HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL
BOAT SHOW
(JANUARY 13-21, 2007)
Showgoers beat the cold as the largest show of its kind
in Canada reaps impressive sales and increased attendance.
The
49th Toronto International Boat Show, held January 13-21,
kicked-off with the busiest opening weekend in years,
and attracted an overall attendance of 90,270, an increase
of three percent from 2006, yielding an eight percent
increase over the past three years.
Held every January, the Toronto International Boat Show
is the largest show if its kind in Canada and brings
together dealers, manufacturers, and marine retail outlets
from across the country and beyond.
"We had a remarkable opening, including the first
Monday when we had the snow storm," said Gary Poole
of Buckeye Marine. "We sold seven units that day
alone. We expect to surpass last year's unit sales of
52 by at least eight units and anticipate selling 100
units before the season begins." However, the Bobcaygeon-based
marine-dealership was just one of the countless dealers
to report such positive news.
Following last year's Toronto show, and a successful
2006 season with both power and sail, Angus Yachts of
Toronto had its best show to date. "The setting
and overall situation this year of both the sail and
trawler sections contributed greatly to what should
end up being approximately 40 - 60 per cent of our year's
revenue in 2007," said Al Patterson, President
of Angus Yachts.
In 2008 the Toronto International Boat Show will be
celebrating its 50th anniversary and is scheduled for
January 11- 20.
For show information call (905) 951-0009 or visit www.torontoboatshow.com
BOB PATERSON INDUCTED
INTO BOATING HALL OF FAME
Every year the Toronto Boat International Show and the
National Marine Manufacturer Association (NMMA) recognizes
significant individuals for their dedication and achievements
in the Canadian marine industry with the Canada Boating
Hall of Fame Award. The inductee for 2007 was none other
than Bob Paterson, long-time industry veteran who has
played an integral role to help steer the Canadian Marine
Industry to where it is today.
Voted on by the Hall of Fame's committee of industry
experts, Bob was recognized for his outstanding dedication
and commitment to the recreational boating industry
in Canada.
Bob started his career as an assistant sales manager
at Mercury Marine Canada in 1965. After leaving the
company four years later as MerCruiser sales manager,
his departure was short-lived and returned to Mercury
in 1971, which launched a long and successful 37-year
career with the company.
Upon his return, Bob's career began to take-off as he
moved from sales to become the advertising and promotions
manager from 1976 to 1990. Bob then climbed the corporate
ladder once again to director of marketing services
in 1990, until his retirement in 2002.
In addition to his long-list of achievements at Mercury,
Bob worked diligently to promote and support the boating
industry his whole life. In addition to being involved
with Allied Boating Canada projects in the early 70s,
he was an active role in the formation of the Canadian
Marine Manufacturers Association (CMMA). Bob is also
credited for being a driving force in the development
of the CMMA's "Let's Go Boating," Discover
Boating initiatives, and has been a member of the NMMA's
Toronto Boat Show Advisory Committee for more than ten
years.
Bob is also no stranger to Power Boating Canada Magazine.
In 1985, when publisher Bill Taylor launched Power Boating
Ontario, Bob was an integral part of the magazine's
advisory committee. Working alongside with Bill, and
several other well-known industry leaders, including
Mercury Marine president Dave Brown, Thundercraft Boats'
Larry Lauzon, and Yamaha Canada's Jim Cascadden, to
name just a few, Bob was instrumental in lending strong
support and concepts.
"Bob came to us with a wealth of knowledge and
ideas that were overwhelming," said Bill. "When
Power Boating Ontario went national with Power Boating
Canada, Bob played a dominant and leading role on the
committee. His wealth of knowledge and dedication created
a launch pad for what the magazine is today. Bob and
all of his accomplishments have set a benchmark that
has yet to be matched."
"Bob's commitment to promoting and protecting the
recreational boating industry in Canada is unparalleled,"
said Linda Waddell, Vice President Northern Shows/Show
Manager. "He has volunteered countless hours of
his time year after year, and willingly contributed
his knowledge with the intent of growing business for
all manufacturers and dealers."
