the boat show

[mickyc]

I was thinking of travelling down to southampton for a couple of days (from Nottm) to visit the boat show. However I read an article in MBY suggesting that you needed invites to view the boats.

Is this just to view the mega boats (sunseekers etc) or is it throughout the show ??

Does anyone know what proportion of the boats us mortals may clamber aboard??

thanx

 

[Gelfi]

You can have a look over most of the boats at Soton without any problems. They do like you to take your shoes off or they supply some kind of shoe covers. It's true that some of the boats are by appointment only but generaly an enquiry at the main stand gives you an invite aboard.

If you haven't been before you will find it a much friendlier show than London with a lot off boats an the water in a purpose built marina. In alla good day out.

The only way to go is by water

 

[Guest]

Another good thing is the opportunity to 'try a boat.' There are normally about 30 different craft that you have the opportunity to experience on a half hour trip. I normally only manage one trip in a day, but it may be possible to do one or two more. A lot head for the try a boat stand first to get their name down on their choice of boat.

Robbie W

 

[c_j]

Going by Water

I always imagined that there would be zilch berths available in Southampton during the boat show. Does anyone here go by boat???

CJ
chris@stone.uk.com

www.stone.uk.com

 

[Col]

Re: Going by Water

You imagine right.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/colspics> Cols Picture Album</A>

 

[mickyc]

Re: Going by Water

Thank's for the advice everyone, I'm considering buying my first boat in the next 12 months or so (havn't made the decision on sail or motor yet!!) sounds like Southamptons the place for me to start deciding !!

See you there

 

[Jeremy_W]

Based on experience at Earl's Court - if there's a boat you REALLY want to see ring their production base and book a viewing at Southampton. If you're marginally less interested head for their stand the minute the doors open and book the first available appointment (probably mid/late-afternoon) for the hot boats. Then go off looking at the cheaper/less-popular stuff.

It doesn't matter if you're a dreamer who'd need a second mortgage just to fill the fuel tank. If you love boats and have some knowledge you'll be ahead of 90%+ of Boat Show attendees. The real pain, and I've been an exhibitor, is the bored day-tripper with no knowledge, interest or enthusiasm.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

If you want reasonably unimpeded access to the boats, here's some basic rules.
Dont go at a weekend, best day is preview day or failing that, Monday or Tuesday
Dress smart but dont look as if you've tried too hard - definitely no blazers, caps or ties
Put on your best and cleanest pair of socks 'coz you'll be showing them off a lot
Wear smart shoes but which can be easily taken off and put on - expensive dekkies are best
Visit the pontoon area either first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon - when its quiet
Ignore 'By appointment only' signs. If the boat's not overrun with people just walk on. If you see a salesman just ask if its ok to go on board. Dont wait for the answer
Dont take kids
Dont be scoffing ice cream
Dont ask stupid questions like 'how many engines has this boat got, then'
Do take an intimidating SWMBO (I'll lend you mine)

Remember - you are the customer and they are not doing you a favour by allowing you onto their crappy boat