loses the SME’s and low budget visitor that would in the past have inflated the numbers.
Is the ‘Show’ doomed? as capnsensible suggests? Possibly but not necessarily, somehow the SME’s need to be attracted back, perhaps widen areas of the attraction, to include products that might appeal to a wider section of visitors, improve the catering ,
and hope that the cost of travel declines to a more affordable level so that travel from more distant areas can justify the cost of visiting.
st599
Well-known member
Is the issue not that whilst there are other providers, they aren't sufficiently recognised or don't cover areas in enough detail for MCA coding (needed by sailing schools, charter firms and the like). The only alternative to paper charts for Coding is a full ECDIS system, none of which are currently suitable for a yacht.
I've seen mention on the OpenCPN forums that what is missing is the ability to input a non-GPS position and the tools to help you do that (e.g. the ability to click on three points and add the bearing measured to and for the software to then indicate where you are and the confidence in the measurement).
There may also be limitations on what software can run on the device and automation of chart updates (which would require GSM presumably) when looking at the inlandECDIS settings in OpenCPN - InlandECDIS [OpenCPN Manuals]
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Sandy
Well-known member
NV, my current favorite chart maker, were going to do the whole of the UK, but after we decided to enter a parallel universe decided that the market was to small to make it worthwhile.
I have the West Coast of Scotland Leisure Folios tucked away in a safe place. As the geology of Scotland is some of the oldest on the planet I am not expecting any violent movement in my lifetime, unless the Great Glen makes a sudden move north.
Having spent last week in Scotland it was refreshing to see the number of visitors from the other universe that had made the jump through hyperspace.
Sandy
Well-known member
That's a problem for the MCA to sort out. I hope the RYA and Fishing industry bodies are in discussions with them.
Kwik Decision
Active member
That is the reason I didn't go.
I've been to the show every year it has run for the past 10 yrs or so, using the free RYA ticket, and as a boat owner spent a lot of money there over that time (engine, prop, 3 sails, stack pack, life jackets, more bits of rope than you can shake a stick at...). While I'm not in the market for a new boat, I was assuming I am the sort of customer they want there, but I'm not paying a significant entrance fee to go shopping. I'm considering a new main sail for the current boat, and, had I gone to show, may have placed an order after talking to a number of the sail makers. As it stands, it will wait until next year...
LONG_KEELER
Well-known member
And probably boat jumbles too.
I'm surprised that 80,000 turned up.
Still, life goes on , people retire or get left a house from their parents or whatever and have a dream of messing about in boats. I don't know if sailing schools are suffering much.
Kurrawong_Kid
Well-known member
I didnt go this year. (Only missed two since the first one. Remember rushing back to see the next episode of Howard's Way! )
Why? I just couldn't be bothered with the hassle of the traffic. Since the reduction in the level of Covid, lifted by the uncertainty of rail travel, underlying traffic seems to be higher than ever, despite the cost of fuel. Just one small hold up can easily turn a 2.5h hr. journey into 3 hrs. or more. Sure, I would have enjoyed the show, but I got on with jobs at home so I can get to the boat for a few days next month. This for the same reason. I dont go to the boat"weekending" any more; I try to make sure I do 4 days at least, otherwise there is no pleasure in it.
Why? I just couldn't be bothered with the hassle of the traffic. Since the reduction in the level of Covid, lifted by the uncertainty of rail travel, underlying traffic seems to be higher than ever, despite the cost of fuel. Just one small hold up can easily turn a 2.5h hr. journey into 3 hrs. or more. Sure, I would have enjoyed the show, but I got on with jobs at home so I can get to the boat for a few days next month. This for the same reason. I dont go to the boat"weekending" any more; I try to make sure I do 4 days at least, otherwise there is no pleasure in it.
dunedin
Well-known member
At risk of thread drift, yes there were a lot of overseas yachts in Scottish waters this summer - particularly large numbers from France, also Holland, Sweden, Denmark etc. Also quite a few Australian and NZ registered boats still in Scottish waters, some of whom I recognised as Covid refugees from 2020 and 2021. Unfortunately a Scotland provided rubbish weather to our visitors so there may be less next year.
And I too like the NV folios, which I have for the Baltic, but none up here. I bought the latest versions of all the Scottish UKHO Small Craft Folios before the chandlers ran out of stocks.
Boathook
Well-known member
A problem with chandleries is that they only carry a limited range of items. My view of the show is to look and see items, try on as required and then make a decision. If you do have to order on line as least you know what you are after, whether it fits and how comfortable. For me it does seem that a drive down to Port Solent will be happening as that seems the biggest chandlery within an hours drive, subject to traffic ...
dunedin
Well-known member
Surely a 30 minute delay on a 2.5 hour journey isn’t a huge crisis, or reason not to visit a unique event such as a boat show. Like lack of free tickets, this just reflects the desire to attend was low, as where there is a will there is a way.
(Our drive was over 8 hours each way, and typical M6 chaos added an hour or so, but cest la vie.)
skua164
Member
Yes, Transport delays are often to be expected.
I'm sure I heard or read somewhere a brief mention that one Bloke set off for the Show, took a wrong turning and it took him 112 Days to find the place !
I'm sure I heard or read somewhere a brief mention that one Bloke set off for the Show, took a wrong turning and it took him 112 Days to find the place !
Sandy
Well-known member
Oddly, when I visit a good chandlery near me and there are several they usually need to order the item in from the warehouse, distributor or manufacturer! All to do with the cost of holding stock.
Can you let me know where you visit, we are in the same county, as I love to see these 'reduced items', for used items I use Marine Bazaar in Plymouth.
FairweatherDave
Well-known member
We went on Thursday as a"day out".....we got slightly reduced rates due to my son having a disability and needing "a carer". I certainly would not go every year given the entry fee if full price. However we had a thoroughly good day out and enjoyed meeting Roger and Gary at the Westerly stand, and seeing Duncan Well demonstrating MOB techniques (as I know the theory but seeing it is good). Would have enjoyed browsing a chandlery for clothing but that is easy enough another time. Went on a Fairline 51 to see how some people "boat", plus a 38' cat - similar reason - not a serious customer. Had good conversations about SUP windsurfer and wing foiling as both are possibles. Bought a portable solar panel after useful conversation with the stand and good to see electric outboards up close. So pleased not to have gone Friday....I imagine the biblical rain that hit Hove might also have made outside exhibits not much fun. So that is my third boat show in 20 years.....a good day out. I wasn't looking for bargains and would not expect them there.
capnsensible
Well-known member
We stopped because of the ever spiralling price of a small space and the drop off in footfall. There were days at Excel where it would have been livelier being Rudolf Hess's prison guard.
Lightwave395
Well-known member
I went on the last friday, the rain had stopped by the time the first off-peak redjet arrived, I didn't expect much and so I wasn't disappointed.
Who buys all those black RIB's large and small that seem to surround me everywhere ?
Who buys all those black RIB's large and small that seem to surround me everywhere ?
ylop
Well-known member
I thought Imray were suitable for coding?
if that is all that is missing I could probably add it over the course of a weekend (assuming I cared enough to spend my time on someone else's commercial problem!). I suspect its not quite as simple as that
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Frogmogman
Well-known member
People smugglers ?