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