The New England Boat Show has been going on this week and will run through the end of the week (2/24), so it is not too late to go check it out! As usual, I attended to see the latest and greatest the boating world has to offer, and I came away generally impressed at the product offering, and got to talk to some interesting vendors. While you are at it, check out our post about past boat shows and some of the “test runs” we have done on our favorite models!
The Big Picture- Major Gripes of 2013: Boaters are generally a happy bunch- so on the rare occasion that they do complain, you better listen! This is a good way of taking the pulse of the boating community. The major things I hear this year’s boat show were the following: 1) Gas prices. The high price of gas tends to come up just about every year, but this year, boat salespeople are getting more creative and suggesting that boaters save by taking a weekend to just hang out at the dock and getting to know their marina neighbors better. I like that idea. 2) Seals. Now this is one I have not heard before. According to many local boaters and fishermen, there are simply too many seals. Evidently, they are taking up beach space, eating the cod and striped bass stocks, and inviting great white sharks. Boaters told me that the plethora of seals on our beaches and in our local waters is the result of their federally protected status under the marine mammals protection act. I replied that this was a simply crazy assertion, as we all know that federal regulations NEVER have unintended adverse consequences!
Here were some of my boat show favorites of 2013:
Grady White: They had a strong showing, particularly with the Canyon Offshore series, including the 31 footer with twin 350s, seen below:
Boston Whaler: Russo Marine brought three Conquests, a couple of Outrages and some smaller models. Seen here is a 285 Conquest in the foreground, and the big 345 in the back:
The relatively new Boston Whaler Outrage 25 with twin 200 Verados:
The big Outrage 37 with triple screws. Awesome. Who wants to go fast?
Regulator: First up is the 24′ with a single 350 on the back. I prefer twins, but this is still an awesome combo.
Here is the Regulator 28 with twin 300s. This will be a fast boat:
Zodiac inflatables. As a proud inflatable owner for many years, I had to take a look:
Pontoon boats. Not my cup of tea, but an nice selection for those interested. We don’t often see these on Boston Harbor, but they are great on lakes and rivers.
