Boat Shows

Hi all,

This question is only indirectly BVI connected.
What boat shows would you suggest for someone looking at getting some real numbers and boat ideas for production cats mid 40’ range.
I am interested in getting some real numbers on either a 5 or 6 year old used, or some ownership program with a large provider, (Dream, Sunsail), or ownership with a local company (TMM, CYOA).
I am based in Toronto which has a great power boat show but limited cat info. The eastern seaboard is much easier for me to get to.
I can’t get to Annapolis this year due to scheduling.

Thanks

The Annapolis boat show will have the most exposure and almost every type will be available to board. It can be difficult to compare different charter programs since they all have different aspects. When you are presented estimated numbers for shared revenue programs try and back them up by seeing actual performance numbers from boats currently in their fleet and ask to be put in touch with the owners to verify the numbers. I had a boat with one company where I was assured I would see 25 to 30% of the gross revenue if the boat did 28 weeks of charter. They emphasized that since they built the boat they knew the expenses down to the dime. My boat easily exceeded the 28 weeks but my actual net was about 9%.
Make sure when you enter a contract you have a clear understanding of how insurance will be handled and at what cost. Understand what happens if the boat is out of service for repairs. There are substantial differences between companies. The last thing to clarify is if they permit the sale of owners time and what the rules and restrictions would be. This can make or break the financial side of ownership.

You might consider the Newport Boat Show. It's the second largest show after Annapolis. I know Dream Yacht Charters has a booth there. You might find others as well. It runs September 14 - 16. very tough to find accommodations immediately around Newport, but you can usually find something around Providence or Warwick, R.I. and have a 30 minute drive.

Thank you, these are some of the details and questions I am/was looking for.
The Leopards are currently our first choice because of the forward cockpit, but we haven’t sailed a Leopard yet.
I didn’t realize the Newport show was so large, I had defaulted to Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Thanks,

Brian

Miami boat show moved to a new location at the Marine Stadium last year. Traffic getting into the show area was AWFUL and backed up for a long way even with departing early to get there. This was on Thursday VIP day. I have attended for many years but not again.

If you book now, you can find rooms for the Newport boat show.