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This year’s run of winter boat shows certainly
proved power boating in Canada is stronger than ever.
Boating
enthusiasts traveled from Ontario, Quebec, the northeastern
United States and as far away as both coasts of Canada
to check out the latest marine product at this year’s
annual Toronto International Boat Show, held January
15-23 at the National Trade Centre.
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association
(NMMA) Canada, attendance was up nine percent until
the final weekend of the show, a winter blizzard and
blown hydro transformer forced many enthusiasts to
stay at home.
“We are thrilled the exhibitors were successful
despite the attendance decrease on the last weekend,”
said Toronto Boat Show Manager, Linda Waddell. “We
estimate 9,000 visitors (based on historical numbers)
stayed home on the last weekend due to weather conditions.
But the sales results proved this show is on the right
track to expanding its base of new and qualified boat
buyers.”
Exclusive show specials, a strong emphasis on affordable
boating by exhibitors and the show’s extensive
marketing campaign all contributed to significant
sales results in every category. Almost every exhibitor
reported keen buying interest from veteran boaters
and newcomers alike.
“I honestly think we’re bringing new people
into boating,” said Will Walker, president of
Walker Financial Services. “Everything was selling
and we were doing a lot of deals for mid-range cruisers
(24 to 27 feet). Newcomers are realizing they can
purchase a decent powerboat for less than the monthly
cost of a car.”
By Saturday, Chaparral dealers Buckeye Marine and
Sandy Cove Marine had taken orders for 50 units, making
this year’s show their best ever.
“The stronger Canadian dollar made our pricing
even lower than last year. We had a good response
to promoting the cost per month and offered show specials
that made our boats very competitive,” said
Peter Henderson of Buckeye Marine in Bobcaygeon, Ontario.
The first-ever Product Showcase was also a hit. More
than 150 new boat and product introductions received
pre-show exposure via the Toronto Boat Show website,
news releases and a special display area located in
the lobby entrance.
Internautic Marine Group of Winnipeg, Manitoba, was
also on site introducing its Alloy Arrowhead, a concept
fishing boat that received a lot of attention. Originally
scheduled for launch in 2007, Internautic’s
marketing and commercial sales manager, Johnnie Candle,
reported the concept boat will be going into production
for 2006 “based solely on the positive response
we got at this year’s show.”
Adding to the excitement was the return of The Lake,
which showcased more than 50 models and allowed show
goers to board the boats, walk the slips and mingle
with exhibitors. The world’s famous Henry’s
Fish House also garnered plenty of attention and provided
the perfect setting for the boating lifestyle.
Next year’s Toronto International Boat Show
takes place at The National Trade Centre, Exhibition
Place, from January 13 to 22, 2006.
For more information visit www.torontoboatshow.com
or contact NMMA Canada (905) 951-0009 Fax: (905) 951-0018
lwaddell@nmma.org
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