|
POWER
BOATING COMES ALIVE IN 2004 (19-2)
|
 After
attending the several boat shows across Canada this
winter, I am happy to report that 2004 is shaping up
to be one of the most exciting seasons on record. From
what I have seen and heard, many manufacturers and dealers
across North America are witnessing some of the best
sales figures in quite some time, indicating a strong
economy and an action-packed season.
This year's 46th Annual Toronto International Boat Show
was a huge success as power boaters took advantage of
some of the best deals around. Family runabouts were
as popular as ever, while many attendees paid special
attention to sport cruisers and motoryachts. Raising
the excitement-level even further was "The Lake,"
a new expansive in-water showroom hosted in the Ricoh
Coliseum. Considered to be the world's largest in-door
lake for boaters, the spectacle was complete with slips
and approximately 50 new boats, allowing boaters to
browse the models in a summer-like atmosphere. Georgian
Bay-based Henry's Fish House was also on site to heat
up the boating fever even more. Other Canadian events,
such as the Vancouver International Boat Show held in
early February, also experienced positive results with
a record attendance and a 24 per cent increase over
last year.
Power Boating Canada even traveled south to the Miami
International Boat Show to witness some of the year's
most exciting new introductions. Mercury Marine attracted
the media from around the world after staging a press
conference to introduce its all-new series of Verado
four-stroke outboard engines. The power line includes
a 200, 225, 250 and 275 hp models and from what we have
tested, these newcomers are going to be a hit on the
water this season.
We also learned Bombardier will be taking their impressive
E-TEC technology to a new level in the V6 range. While
the company is keeping vital information under wraps,
look for future updates in Power Boating Canada as the
story unfolds throughout the year.
Some other news includes Brunswick Corporation's recent
acquisition of Crestliner, Lowe, Lund and Lund Boats
of Canada from Genmar Industries for approximately $191
million. With Genmar primarily focusing on its impressive
fibreglass VEC models, Brunswick is moving full force
into the aluminum boat market to complement its impressive
boat lines and engines, which include Princecraft, Sea
Ray, Mercury Marine and Mercury Racing.
As we continue to throttle up for the coming season,
I must say there are a lot of exciting events coming
your way. With several Poker Runs already scheduled,
plus the exciting in-water shows and fishing events
throughout the country, I am happy to report that the
boating spirit is stronger than ever. If you have any
questions or suggestions do not hestiate to contact
me at bill@powerboating.com.
(Page
Top) |
|
|
|
