Halifax Boat Show Notes

Feb 20, 2017

Build your own boat.

Despite some challenging weather the 2017 Halifax International Boat Show was a success. Luckily the blizzard did not arrive until after the show had closed on Sunday, but it did delay removing the boats by a couple of days.
Power boats continue to dominate and dealers wrote a good amount of business. One issue is that while there were quite a few young couples there with children, grey hair continues to predominate. This will soon be the greatest challenge facing the industry. I think creative ways to entice our rapidly growing newcomer community, many of whom come from countries without a maritime tradition, are essential.

Dave Trott, Seamaster.

All the local Yacht Clubs were represented by volunteers promoting the merits of their clubs. Thankfully gone are the days of Blazers and White pants that turned off many potential members. Certainly, one of the best ways to grow the sport is to invite friends onboard. Expand this to work mates or acquaintances and you may just light the fire in a new boater.

Dartmouth based Seamasters had the largest display at the show and when I dropped by they were doing a brisk trade. Sales manager Dave Trott said “Halifax Boat Show 2017 has once again surpassed our expectations for sales results and has resulted in a tremendous kick start to our 2017 season.”

Lonely Sailboat Norseboat.

The Canadian Power & Sail Squadron brought their boating simulator and it was a popular attraction with the younger crowd.

There was always a crowd watching Ann and Ryerson Clark build their Dudely Dix designed tender. They arrived on Thursday with precut panels from two sheets of plywood, and they left on Sunday with a nearly completed dinghy.
– Glen Cairns

Master Model Builder Ben Verburgh

Michelle Stevens Sailmaker

Next Gen Boater

Yours Truly in the CY Booth