"Bob Paterson is a role model for every individual
who makes their livelihood in this industry," said
Linda. "His contribution and commitment to Canadian
boating will be permanently recognized as he now is
held alongside significant individuals in Canada's Boating
Hall of Fame."
The award, created in 1997, has honoured industry greats
such as Harold Shield, the late W.J. Robertson, Lloyd
Crate, Karin Larson, the late Gordon Blake, Ed Lee,
Hans Fogh, George Cuthbertson, the late Bruce Robertson,
the late Larry Lauzon, the late George Hinterhoeller,
Ted Quinn, Mark Ellis, the late Chuck Hourston, and
Ed Botterell. (Page
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MERCURY SHOWCASES NEW,
SERIOUS RIB LINE
Just when you thought you saw it all from Mercury, with
its impressive line of outboard and sterndrive technologies,
the company once again captured the attention of media
and show spectators in Toronto with the showcasing of
its impressive Dive Rescue and Patrol Series Professional
Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBS).
 While
the extensive model series brought together members
of marine rescue units and police from various districts,
many in attendance were recreational consumers looking
for a tough and dependable option for their cottage
or yacht. And perhaps the most well-rounded model for
commercial and recreational use is its Dive Rescue line,
ranging from 13 to a little more than 24 feet. Featuring
what the company calls its General Purpose (G.P.) Hull,
along with ample cockpit space, extra-strong accessories,
a double rubbing strake fender, plus double lifelines
with stainless steel rings. What's more is the non-slip
finish on the top of the tubes, adding another element
of safety. Standard inflation HD valves, pressure relief
valves, and a non-slip finish integrated in the lamination
process are other highlights.
Then there's the more hefty Patrol Series. Primarily
designed for commercial applications, this line of RIBS
are created for demanding commercial and professional
use where challenging situations, water and weather
are all too common. Used by rescue organizations, coastguards,
military, fire departments, oil platforms and many other
industrial activity which requires strong, seaworthy,
and fast crafts capable of operating in the roughest
working conditions, the Patrol Series ranges from 17
to just 27 feet.
For more information visit www.mercurymarine.com/mercury_inflatables
BUCKEYE MARINE LAUNCHES
PROJECT "OVERBOARD"
While the Toronto Boat Show kicked-off at a fevered-pitch
with strong attendance and impressive sales, Buckeye
Marine of Bobcaygeon, Ontario, started the show in a
more unique, exciting and innovative way.
Presented on the second evening of the show, Friday
January 14, was project "Going Overboard,"
a program created to give something back to the boating
community. The project involves the choosing of a candidate
from Buckeye Marine's vast customer base, a family or
individual who has experienced a troublesome year whether
it be hardships with health, finances or other life
altering experiences. These names are then put into
a pool from which one lucky name is drawn.
Taken from the proven formats of popular television
shows "Overhaulin" and "Extreme Makeover
Home Edition," the winner is contacted and informed
they have won free storage (or other creative ways of
nabbing the boat without being suspected) and with Canadian
boat designer Chris Riggs of Riggs Innovative Design,
and a wide array of marine distributors and parts manufacturers,
Buckeye sets out on a rags to riches quest and rebuilds
and redesigns the customer's vessel. Over the course
of a few months, conceptual drawings are made and insider
meetings are held and the boat is transformed into a
customized masterpiece. This is when the real excitement
begins. Using the Toronto International Boat Show as
its venue, the unknowing winner is invited to what they
will know later is their boat "unveiling."
The very first winner of the Going Overboard Project
was the Burton-Davies Family, owners of a 1998 2100
Regal. Mike and Jane Burton-Davies are faithful citizens
to the boating and Bobcaygeon community and have two
children, Sarah and David, and live nearby to Jane's
mother and father.
In early 2006, David, 22, suffered two accute strokes,
leaving him with limited mobility and his future plans
altered. David was informed he wouldn't walk again and
constant care would be necessary. After being in the
hospital for quite sometime, he was moved to a rehabilitation
facility aimed at regaining mobility. In the summer
of 2006, the weekend was the only time the Burton-Davies
family could spend time together and boating was the
one pastime that could take their mind off of David's
disability. Through his personal determination and independence,
David successfully regained many of the simple tasks
and although laboured, he can walk again.
