LA County Boat Show, new dates for 2025

[JFMFG]

I hope Dave is able to get a report and some interviews from the show

Dave said he’s not going.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Dave said he’s not going.

Yeah but he’s got minions that may go

 

[lenmann]

If you are looking for a nice new Bennington, there are some sick low prices on a few 25RX models at Sun Country for the show.

I wanted to jump on this but need to sell mine first.

View attachment 1470348

Last time I was at the LA Boat show was 2020. I bought this same model Bennington for $132,000. Nice to see prices finally reverting to mean. It's been a great boat.

 

[JFMFG]

Yeah but he’s got minions that may go

This is very true lol.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

I'll offer another perspective for consideration. It is not just boat shows, it is ALL Tradeshows.

Tradeshows have been following the same model for decades. Little has changed, however the ability for a manufacture to generate leads has changed. Tradeshows no longer offer the same value they once did. The costs to participate in a tradeshow are FN crazy.

 

[JFMFG]

I'll offer another perspective for consideration. It is not just boat shows, it is ALL Tradeshows.

Tradeshows have been following the same model for decades. Little has changed, however the ability for a manufacture to generate leads has changed. Tradeshows no longer offer the same value they once did. The costs to participate in a tradeshow are FN crazy.

This is 100% true in my industry we have 3 big shows a year. The biggest coming up this week in Florida is the PGA show which honestly has grown year over year. Between booth and union fees at the convention center we are over 100k with freight to get there. The 2nd largest show is the GIS show it’s in San Diego this year in 2 weeks we don’t even do it anymore. Lastly the Carolina’s which was never big but we skip also. Between e commerce and discounts on websites, etc why go to the shows to get the deals. Shows are still good to get your name infront of people faces and learn about the product. It’s sad what it’s come too.

 

[throttle]

Last time I was at the LA Boat show was 2020. I bought this same model Bennington for $132,000. Nice to see prices finally reverting to mean. It's been a great boat.


View attachment 1470359

I remember when you got this boat, its really nice. The RX model is what we wanted to buy last year, couldn't justify the money they wanted for em. The diamond stitching in upholstery, cupholders, armrests in lounge seats, cladded seats are just a few things that our LXS doesn't have that I really like.
Hope she is treating you well, how many hours on that now?

 

[Sportin' Wood]

This is 100% true in my industry we have 3 big shows a year. The biggest coming up this week in Florida is the PGA show which honestly has grown year over year. Between booth and union fees at the convention center we are over 100k with freight to get there. The 2nd largest show is the GIS show it’s in San Diego this year in 2 weeks we don’t even do it anymore. Lastly the Carolina’s which was never big but we skip also. Between e commerce and discounts on websites, etc why go to the shows to get the deals. Shows are still good to get your name infront of people faces and learn about the product. It’s sad what it’s come too.

You should hear what our cost for the Fabtech show was last year. The saving grace of Fabtech is that institutional investors tour that show.

 

[JFMFG]

You should hear what our cost for the Fabtech show was last year. The saving grace of Fabtech is that institutional investors tour that show.

I couldn’t imagine my 20x30 booth is bad enough

 

[HNL2LHC]

You should hear what our cost for the Fabtech show was last year. The saving grace of Fabtech is that institutional investors tour that show.

I couldn’t imagine my 20x30 booth is bad enough

Then you have the 40x40 International Builders Show or anything large scale in a unionized facility..…. There are some that do several events in a year

Back to the LA Boat show topic. Last show was back In 2019. The first time that our son saw the price of boats. He said people that woudl spend that kind of $$$ are stupid. Not sure he really gets it.

Here is a bite of sparkle for @C-Ya

 

[whiteworks]

I feel bad saying this, but I’m 15 minutes away, it’s Saturday and I’m looking for something to do, it’s happening right now, and I have zero desire to go.

Trade shows that are in a death spiral are depressing to attend. Other than maybe some new power plant options, there just doesn’t seem to be much more that is gonna happen with boats.

I attended the heli expo last year in Anaheim, it was badass, amazing things to see at every booth, new tech, new airships, business happening, dudes in $2000 suits and helo pilots in cowboy boots making deals, writing contracts, global attendance, the energy was positive.

