They looked at the skies, hoping for good weather.
They looked at other boat slips and exhibit areas to see which companies showed up.
But most importantly, boat dealers looked to the crowds on the opening day of the 39th Annual U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, hoping for a strong turnout and buyer interest as the nation’s economy falters.
For “a lot of the dealers, this is bread and butter; it’ll make or break your year,” said Steve Weisbrod, a delivery captain for Tidewater Marina of Havre de Grace and Annapolis.
“This is the biggest show; this is where people come.”
The show opened Thursday to trade groups, the media and VIPs, and will open to the public at 10 this morning and run through Sunday. The U.S. Powerboat Show will follow next Thursday.
Dealer opinion was split on whether high fuel prices and a slumping economy would drive interest toward sailboats.
Brett Starke, of Tred Avon Yacht Sales in Oxford, said he’s a believer in the theory.
“The demand had been toward motorboats. Now as fuel [prices go] up, we’re seeing a shift to sailboats,” Starke said.
His dealership sells the Com-Pac Yacht brand, smaller sailboats between 14 and 35 feet long and starting at about $10,000.
Kenny Comerford, owner of North Point Yacht Sales in Annapolis, wasn’t so convinced.
He deals in high-end MJM brand powerboats, selling boats between $50,000 and $550,000, and said sales in the higher-end market were steady.
“The part of motorboating that’s getting hit is small gas-powered [boats],” he said.
“That’s a challenge; that market is cratering.”
Weisbrod said some powerboaters, like car drivers, limited their trips this summer to cope with higher gas prices.
There were “many boats that didn’t even leave the marina this year,” he said.
“Money gets tight. The first thing they cut back on is the hobbies.”
But not all have chosen to drop boating completely.
Kevin Ryman, vice president of the Chesapeake Boating Club, said the club had seen “a pretty steady year,” thanks to individuals seeking a cheaper alternative to get on the water.
Some boat show veterans said Thursday’s crowds seemed lighter than usual whether it be due to the economy or the weekday schedule.
Sterling Hasen and his wife, Kim, said they travel from North Carolina annually to attend the show.
“This is the least people we’ve seen in a few years,” Hasen said. “You could tell when we were parking. The economy is taking a hit on everyone, I guess.”
But first-time attendee Doug Johnston, of Toronto, said he still was impressed by the number and variety of dealers and exhibitors, including Ontario-based Gozzard Yachts.
“We live an hour and a half away from them, and we’ve never seen them at any of the shows at home,” he said. “It’s fantastic, by far the biggest boat show we’ve been to.”
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