| The boat expo at Cleveland, The Cleveland Boat | | | | Ken Alvey, Executive Director of Lake Erie Marine |
| Show was a magnificent event, showcasing the | | | | Trades Association told that his show was |
| boating industry's economical strength like never | | | | successfully hosted by the area's boat dealers, who |
| before. Evidently, most of the dealers and traders | | | | demanded a 10-day show that covered two |
| were content with the goods and exciting attractions | | | | weekends. Dreadful weather or even a blizzard could |
| the expo had to offer. Boats of all shapes and sizes | | | | be devastating and was likely at this time of year in |
| were put on show - whether you like fishing, sailing, | | | | Cleveland .It would upset the show that had only a |
| cruising, skiing, wakeboarding, or just going really, | | | | single weekend to do business, Alvey said. |
| really fast, the Expo has something for you! | | | | But Lake Erie anglers had plenty to experience at the |
| Conclusively, the exhibition was quite a success. The | | | | expo with over 1,100 boats, from small tenders to |
| show stealer however was the most attractive boat | | | | large motor yachts, ready to board on the show |
| of the show - the sensational Italian 44-foot Mochi | | | | floor. Visitors could even tour a full-size nautical |
| Craft from the Ferrette Group, displayed by | | | | chalet, floating homes and do lots of other exciting |
| MarineMax. | | | | activities. There were the expanded kid activities to |
| The show was a great place for prospective buyers | | | | bring the little ones to Capt'n Willie's Pirate Island |
| to see and buy boats, equipment and accessories. | | | | being both entertained and educated while completing |
| From fishing to cruising to enjoying family vacations, | | | | activities at nearby booths. Even rewards and |
| there were boats for every lifestyle, activity and | | | | assured gifts were given out to participants, boosting |
| budget. Motor yachts, kayaks, sailboats; the most | | | | enthusiasm in ways more than one. |
| up-to-date in engines, marine electronics and | | | | Other attractions included a nautical flea market |
| accessories, too. With no better time to buy, the | | | | which provided bargain hunters with the opportunity |
| 5-day event is your once-a-year opportunity to | | | | to cash in on some fantastic deals when they |
| compare makes and models, secure insurance and | | | | searched for treasure at this favorite Boat Show |
| financing for all your boating needs. | | | | destination. As expected, the Flea Market sold out |
| One of the traders, Ted Patrick, of Lake & Bay | | | | quickly. There were on-water two-story condos from |
| Yacht Sales sold luxury Egg Harbor yachts. "They can | | | | Coastal Floating Homes which even though |
| cost $1 million and sometimes quite a bit more. The | | | | expensive, were soundly built. Boats in the 16- to |
| customers weren't as concerned with the price of | | | | 22-foot range abound, with the high-sided Lund and |
| fuel as they were with the availability of diesel fuel | | | | Starcraft models perfect for the big waters of Lake |
| and gasoline", he said. Sales of undersized boats and | | | | Erie were plenty. |
| private watercraft had been fine, too. The fishermen | | | | Overall, the Cleveland Boat Show was well received |
| in the throng were looking at smaller boats and not | | | | by traders from all walks of life. |
| as powerful but more fuel-efficient outboards. | | | | |