Many of these seem like no brainers, but it’s always good to have a refresher on what to do and what not to do when attending a boat show.
1.A full day at a boat show means lots of walking, so wear comfortable shoes (sandals, boat shoes, sneakers, flats). If you’re planning on boarding lots of boats, consider shoes that are easy to quickly pop on and off.
2. Once you locate a boat you really would like to see, ask for permission prior to boarding. Many boats will ask for an email and name for your group, prior to boarding. If a boat has a sign that says, “by appointment only”, you can still view the boat, it just requires a little more effort. Boat shows are meant to be fun, so don’t let yourself be intimidated about jumping on a boat you really want to see.
3. Leave your food and/or drinks on the dock. The brokers, cleaning crews, and other staff work really hard everyday to keep the boats looking pristine. Which brings us to another good rule to follow, NEVER use a toilet on the boat. There are plenty of restrooms available throughout the show.
4. It’s important to stay hydrated and energized. Food inside a boat show can be limited. So leave the show, take a break, explore the area and come back once everyone in the group has full bellies and ready to tackle more yachts.
5. Our final piece of advice is ask the brokers and exhibitors questions, get the family involved and take pictures. If you’re seriously considering buying a boat, this is your opportunity to really compare different brands, different models, and different layouts. So sit down at the helm and ask yourself, ‘can I see all 4 corners of the boat’? Walk down into the cabins, and observer is the doorway wide enough to pass through easily? Walk into the bathroom, is it a wet head and will we care?
Questions about a particular boat show? We attend and exhibit several throughout the year and are always here to help guide you, ensuring a positive experience at a show. Send us an email or give us a call with your boat show questions.
