March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 46 F

U.S. Powerboat Show returns to pre-recession levels, grand prize winner announced

power boat show prizeThe Annapolis Boat Shows, named Rose Magness of New Jersey as the United States Powerboat Show Grand Prize Winner. Dr. Magness and her family are the proud new owners of an EdgeWater 170CC Deep V center console fishing boat, complete with trailer and 90 horsepower Yamaha engine. The grand prize was sponsored by the Annapolis Boat Shows, Annapolis Yacht Sales, and EdgeWater Power Boats to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the powerboat show. 

The grand prize first runner up, Michelle Birdsong of Virginia, won an exotic seven day & six night charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands on a luxury power catamaran sponsored by MarineMax.

The 2016 powerboat show was the largest in exhibit space and boats on display since the 2008 recession. There were more than 350 boats, including more than 100 center console fishing boats, 40 fishing boat manufacturers, and 75 brokerage boats in Brokerage Cove.

Paid attendance grew by five percent over 2015, the most since the 2008 financial collapse.

The exhibitor footprint, at the 2016 United States Powerboat Show space increased by more than 14.5 percent.

“The mood was positive, reflective of economic indicators all trending up – especially consumer confidence and household discretionary income.  There seemed to be excitement everywhere in the show,” said Paul Jacobs, president and general manager of Annapolis Boat Shows.

Boat manufacturers reported strong sales; great lead generation, and a commitment to bring more boats next year.

“Grand Yachts International certainly feel it was the best US Powerboat Show since before the recession.  And since our company’s position and product lineup continues to improve, we are fortunate that those factors dovetailed nicely into a hugely successful show,” said Ned L. Dozier, II, owner and president of Grand Yachts International.

“During and after the show we sold a 50 Riviera, 44 Tiara, 7 Pursuits from 23 to 35 feet, and a 34 Chris Craft.  We expect double-digit sales as a direct result of the show. Thank you for your help in creating such a great opportunity to start the fall boat show season for us,”  Dozier added.

Exhibitors and attendees enjoyed classic Annapolis boat show weather, with blue skies and temperatures in the upper 60s. 

Brokerage Cove was crowded all weekend.  The three water taxis that were ferrying people back and forth between main show and St. Mary’s Cove were always at capacity, and many boats were reported to have sold.

“We had a successful boat show in Brokerage Cove 2016,” said Marc Benvenuto, founder and president of Knot 10 Yacht Sales. 

“From the weather, to happy customers, and the well run coordination of the show, it was a first rate experience. We ended up so far with seven contracts and I am expecting several more. This was certainly the best Brokerage Cove show we have ever had,” said Benvenuto.

Miles of docks exhibited everything from luxurious blue water cruising boats and power catamarans to high-performance jet boats, pontoons, dozens of trawlers, down east boats, and every other type of boat imaginable. 

Plans are already underway in preparation for a large and active spring powerboat show at Bay Bridge Marina on Kent Island. The Bay Bridge Boat Show is open April 21 – 23, 2017 in Stevensville, Maryland. Last year this show featured more than 250 boats, up to 75 feet in length!

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