Article Surfing Archive

The boat expo at Cleveland, The Cleveland Boat Show was a magnificent event, showcasing the boating industry's economical strength like never before. Evidently, most of the dealers and traders were content with the goods and exciting attractions the expo had to offer. Boats of all shapes and sizes were put on show - whether you like fishing, sailing, cruising, skiing, wakeboarding, or just going really, really fast, the Expo has something for you! Conclusively, the exhibition was quite a success. The show stealer however was the most attractive boat of the show - the sensational Italian 44-foot Mochi Craft from the Ferrette Group, displayed by MarineMax.

The show was a great place for prospective buyers to see and buy boats, equipment and accessories. From fishing to cruising to enjoying family vacations, there were boats for every lifestyle, activity and budget. Motor yachts, kayaks, sailboats; the most up-to-date in engines, marine electronics and accessories, too. With no better time to buy, the 5-day event is your once-a-year opportunity to compare makes and models, secure insurance and financing for all your boating needs.

One of the traders, Ted Patrick, of Lake & Bay Yacht Sales sold luxury Egg Harbor yachts. "They can cost $1 million and sometimes quite a bit more. The customers weren't as concerned with the price of fuel as they were with the availability of diesel fuel and gasoline", he said. Sales of undersized boats and private watercraft had been fine, too. The fishermen in the throng were looking at smaller boats and not as powerful but more fuel-efficient outboards.

Ken Alvey, Executive Director of Lake Erie Marine Trades Association told that his show was successfully hosted by the area's boat dealers, who demanded a 10-day show that covered two weekends. Dreadful weather or even a blizzard could be devastating and was likely at this time of year in Cleveland .It would upset the show that had only a single weekend to do business, Alvey said.

But Lake Erie anglers had plenty to experience at the expo with over 1,100 boats, from small tenders to large motor yachts, ready to board on the show floor. Visitors could even tour a full-size nautical chalet, floating homes and do lots of other exciting activities. There were the expanded kid activities to bring the little ones to Capt'n Willie's Pirate Island being both entertained and educated while completing activities at nearby booths. Even rewards and assured gifts were given out to participants, boosting enthusiasm in ways more than one.

Other attractions included a nautical flea market which provided bargain hunters with the opportunity to cash in on some fantastic deals when they searched for treasure at this favorite Boat Show destination. As expected, the Flea Market sold out quickly. There were on-water two-story condos from Coastal Floating Homes which even though expensive, were soundly built. Boats in the 16- to 22-foot range abound, with the high-sided Lund and Starcraft models perfect for the big waters of Lake Erie were plenty.

Overall, the Cleveland Boat Show was well received by traders from all walks of life.