SARASOTA, Fla. (April 25, 2013) – Organizers of the Suncoast Boat Show announced banner-year results from the 2013 show, which took place from April 19-21 at Marina Jack in downtown Sarasota.
Attendance increased by 17 percent compared to 2012 and exhibitor revenue increased by 9 percent. On display in the water were 155 new and used boats, compared to 133 in 2012. The number of new boats in-water at the show increased by 25 percent. There were also more boats on land this year compared to last. The category that saw the largest increase was new boats under 45 feet, with a 28 percent gain from 2012. The number of exhibitors also increased by two percent.
“This year’s Suncoast Boat Show was a strong finish to our show season,” said Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, CEO of Show Management, the company that owns the show. “This is the fifth boat and yacht show we have produced in the last six months and are pleased to say that the marine industry continues to head in a positive direction.”
The Gulf Coast’s leading boat dealers displayed a wide variety of boats including personal watercraft, center consoles, cruisers, sportfishers and motor yachts. Among the many notable boats and dealers was Cannons Marina, which offered a terrific assortment of new boats from Grady White, Scout, Jupiter and Southwind. Yacht Registry displayed the 2012 Sabre 38 Salon Express and the 2013 Back Cove 34.
Leading marine accessories and products were also on display from companies including Slide Moor, Florida Bow Thrusters, Teakdecking Systems, Robert Webber classic yacht art and Lazy Buns, makers of high-quality water floats for the boat, beach or pool. There was also a wide selection of paddleboards, canoes and kayaks, marine electronics and fishing gear.
“We were very impressed with both the attendance this year and the quality of prospects on the docks,” said Darren Plymale, vice president of Galati Yacht Sales. “We were able to write several contracts during the show and provide our team with many leads as we make our way into the spring selling season. We are very pleased with the outcome of this year’s event.”
The 31st Annual Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota is owned and produced by Show Management and sponsored by Lincoln, Budweiser, BoatQuest.com and Gosling’s Rum. For more information, call 800-940-7642 or visit ShowManagement.com. Like the Suncoast Boat Show on Facebook at facebook.com/SuncoastBoatShow, follow the show on Twitter at twitter.com/boatshowupdates and tune into Boat Show TV at youtube.com/showmanagement.
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