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Random Quote: Fish are friends not food-Bruce the Shark
Is anyone going to the Ft. Lauderdale show this weekend? I go every couple of years and the parking and traffic is horrendous plus the show is spread out over a large area. Never made it to the convention center. I was wondering if anyone went last year did you go to the Convention Center and was it worth it...I would think it is mostly smaller CC boats and vendors..would appreciate your thoughts and what to see and not waste my time on..thanks!
Everything you need. I like parking at the convention center and shuttle it. Quick, easy and cheap. Unless of coarse..........................New Boat$$
How long does it take to get from the convention center to the main site via the shuttle? Did you ever take the water taxi from the CCenter?
Quote:
Originally Posted by ocean.playtime
Everything you need. I like parking at the convention center and shuttle it. Quick, easy and cheap. Unless of coarse..........................New Boat$$
I was really disappointed. They no longer have the second floor at the convention center. I always liked all the booths with mostly marine related small stuff. The main floor which used to be all boats and engines had about a third of the space for the small stuff dealers. The convention center part of the show has definitely shrunk. The Bahia Mar looks about the same. One good point, I got a $10 dollar crabcake at the Bahia Mar food court that was pretty good, good size and could see pieces crab in it, usually they are filler with some shreds.
I thought last year was bad but this year is so sad it's scary. No upstairs at the convention center and only half the boats downstairs. And hardly any foot traffic there either. Contender had three boats there, the new 31 step hull is nice but they must have rushed it to get it there, screws not tight or bottomed out, hinge bolts cut too short not making it through to the nylon on the nuts so they were loose. The contender dealer from Pennsylvania asked were I was from and when I told him Hobe Sound he said he could not talk price with me so no one helped me. When I pushed someone for a price no one seemed too interested. On the other hand Wylie from Yellowfin was on the 36 talking to everyone who wanted to ask about the boat. I was impressed.
Bahi Mar seemed almost bigger than last year, alot of high end boats for sale. The new Raymarine E series touch screen was nice.
Glenn,
Plan on comming over to the convention center?
If so, stop by, Ok?
Be good to see you.
I think pretty much everyone knew this years show is somewhat of a wild card.
So far, with a consevative projection of business, I'm quite satisfied. Looks like our reasonable goal will be exceeded by about 50%. so we're fine with the show.
Naturally we didn't anticipate the story book numbers we've done in the past, however, I'm Ok with it .
Lots of good deals available, very good attitudes, overall, a pretty good place to be.
Mike - won't make the conv center ... really been buried every day....so far we're happy...I think the industry is coming out of this slump a bit... Our 10/09 exceeded 10/08....I would put show traffic so far as average to good....will try to gather some show order
tally from the builders on monday..
Mike Carrigan it was a pleasure meeting you at the show yesterday, I really appreaciate the time you took with us and going over the Pro-Lite Boat.
I know my Receptionist and her husband went there this morning as I spoke to them by phone. He's looking for a 23" CC and I will talk more with him Sunday or Monday to see if he wants one of your Pro-Lines. I told them to ask for Kenny and you when they got to your booth.
My time was limited on Friday, I'm going to try to make it back there tomorrow if possible or Monday......
Mike Carrigan it was a pleasure meeting you at the show yesterday, I really appreaciate the time you took with us and going over the Pro-Lite Boat.
I know my Receptionist and her husband went there this morning as I spoke to them by phone. He's looking for a 23" CC and I will talk more with him Sunday or Monday to see if he wants one of your Pro-Lines. I told them to ask for Kenny and you when they got to your booth.
My time was limited on Friday, I'm going to try to make it back there tomorrow if possible or Monday......
Regards,
Big R
I was delighted to meet you.
Great conversation.
I promise you, I'll take very good care of your friends.
Was there today. Pretty empty, but man was it hot. Fell in love with the Game Boy (45 Gamefisherman).
Well, your correct.
I'm kinda spoiled.
Our PRO-LINE display is always in the convention center. We never break a sweat in the air conditioning.
Our DONZI guys however, are always in the water, in the heat.
But, truth be told, our DONZI folks have never been as smart as our PRO-LINE guys and ladies anyway.
Forgot to mention something that really piss*d me off...Everyone in my car had to show a photo ID just to park at the convention center then we had to show a photo ID AGAIN to get into the show at Bahia Mar!! Are we now living in the soviet union where you have to show ID simply to get into a boat show? I could only imagine the hassle i would have had IF my wife didn't bring her ID which she was not going to do....I don't know about the other guys but i found this to be extremely offensive. the real joke was IF someone wanted to blow up the boat show they simply could have kayaked up to one of the floating docks....this is getting out of hand as far as I am concerned...just had to sound off on this...
Anyone going to the Lauderdale Show? 
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