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Miami show markets less expensive boating options
By BETH FEINSTEIN-BARTL
Waterfront News Writer
Boating doesn’t always have to equal big bucks.
That’s whole point of the affordability pavilion, returning for the second year to the Miami International Boat Show running Thursday, Feb. 11 to Monday, Feb. 15.
The display’s debut in 2009 got a good reception, but it was in the rear of the Miami Convention Center. For its return this year, organizers are giving the exhibition a prime spot by moving it up front, directly inside the Dade Boulevard entrance.
“It’s going to be one of the first things people see,” said Cathy Rick-Joule, show manager of Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail.
Sixteen to 20 power boats, all available for monthly payments of $250 or less, are expected to fill the pavilion that lets visitors explore without the presence of sales people, said Rick-Joule, who’s also vice president of the southern shows division for the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
The trade association is responsible for producing 17 consumer shows nationwide. The affordability pavilion was introduced during the 2008-2009 season in response to battling the concept — particularly among newcomers — that boating is for the wealthy, she said.
“While recreational boating in the U.S. is perceived to be an activity for the affluent, the vast majority of boaters are middle class participants,” she said.
A recreational boating study in 2008 found that about 75 percent of boat owners have a household income under $100,000, and an estimated 95 percent of boats are trailerable craft 26 feet or less, according to the association.
Despite recent economic woes, yachts and mega-yachts experienced little decline in sales nationwide. The mid-range market, with boats 18 to 35 feet, didn’t fare as well. There was a 25 percent drop in sales over the past year, Rick-Joule said.
Attendance for the 2009 Miami show, drawing 96,736 visitors, was down 26 percent.
“As we pull out of the recession, we want to make sure people know that buying a boat is still within reach,” Rick-Joule said. “Our challenge is that people think the only boats out there are in the six and seven figure price range. It’s not true.”
Craft at the display will range from runabouts to fishing boats, 13 to 21 feet. This includes a Glasstream 175 Bay Flite for $236.31 per month; Glasstream 172 Flats Flite for $197.80 per month; Scout 151 Sportfish w/ 40HP Honda Engine for $215 per month, and a 130 Boston Whaler Super Sport for $140 per month.
There’s also a 192 Rinker BR with Mercruiser V6 for $228 per month; a 17CC Prolite w with 90 HP ETEC for $205 per month; a 210 Rinker MTX C/C with 43 Volvo GXI for $249.02 per month, and a 20 Prolite Flats with 115 ETEC for $233 per month — all from Davey Marine Center in Fort Lauderdale.
The center participated in last year’s pavilion and is eager to return, said Mario Aiello, president of family-owned dealership and full service facility established in 1977.
Aiello likes the affordability concept. “The booths are unmanned, with pricing on signs,” he said. “There’s no pressure. It gives people a chance to look at real numbers and what it takes to get out on the water.”
One example the center uses is that people can get several months of boating for almost the same cost as one weekend at a theme park in Orlando, Aiello said.
Frank Herhold, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, is another fan of the exhibition. “There’s never been a better time to buy a boat. Boating is as affordable as a second car.”
More people may be returning to boating as the economy slowly mends. “In talking to MIASF members, in most cases every month seems to be getting a bit better,” he said. “There clearly is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
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Up close:
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The 2010 Miami International Boat Show will display thousands of boats and marine accessories.
Show times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 to Sunday, Feb. 14; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach.
There’s also an in-water Strictly Sail show, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center, 1635 N. Bayshore Drive in Miami.
For admission fees and more information call 954-441-3220
or visit www.MiamiBoatShow.com or www.StrictlySailMiami.com .
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