In the summer of 2006, the Burton-Davies family purchased
a pre-owned Regal to bring their family together in
the face of illness. And while the 2100 fulfills the
mission of togetherness, Buckeye and select sponsors
took the model to new a level of comfort and functionality
by creating a custom masterpiece with more than $40,000
worth of upgrades. While the refurbished model will
certainly add valuable familt time on the water for
the Burton-Davies Family, David will have an outlet
allowing him the independence and well deserved recreational
time. With boating at the forefront of the healing process
for David, the Burton-Davies family is a very deserving
recipient of the first Going Overboard Project.
For more information about Going Overboard or Buckeye
Marine, visit www.buckeyemarine.com
BEACON BAY MARINA SOLD
TO PARKBRIDGE
Parkbridge Lifestyles Communities Inc, the Calgary-based
company with Eastern operations in Wasagea Beach, Ontario,
has once again acquired another vacation hot spot, Beacon
Bay Marina, located on Southern Georgian Bay in Penetanguishene
Harbour.
While Mike and Robin McKeown will continue to manage
the full service facility, boaters should still expect
top-level service, but plans are underway to introduce
new and revise facilities in the near future. Currently,
Beacin Bay boasts 315 slips that can accommodate boats
up to 60 feet, a large fuel dock, plus a range of several
services for the boating community.
Parkbridge's current portfolio includes more than 50
properties across Canada; three of them being very successful
marinas; Bay Port Yachting Centre in Midland, Bay Moorings
in Penetanguishene and Goreski's Lakeside Recreation
on Lake Scugog.
ON THE WESTERN FRONT
The VANCOUVER BOAT SHOW:
IMPRESSIVE START TO BC'S BOATING SEASON
The boating fever swept across the country this winter
as the Vancouver International Boat Show, held February
7 to 11 at BC Place Stadium and the in-water venue at
False Creek Yacht Club, also reported impressive gains
in attendance and sales, indicating a strong year for
the Western Canadian marine industry and the Canadian
marine market as a whole.
Final attendance at the five-day show was 40,824, up
seven percent from 2006 (38,305), yielding a three-year
average show attendance increase of 10 percent. Exhibitors
reported increased sales and interest across the board
- from luxury yachts to wakeboards.
The in-water venue at False Creek Yacht Club also continues
to be a popular venue for both exhibitors and attendees.
"We added more than ten boats to the in-water venue
this year because of exhibitor demand for space,"
says Jennifer Kastelein, Show Manager.
The 2008 Vancouver International Boat Show is scheduled
for February 6 -10, 2008 at BC Place Stadium and the
False Creek Yacht Club.
For more information visit www.vancouverboatshow.ca
or call (604) 678-8820.
Calgary Boating Exposition
2007
 Thousands
of Calgary and Western Canadian boaters beat the winter
blues this year with a trip to the sixth annual 2007
Calgary Boating Exposition, held February 1-4, at the
Telus Convention Centre. A one-stop shopping centre
for recreational boaters and outdoor enthusiasts, the
show features a full range of marine products, from
styling performance tow boats and runbouts to hand-crafted
cedar-stripped canoes. This year, the show was huge
success. In addition to the showcasing of six new dealers
and 10 new styles of boats, attendance increased an
impressive 11 percent, and spending trends were up 28
percent.
Calgary Boat and Sportsman
Show
The 33rd annual Calgary Boat and Sportsmen's Show, held
February 15-18 at the Roundup Centre, Stampede Park,
was another successful show attracting an impressive
19,528 attendees over the course of just three days.
Outdoor enthusiasts took the unique opportunity to shop
and compare prices on everything from boats, water sport
equipment, camping and fishing gear to adventure tourism
excursions and fishing trips. Show highlights included
the popular WFN Demonstration Pool, Kid's Fishing Pond,
Laser Archery, Minnow Races, Wakeboarding and Wakeskating
demonstrations, interactive and educational displays,
as well as the Canadian premiere of the movie "Hunt"
produced by local Calgarian Gary Gillette. (Page
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