What to do at the Miami Boat show?

[scarlet]

Originally Posted by DDabs

bubba gump's bucket o' boat trash

huh?

[chuckr]

If you are really serious go down to the Lagoon area and ask for a guy by the name of Ted Novakowski -- We know Ted and trust him -- he worked with us in 2002-2003 when we were looking for a boat - and we knew absolutely nothing about boats.
Ted taught us how to look at a boat and how a boat is made and good points and bad points of boats. He was patient and understood us what we wanted -
He eventually sold us SoulMates - new - a Jeanneau DS40 and periodically we would call and ask advise and he was always helpful

How well did he do -- well -- we took off a number of years ago - I guess about 8 now - have sailed over 30k nm - seen the entire carib, crossed the atlantic and now year 3 in the Med -- and we could not be in a better boat - each and everyday we thank Ted for getting us here.

so remember Ted Novakowski at Lagoon and if he is busy just wait - he is the only one you want to talk with

and tell him chuck patty and soulmates said hi

[sailnow2011]

350K is not going to get you a very good, new cat. Not in the 40' range.
You might end up with a lagoon, and live to regret that decision as so many have.

[scarlet]

Originally Posted by sailnow2011

350K is not going to get you a very good, new cat. Not in the 40' range.
You might end up with a lagoon, and live to regret that decision as so many have.

Not true. At Annapolis, we talked with Peter at Leopard, and the new 40's were in the high $300's...

That being said.. I would NOT recommend a new boat. Too much depreciation way too fast.

What we have done, is shopped the boat shows for the last couple of years, to get an idea of what boat we will purchase USED in a couple of years... our first boat show was Miami 2013... fell in love with the Helia (the boat was $750,000 at the show)... we are starting to see Helia's on the market now for around $450,000. So, in 2 more years, we will be able to get a 5 year boat, in a more acceptable price range.

For us, there was no greater education, than going to the boat shows... touring every boat.. asking questions.. comparing. Learned more in 2 days that we had in the whole previous year of study...

[Greenhand]

Our local boat shows include used boats, which is how we found out that some pretty decent stuff was available for about what we already had in our pockets.

[Heath68]

Originally Posted by mholtzberg

For fun I think Cruising Outpost will have a Cruisers Party on Saturday night of the Boat show which is free as long as you are in the show. Where you can meet other cruisers and wannabe cruisers and talk ideas. When it was Latitudes and Attitudes my family and I attended the party. Along with music from Eric Stone Band. Free beer, pizza, and music, need I say more?

I'm flying from the UK to Miami so thanks for that. I've seen they do the first day as Premier Day. Do you or anyone here know what's special about Premier? I've asked strictly sail but nothing.

[Tellie]

Originally Posted by Heath68

I'm flying from the UK to Miami so thanks for that. I've seen they do the first day as Premier Day. Do you or anyone here know what's special about Premier? I've asked strictly sail but nothing.

The only thing special is that you get to pay more to get in.

Halden Marine Services | Marine Watermakers, Solar Panels, Wind Generators

[HopCar]

Because it costs more, it is also less crowded. Of course that may be because it's Thursday not Saturday.


Tellie, I'll have people manning the Gill weather gear">Foul Weather Gear Booth. Are you working the show? I'll try to stop by and say hello to you.

[Tellie]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Because it costs more, it is also less crowded. Of course that may be because it's Thursday not Saturday.


Tellie, I'll have people manning the Gill Foul Weather Gear Booth. Are you working the show? I'll try to stop by and say hello to you.

Sure, I'm always there. Please stop by and say "Hello"

[Heath68]

Apologies if this looks like hijacking but having never been I wondered if anyone could give me an idea how many days I'd need to book to have a good look at the boats I want to see?
I'm not interested in mono's nor equipment at this stage just FP (Helia/Saba), St Francis, Antares, Balance and maybe the Isara if its there.

[scarlet]

Originally Posted by Heath68

Apologies if this looks like hijacking but having never been I wondered if anyone could give me an idea how many days I'd need to book to have a good look at the boats I want to see?
I'm not interested in mono's nor equipment at this stage just FP (Helia/Saba), St Francis, Antares, Balance and maybe the Isara if its there.

I think, based on that .. one full day would be enough.