Annapolis Boat Show: CF Roundup

[Jadam79]

Hello all,

I myself will be present at this years US Boat show Oct 6-10 at Annapolis. I wanted to get feedback on how some of you would feel about meeting for dinner and/or livations that Saturday evening. It would be great to put faces to names, shake hands, tell tales, etc.

Post comments, positive or otherwise freely. I personally would really enjoy taking an hour or two forging new relationships

Thanks

Adam

[cruz878]

On the topic of the Annapolis show, I am thinking about heading up there this year, but having never attended a boat show before I am unsure what to expect.

Is it family friendly? I would be taking my wife and 8yr old son.

Can we board a range of boats?

Is it high sales pressure (like a car dealership)?

Admittedly I am not in the market for a brand new boat, but I would love to board a range of different sizes with the fam to get a feel for how big we should be targeting. My initial thought is mid-30's. I've only ever been on a 27' and 31' mono. Some slightly bigger cats but I am unsure of the exact size.

Any insight is appreciated.

[Tom and Maje]

Tom and I will be there.

The show is family friendly. You can board all the boats there with the exception of 2 or 3 private ones for which you need an invitation.


There is very little pressure to buy. But we met our broker there. Although, we didn't actually buy a boat until nine years later.


We've been attending for years. Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

Maje

[RickG]

Jadam79, its kid friendly, low pressure and a fun time. You can board the vast majority of boats. Charter companies have great deals and vendors have discounted products.

Thursday VIP session has the fewest people, followed by Monday then Sunday. Due to friends' schedules we'll be there for the busiest day, Saturday. I'm sure we'll be out for a pint and oysters after the show, just not sure where.

Cheers, RickG

[Steve_C]

I will be there Thursday and Friday, I could do something Friday afternoon or evening. I typically avoid Saturday due to the crowds.

I haven't been since 2011 and I am really looking forward to it.

[ohdrinkboy]

I'll be there definitely on Thursday and Friday.

It is very kid friendly. Remember it is an in water show. You will be walking on docks and on/off boats. Your choice on if the kid should wear a life jacket.

They usually have a booth with dinghy sailing where they will take your kid out on a sail.

My daughter went at 13 and loved it.

[Caribbeachbum]

We'll be there Thursday-Sunday, and are staying in walking distance of the show. If someone organizes a CF cocktail hour, we'd love to join in.

Also, here two nearly identical threads on this topic. Anybody with higher powers wanna consider merging them?

[cruz878]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm sold on going up and checking it out this year. Looks like we will be there for the busiest day as well.

[brownoarsman]

I will be there as well. It would be fun to meet up if anyone is organizing some cocktails. Pleasant winds on the Severn for sailing today (and I did), hope it keeps up for the show!

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[Peterix]

Hi, tickets ready to go , any advise about hotels (Annapolis seems full) and parking (may be I'll stay in a hotel near washington)

[cruz878]

I struck out on hotels near Annapolis as well. Ended up booking a room at the Radisson in Rockville.

Oh and my understanding is you can park at the Navy Yard for a few bucks and they shuttle you over to the show.

[Columbia30]

Hello all. I will be working in the Mantus Anchor booth at the Annapolis show and would love to meet some of the people on CF. And a cold beverage with fellow sailors always sounds good! Please come by and say hello!! Thomas

[Saleen411]

Originally Posted by cruz878

I struck out on hotels near Annapolis as well. Ended up booking a room at the Radisson in Rockville.

Oh and my understanding is you can park at the Navy Yard for a few bucks and they shuttle you over to the show.

We stayed at the Hilton on Kent Island....rooms were available at other hotels there and the drive was short.

[cruz878]

Originally Posted by Saleen411

We stayed at the Hilton on Kent Island....rooms were available at other hotels there and the drive was short.

Good thinking, it never even dawned on me to look at the other side of the bay. I have friends near Bethesda and meeting them Saturday night so too late for me to switch now.


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[MarkJ]

Well, I'm thinking of going. So keep everyone up to date with dinner plans.