Newport Boat Show 2011 = Letdown.

[RobGallagher]

I just came from the 2011 Newport Boat Show.

Fewer boats than ever.
Most of them 37+ ft.
Vendors where the usual suspects, not a bad thing, but well, not much new and not many deals at all.
The only thing interesting and even remotely "affordable" in the cruising arena where the Seaward Yachts.
J Boats had a nice line up, but that's about it for "smaller" keel boats.
Not even a smaller Catalina or Hunter.
Only a couple cats and a couple of Tri's. The Cat's were a 40 and 44 ft super tankers

I guess it's just not worth it for them to bring in any 30-32 ft models.

Few inflatables, Defender Spring Boat Show is just about as interesting if one is looking for rigging or a dink.

Someone needs to figure out a way to spice up these boat shows. It's getting to be a broken record, unless, one is looking to spend 400K or higher.

(note: I didn't look at any power boats)

[BarryL]

Hey,

Can you tell me if the Hunter 33 and 36 are there? I heard they were supposed to be there.

Thanks,
Barry

[zz4gta]

Come down to the annapolis show. Lots of smaller boats.

[RobGallagher]

Originally Posted by BarryL

Hey,

Can you tell me if the Hunter 33 and 36 are there? I heard they were supposed to be there.

Thanks,
Barry

I don't think the 33 was there. If I had noticed it I would have taken a look.

Maybe they where late arrivals and won't be there till the weekend?

[LinekinBayCD]

If you want a change of pace for a boat show try to make either the Maine Boatbuilders Show in Portland ME in March (mostly inside) or the Maine Boats and Harbors Show which was in Rockland ME in August (outside, in the water on land or under tents). Not strickly sail but a ton of gorgeous boats.

[Epicpopsicle]

Plan on going tomorrow how many people were there

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by Epicpopsicle

Plan on going tomorrow how many people were there

That will be no indication of a Saturday crowd. Nevertheless, go and enjoy Newport.

[Epicpopsicle]

I was still going to go. Just wanted to know if I had to fight my way through a bunch of people or not that's all.

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by Epicpopsicle

I was still going to go. Just wanted to know if I had to fight my way through a bunch of people or not that's all.

That would be the standard for any Saturday in Newport, except maybe the month of February. Have a great time.

One tip. Do not pass any available parking spot hoping you will find one closer. All is walkable.

[mstern]

Originally Posted by Minnewaska

One tip. Do not pass any available parking spot hoping you will find one closer. All is walkable.

I used to try and find a spot, but always wound up about a mile from the show. And the traffic! Newport on a summer weekend is bad enough, but you add the Boat Show and I just got fed up. I figured if I'm going to be a mile away, I might as well use the remote parking site at Easton's Beach. It costs $$$ and you have to take a shuttle bus, but there is no traffic getting in and out of the place, and its worth it to me.