The
Bay Bridge Boat Show mirrored the recovery of the powerboat industry, showing steady gains each spring since 2010 and nearly a 49 percent jump in size in just two years. This spike in exhibitor participation has created great excitement and optimism among the region's marine industry.
Friday, April 21 and Sunday April 23 had the highest attendance numbers since 2007. Sandwiched between them was a very rainy Saturday with lower numbers than last year, although exhibitors reported those who ventured out came to spend money. Most exhibitors reported high satisfaction with the quality and quantity of attendees, and boat sales reports indicated that the boat-buying public is back at full strength.
"We had a very good show. We sold boats in every category--in the high end, middle of the road, plus pontoons. The people who were here were buying," said Sean Hickey, Regional Manager for Everglades. "We will wind up selling a lot of boats from this show... the seeds that we planted here will carry us for the next couple of months at least."
"It was a good show. Despite the weather we had great traffic. It was one of the better shows we have had in the past five years," said Bryan Braley, president of Grand Yachts International.
One new boat dealer reported that six of their thirteen boats on display were sold. A pre-owned boat broker brought three large boats, sold two, and has two potential customers on the third. In talking with the entire exhibitor group on Sunday, it appeared that business was good across the board, whether they sold boats, outboard motors, jet skis, refrigerators, air conditioning units, yacht services, or magazines.
Regarding the buying trends of consumers, it is difficult to gage in this show due to the breadth and depth of the boat style offerings. Nearly every powerboat style imaginable in sizes ranging from 8 feet to 70 feet were represented, and many were either sold or had a solid prospect list to follow up in the days and weeks ahead. Kayaks, paddle boards, inflatables, bow riders, center consoles, and express cruisers seemed equally busy with interested boaters and families.
The Maryland boat builders were well represented by Campbell's Yacht Sales, Weaver Boat Works, and Mathews Brothers. Some very impressive blue water yachts loomed large in the marina as did a Cessna Grand Caravan EX float plane, much to the delight of many from around the Mid-Atlantic region.
Large crowds took advantage of the BBQ bash on Friday evening, the daily seminars, the pool bar, and the demo dock, but the real story was the business being done by exhibitors on land and in-water.
All in all the event was a success for all participants, which bodes well for the region's maritime industry in the months and years ahead. The Kent Island High School Swim Team raised nearly $5000 by collecting donations for parking during the weekend.
"We're just back in Annapolis following a very busy Bay Bridge Boat Show," said Paul Jacobs, president of the Annapolis Boat Shows. "Over the next three days, the show docks, equipment, and staff will disappear from the Bay Bridge Marina and magically reappear on Friday, as the fifth annual Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show on and around Susan Campbell Park in City Dock, Annapolis."
The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show will run this coming Friday through Sunday, April 28-30, 2017 with more than 70 boats registered and will be alive with 100 land vendors, continuous entertainment, drink and food tastings, along with workshops and seminars throughout the weekend.
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