The LA BOATSHOW 2011

[RiverDave]

The usual disclaimer post..

As most of you know I stopped doing the LA Boatshow reports, but now just kind of tell the tale of MY EXPERIENCE at the LA show.. Right wrong or indifferent, it is what it is..

This years is brought to you by WozenCraft Insurance.. Please note every year it's brought by a company, that company is just the one that had the badge at the door for me. The opinions and views expressed here in have nothing to do with them, so if you have some issue with something I say, feel free to call me or blast me on here 760-515-BOAT.. Don't go bitching to them, because I'll never hear about it.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Yeah and?

 

[RiverDave]

This year we will peel back the curtain a bit on the industry and we're going to talk about somethings that are related to the show, but weren't necessarily at the show.

To the SCMA, I don't pretend to understand all the politics of what goes on between you guys and the boat mfg's, and to be honest I don't really care about them. That seems like a subject long before my time, and will probably be going on long after ole RD is a memory..

What I do know if you guys have a problem internally with whom ever is doing the "SALES" (keyword there) for the LA Boat Show booths.

I talk to several mfg's on a weekly or monthly basis, and as the show nears I generally ask what they are bringing etc..

This year the common theme was "Yeah they called awhile back.. sent a packet, but that was the last I heard of it." In one mfg's case he said "If I get a screamin deal on the booth I'll go, but other than that I'm not going" (That's an opening statement to start a conversation and start the process of "sales.") In other even more disappointing cases some mfg's weren't even called to be offered a spot?

I know this is going to be hard to believe, but sales is SALES.. MFG's like to be stroked a little bit and told how they are so important the show wouldn't be the same without them. If you don't put the effort in to sell the spots, how can you expect the show to grow?

As referred to earlier, I don't understand the politics between the mfg's etc.. But a lot of them are very unhappy right now.

This issue needs to be addressed in order for the show to even have some spark of life into the future.. Let alone restored to it's previous glory years.

RD

 

[RiverDave]

Yeah and?

It takes awhile to type Walt.. This isn't an instant thing, and posts will be put up all throughout this week.

RD

 

[work2ski]

It takes awhile to type Walt.. This isn't an instant thing, and posts will be put up all throughout this week.

RD

hey dave,

We want instant gratification around here. 20 minutes is too long. I almost passed out holding my breath for your post.

 

[RiverDave]

So the tale of the LA Boatshow starts.. I was supposed to go on Friday, the wife cancelled that plan. I was going to go on Saturday after puddingstone, but ended up having so much fun at the races I decided to go on sunday.

We showed up Sunday at show opening. The very 1st boat I walked up too was the wood boat.

Click here for gallery pics

[gallery=4214]Wood Boat [/gallery]

Click here to go straight to gallery

[gallery=4214]Wood Boat [/gallery]

(couple of teaser pics below)

The boat was gorgeous.. I don't know if it's just seeing the mohogany vs all the fiberglass or what, but it showed like a shiny new penny. I was kind of surprised that they put a bow thruster in an I/O boat, being that I/O's are generally pretty docile around the docks, I would think this would be more for the direct drive or v-drive style boats..

One thing I did notice about this was the giant overhangs off the transom.. I would think that when this is coming on plane these would be dragging in the water? Maybe it's intended to do that to help it on plane quicker or something? I'd be concerned about them dragging while turning at slow speeds, or in rough water etc..

This shot is taken right above the drive looking outwards..

I went to ask the guy a question that was wiping the boat down and putting up the sales flyers, but he looked at me like I was a bug. LOL I guess the ole T-shirt / sweats / flip flops didn't impress him much. I dunno.. After the condescending look I just walked on.

Which I might add pretty much set the tone for the day..

RD

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

It takes awhile to type Walt.. This isn't an instant thing, and posts will be put up all throughout this week.

RD

Sorry Dave, my meds start to run out as the day drags on.

And, I enjoyed your first comment about the sales process, you would think as the show drew closer, that they would want to fill the place and offer deals to vendors, the fixed costs are going to be the same regardless, so they may as well get as many vendors in as possible regardless of the cost.

Lastly, I always hear how the the Lake Havasu Marine Association goes about things much differently, it seems like year to year that show is growing while the LA show is shrinking.

 

[RiverDave]

I went by the HotSauce booth to say hello to Zach, Tom and Patrick. They have completely rebranded their line up. I love the black bottles, and the new darker / sinister marketing that they have come up with!! The bottles look 10x better then they used too.

RD

 

[RiverDave]

I was going to talk to RDP member STV Keith, but he was busy giving a Demo to someone, so I figured I'd come back at another time.

This auto tune EFI piggy back was developed by Dynojet, and tested by some of our very own board members! I didn't get the sales pitch, but from what I understand it can increase fuel mileage on your boat by up to 25%? (correct me if I'm wrong on that Keith)

They also had a motor from B&D Marine in their booth.. (We never do hear from Brian or Dane on here anymore.. ) It looked to be equipped with the 02 sensor, indicating that it had the Dynojet system on it.