 

[RiverDave]

I hope Dave is able to get a report and some interviews from the show

I’m not going this year

 

[throttle]

I couldn’t imagine my 20x30 booth is bad enough

And we are back to no carpet, hall runners, plants or trash cans. You pay more for less.

 

[throttle]

Speedboatmagazine has good coverage on IG with Bob Teague.

just sayin

 

[HCP3]

If you are looking for a nice new Bennington, there are some sick low prices on a few 25RX models at Sun Country for the show.

I wanted to jump on this but need to sell mine first.

View attachment 1470348

I am sure people are going to tell me it will sell at that price, but holy shit. A pontoon boat.

 

[throttle]

I am sure people are going to tell me it will sell at that price, but holy shit. A pontoon boat.

Only thing I will add to that is, I got familiar with the product line and have been watching prices for the last 4 years. That boat probably has an MSRP of $200k (if not more) and up until the last year, it was not even available without a waiting list. $129k seems like an unreal price for an RX with all of the features it has. Not gonna say it will sell for that but it should. They are not like grandpa's pontoon anymore.

 

[Lakerwood12]

Anyone on the thread attend? What performance MFG are there?

 

[Lakerwood12]

Speedboatmagazine has good coverage on IG with Bob Teague.

just sayin

Nice piece on shockwave. That 28 deck is a pretty nice set up

 

[Flatsix66]

Speedboat Magazine #speedboatmagazine #sbmag on Instagram: "ELIMINATOR BOATS DISPLAYING ALL WEEKEND AT THE LA COUNTY BOAT SHOW Speedboat Magazine’s Bob Teague catches up with Eliminator Boats President Jake Fraleigh, as we take a look at some of th

766 likes, 13 comments - speedboatmagazine_sb.mag on January 18, 2025: "ELIMINATOR BOATS DISPLAYING ALL WEEKEND AT THE LA COUNTY BOAT SHOW Speedboat Magazine’s Bob Teague catches up with Eliminator Boats President Jake Fraleigh, as we take a look at some of the gorgeous boats that the Mira...

www.instagram.com

Nice new 19' Daytona

 

[BRONCOBOY]

I know it's all relative but the shows in the 70's-early 90s were the best although to be honest I haven't been to a boat show in 25 years.

All the so cal builders and their employees all knew one another. No real egos to bruise and especially in the 70s until 1980, we couldn't build the boats fast enough. It was great, kinda like GM use to be...customers started out buying a bottom of the line Chevy, moved up to a Pontiac then an Olds and so on. There were entry level boats (built those) better boats (built lots of those) and the upper crust (those too).

So much fun, especially the after parties.

And you never knew who'd you run into...
View attachment 1468898

Allen Hale stopped in our Drake Pumps booth and we poured him a drink, then he would.nt leave - wanted another and another. It was halarious and fun hanging out with him.

 

[Done-it-again]

I'll offer another perspective for consideration. It is not just boat shows, it is ALL Tradeshows.

Tradeshows have been following the same model for decades. Little has changed, however the ability for a manufacture to generate leads has changed. Tradeshows no longer offer the same value they once did. The costs to participate in a tradeshow are FN crazy.

Very true. Our trade show coming up will cost me about 60-70k and we might get a sold lead from it in 2 yrs and by that time we are doing it again (shows every 2 years). We just get to meet a lot of our customers in 1 place. If we don’t go, then the shit talking starts that we are struggling business wise by our competitors.

 

[lenmann]

I remember when you got this boat, its really nice. The RX model is what we wanted to buy last year, couldn't justify the money they wanted for em. The diamond stitching in upholstery, cupholders, armrests in lounge seats, cladded seats are just a few things that our LXS doesn't have that I really like.
Hope she is treating you well, how many hours on that now?

It's been a great boat, zero issues, perfect grandpa grand kid hauler. I think it's at about 120 hours.

It splits time on the lake with the Schiada.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Maybe I’m off about this. But, when it comes to the decline of boat shows, are we perhaps missing the elephant in the room? - The Internet . . . and all it has to offer.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Maybe I’m off about this. But, when it comes to the decline of boat shows, are we perhaps missing the elephant in the room? - The Internet . . . and all it has to offer.

If the manufacturers would just start posting in the build threads on RDP they could cancel the LA boat show.

