Portland Oregon boat show

[Spot]

...Begins today 1.13.10. I am going to head out and take a peek at all the boats and see how the industry is responding to the current buying enviroment.

This should be interesting

 

[marqbloq]

Hey Fellow Portland & Vancouver Boat Buddies:

My wife and I attended the VIP Invitational Preview last night and enjoyed it very much indeed! The show is much smaller and shorter this year of course, about 55% smaller and only two EXPO buildings are being used instead of the normal five.

Though there were no big boats there greater than 37 foot, Sea Ray had the biggest presence and best display by far, and a great selection of Sundancer’s including a 310, 270 (my favorite by far), 250, 240 and a nice selection of sport boats and Boston Whalers.

Formula also had some outstanding examples of their line including a 370SS (very cool!) and 31PC along with many others. Bayliner unfortunately had a total of maybe 8 boats and only two with cabins, a 26 and a 24 footer (or so). Of course there was plenty of PNW aluminum fishing boats and pontoons, a fair amount of wakeboard and sport boats and a couple sail boats but only one that was of any size.

Anyway, given this economy it was as I expected, small but targeted with my favorite three brands there – Sea Ray, Formula and Master Craft. It is definitely worth going and I think you’ll find a much better layout this year, the flow was greatly improved.

As far as prices go, I had to say it seemed like a blowout, prices way down and some killer deals, especially on the Sea Ray line (there must be major manufacturer cash to get prices this low – much lower than last year’s boat show). The only watercraft I felt was way overpriced with no real deals was Sea Doo – I mean give me a break, $16,995 for a top of the line PWC, honestly? I would guess that the big manufacturers are trying to blow out remaining inventory to end this low demand, low price channel we are stuck in. I am sure 2010 manufacturing levels will be down another 60% or so but in 2011, my guess is demand will be high, supply will be non-existent and prices will be through the roof.

Don’t forget to check out the Detroit Lake Marina display and sign up for your 20% off moorage for the upcoming season. Scott, Callie and Lukas will be happy to see you and talk about all the great new plans for this year! For those of you who don’t know, Detroit Lake is one of our most glorious places to spend the summer, this will be our 6th season and love having the 320DA and our Alpina wakeboard boat there.

http://detroitlakemarina.com/

Enjoy the Boat Show!

Marq

 

[Carpedmman]

Thanks for the update Marqbloq! I was supposed to be at the VIP opening last night but am in San Fran instead. Good to see you still trolling out here on Clubsearay! All the best for 2010!

 

[Dive Girl]

I was at the VIP show and enjoyed the layout. The smaller show was a bit disappointing though. I'd like to see more vendors. The boat though, great! Too bad they didn't have any larger boats though.

 

[HUMPH]

Thanks for the update Marqbloq! I was supposed to be at the VIP opening last night but am in San Fran instead. quote]


Great place to be! :thumbsup:

 

[Spot]

I'll be in SFO Monday for a meeting. Sure wish It were nicer in the NW, my boat is calling....