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A Boat Show Survival Guide
 | | Power boats jam the harbor at the annual show. |
So you’re planning a visit to the Annapolis Boat Shows. You're most likely interested in one or the other – sail or power. Few people embrace powerboating and sailing. It would be like supporting George W. Bush and Barney Frank.
If you’re new to boating – especially if you’re not sure which way you swing –you should know a few things.
First, powerboaters are typically Type A’s. They favor speed, comfort and air-conditioning (unless they’re fishermen, in which case all bets are off.) Powerboaters tend to dress more formally than their sailing counterparts. (Think gold jewelry with skimpy swimsuits, matching shirts and shorts, decaled nails, pedicured feet). Sailors, on the other hand, wear threadbare T-shirts from their favorite Caribbean watering holes, cut-offs and 10-year-old boat shoes. And they rarely wear jewelry because of the potential hazards. Earrings, for instance, can catch on lines, sheets and halyards -“ropes,” to landlubbers.
But enough about jewelry. Here are some practical tips to enhance your visit to the Annapolis Boat Shows, be you a rag-topper (sailor) or stink-potter (powerboater); a wannabee or a veteran looking to trade up.
Be a VIP: Even if you’re a UIP (un-important person), it pays to cough up the extra cash to attend on opening day, otherwise known as VIP Day. Boat show organizers target the press, manufacturers and serious buyers (as opposed to us dreamers) on opening day. There’s a method to their madness. Charging more keeps attendance lower on VIP day. Brokers’ can devote more time and attention to chatting up potential customers. And buyers can devote more hassle-free time asking questions and inspecting the models that, um, float their boats. VIP Day makes sense too for tire-kickers wishing to avoid the weekend crush.
Time it right: If, like me, you abhor crowds and lines, arrive early – by 8:30 a.m., if possible – at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium on Rowe Boulevard, where there’s ample parking and shuttle service to the show site about a mile away. You’ll be among the first through the gates, face shorter lines to board vessels and have an unobstructed view of the action. If you like pressing flesh with the hordes, knock yourself out. Show up Saturday or Sunday at 2pm. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Be good to your feet: Leave your spike heels and Italian “buttah” leather loafers behind. Wear boating-type, walking or athletic shoes. This is no time to make a fashion statement. (Even if you’re a powerboater.) You’ll be navigating floating boat docks and smooth boat decks, climbing up and down stairs and, before the day is over, probably walking miles in between. Why suffer?
Dress smart: October weather in Annapolis is notoriously fickle. Over the years, I’ve been to boat shows where I’ve frozen and others where I’ve fried; sometimes I’ve done both in the same day. The weather won’t put a crimp in your sails if you tote a sweatshirt
and lightweight rainwear or a windbreaker. Umbrellas are a waste of time and
downright dangerous, especially in crowds. Carry essentials (keys, license and credit card, cash, comb) in your pockets or a zippered pouch that can be worn on your belt or around your neck. You’ll be picking up brochures, souvenirs and freebies along the way. The last thing you need is to schlep a 10-pound pocketbook all day.
If you come to shop, do your homework: Before the show, read boating magazines, check the Internet and talk to other boaters for background information. Things to consider:
Your needs. Are you a day-tripper? Have a family of six? Do you want the boat for cruising or racing? Low maintenance? (If so, stay away from teak decks and trim).
Consider size, galley set-up, navigation area, headroom (especially if you’re 5-foot-10 or taller), cockpit design and bunk configuration, new features/technology.
Know what the going price is, or at least have a ballpark figure in mind. When you’ve zeroed in on models you’re interested in, call dealers to see if the boats will be in the show. If the answer is no, ask if there are any at local boatyards. Brokers are almost always knowledgeable, friendly and low-pressure. Advertised, lower-than-usual “boat show prices” may be in effect for a period after the show closes. Ask. You don’t ask, you don’t get.
Take breaks: You’ll enjoy the show more and increase your staying power if you stop once in a while. Take a walk through the Historic District, refuel at a sidewalk fast-food stand or have a leisurely meal in one of the many restaurants near the docks (Hint: Eat at off times to avoid long waits.) Browse the merchandise in the boat show tents and downtown shops. Sit a spell and rest your weary feet.
Lastly, depending on your predisposition the day you go, be sure to bring your checkbook ... or leave it home.
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