 

[HST4ME]

Last boat show I went to in Detroit was %80 generic toons, a few bro dozers, equally generic fishing boats, $12 dollar beers and people walking around staring at their phones

 

[RiverDave]

If the manufacturers would just start posting in the build threads on RDP they could cancel the LA boat show.

Honestly I kind of agree on that. Lol

 

[Sportin' Wood]

If we don’t go, then the shit talking starts that we are struggling business wise by our competitors.

I hear that from every sales guy when we review a show.

 

[Racer56]

I see eliminator built another boat with the 650hp Ilmor motor and drive package. What's the word on the street about this setup? I would like to see one in a Fundeck.

 

[JFMFG]

I’m gonna say it. Cobra seems to be making some kick ass boats. Their interior and gel from bobs videos look amazing. Congrats to them.

 

[CoolCruzin]

No pictures of the show from anyone yet

 

[Racer56]

No pictures of the show from anyone yet

Instagram

 

[NIKKI WALTERS]

Boats on Display

Cobra is here at the show this weekend. Been posting on IG throughout the week. Make sure to follow us if you are unable to make it. Plus SB Mag posted really great videos with each manufacturer

 

[stephenkatsea]

LA Boat Show seemed at its best when held in the LA Convention Center. The move to the Staple Center followed. Somehow, the Convention Center felt like a better fit. I was working for Innovator Boats in those years. We displayed our 31’ twin Cummins diesel sportfishers and our newly acquired Radon Boats. Definitely, 2 distinct markets. Usually stayed at the nearby Holiday Inn. Walking to and from the Convention Center and the area restaurants, late in the night, was comfortable. Have to wonder what that be like now?

 

[Paradox]

LA Boat Show seemed at its best when held in the LA Convention Center. The move to the Staple Center followed. Somehow, the Convention Center felt like a better fit. I was working for Innovator Boats in those years. We displayed our 31’ twin Cummins diesel sportfishers and our newly acquired Radon Boats. Definitely, 2 distinct markets. Usually stayed at the nearby Holiday Inn. Walking to and from the Convention Center and the area restaurants, late in the night, was comfortable. Have to wonder what that be like now?

Been attending the LA event for decades. Actually ran into H20 Toie there last year.

Decided to pass this year. I think the Havasu event is better these days.

That said, back in 2006 (at the convention center), Fountain had a pretty good display. At the time I owned a 1996 35 Executioner and they were trying to sell me a new 2007 38 Lighting with staggered 700s and M6s. They took me for a test ride out of Long Beach. I have a tattle pic doing 118 MPH (somewhere) inside the break water from that ride. I want to say the boat show price was in the $270k range. I didn’t pull the trigger as money was tighter back then.

Fast forward 18 plus years and I now own the almost exact same boat that I purchased from the Fountain professional driver (at the time of the test) who now has a brokerage out of Florida.

 

[twocents]

The L.A. Boat Show achieved its peak in 2006 in terms of total attendance and number of exhibitors. Shortly thereafter the U.S. economy began to collapse and the recreational boating business was among the first to experience it. Example -- in early February 2007, L.A. Boat Show total attendance was off by only 4% from 2006. But 90 days later in April 2007 came the Orange County Boat Show at the Anaheim Convention Center -- attendance in 2007 was down 53% compared to 2006, and the slide was just beginning.

 

[RiverDave]

The L.A. Boat Show achieved its peak in 2006 in terms of total attendance and number of exhibitors. Shortly thereafter the U.S. economy began to collapse and the recreational boating business was among the first to experience it. Example -- in early February 2007, L.A. Boat Show total attendance was off by only 4% from 2006. But 90 days later in April 2007 came the Orange County Boat Show at the Anaheim Convention Center -- attendance in 2007 was down 53% compared to 2006, and the slide was just beginning.

All the early 2000's boat shows were awesome..

RD

 

[throttle]

The L.A. Boat Show achieved its peak in 2006 in terms of total attendance and number of exhibitors. Shortly thereafter the U.S. economy began to collapse and the recreational boating business was among the first to experience it. Example -- in early February 2007, L.A. Boat Show total attendance was off by only 4% from 2006. But 90 days later in April 2007 came the Orange County Boat Show at the Anaheim Convention Center -- attendance in 2007 was down 53% compared to 2006, and the slide was just beginning.

This is right on point!

All the early 2000's boat shows were awesome..

RD