RD

 

[RiverDave]

Still walking the show kind of getting the lay of the land I saw this trailer..

This is a Warrior Lifestyles Trailer that I guess Newport Boats was trying to sell? Warrior Lifestyles came after weekend warrior. I know very little about toy haulers (having never owned one), but I've heard big improvements on the new models.

I'm not 100% sure, but I believe famed RDP t-shirt designer "Ed Hume" actually had a hand in some of the design aspects of this trailer. Don't quote me on it, but I think this is there 26?

RD

 

[RiverDave]

I stopped and talked to the Coast Guard Reserve for a few minutes..

They offer boater safety courses and a number of other things that could actually be somewhat useful for the performance boater.

for more info on when the courses are in your area check their website.

www.D11S.org

RD

 

[LV R SCHIADA'S]

where are the Schiada pix, lets get to the good stuff !!

 

[RiverDave]

Since I happen to be in the same gallery we'll cover the rest of the pics..

I stopped by the PB booth and said hello to Kenny and Brett Bayne. Kenny ducked out before I could get the camera out..

Later in the day after a couple cocktails I was trying to get the guys in this booth to let me wrestle this little bastard, but they weren't having it..

RD

 

[RiverDave]

where are the Schiada pix, lets get to the good stuff !!

Schiada wasn't there.. I don't believe they were called to exhibit (don't quote me on that)

RD

 

[LV R SCHIADA'S]

Thats gotta be a first, then again they really don't need to advertise, we just like to see what the guys have come up with !!:thumbsup:thumbsup

 

[RiverDave]

Essex made a strong showing surprisingly, and brought out quite a few boats..

This is their Deck

The venting in the seats has to help in the summer heat.

RD

 

[RiverDave]

Thats gotta be a first, then again they really don't need to advertise, we just like to see what the guys have come up with !!:thumbsup:thumbsup

Scott did you see the Crazy cougar cat thread? (Schiada built and rigged)

RD

 

[RiverDave]

A Few more pics of the Essex Deck

These little lights were pretty bad ass actually..

Batteries are burried, but they had another hatch on the walk through so you could get to them. With all the room in the engine bay I was a little baffled why'd they would put them there.. I'm no boat rigger though, so maybe there's some reason I'm missing.

RD

 

[RiverDave]

The 21-22 Essex is actually one of my favorite modern boats.. They are built like a tank, run through the rough water well.. Essex always made great use of the Bravo III drive understanding that the extended dual prop has trim advantages etc.. For a family run about it's one tough boat to beat.. That and they are roomy as hell.

RD

 

[RiverDave]

Some miscellaneous shots..

This was the only thing I bought at the show.. A waterproof Iphone deal.. The phone works inside of it, and you can hear the person talking, you can still take pics through it etc.. And it floats! (perfect for the sandbar)

I was about 6 beers deep when I bought it.. 2 beers later I left it in the Shockwave Booth.. I hope they brought it home with them, becuase I have no idea how to buy another one.


Let be known.. If there's a pretty girl in the booth Gene from Howard will not even acknowledge your presence.. ( and who could blame him!)

This is Gene from Howard ignoring me to talk to the girl from Aero Marine..

This is 5 minutes later Gene still ignoring my ass talking to the Aero Marine girl..

We stop back by the Howard booth much later in the show.. I was 1/2 in the bag at this point. When I finally caught up with Gene I was completely in the bag, and telling him he's getting an F- if he doesn't produce a coors light.. LOL

He didn't produce a coorslight, (although he did try like hell) but how the hell can I give Howard an F.. They build some pretty damn nice boats.


I didn't catch the name of the pontoon mfg.. but apparently Bennington made a hell of an impression when their reverse facing seats, because other mfg's are doing it now as well.

Note the pontoon's are starting to add "bling" to them (lighted cup holders) and Teak swim step in the pic above.

RD

 

[TPC]

Schiada wasn't there.. I don't believe they were called to exhibit (don't quote me on that)

RD

They told me they were priced out of the show.
Just too much $$ for a spot and his future production bookings are very good,, he figures nothing to gain.

Perhaps the industry should find a cheaper place to exhibit with their smaller show.

The side thrusters are starting to appear on the single engine boats.
Nice for docking in some tricky situations where the twin engine had the advantage, and essential with the joy stick system.

Several MFGs have dropped offering twins under 30' and instead offer 1 502/bravo 3 or a Dmax instead of 2 small blocks for a lower price point and fuel economy.
Seems they are in fact passing the savings on to the MSRP from our comparisons. Hence,, the thrusters as an option.

We've test drove a few brands and the thruster is excellent. It really works. Especially when you're holding the boat steady as the kid/wife crew ties her to the mooring Hausers in swells and wind and tide.

A few companies still mfg the Ford flat head V8 and to me it would be essential bling'd out in the Wood boat.

Stacy has to be the cutest pregnant girl I've ever seen. She looks outstanding.

 

[RiverDave]

The 36 Howard was there, I'm surprised they weren't pushing it harder.. It was off in the distance kind of over by the Aligator.

Note the image quality starting to deteriorate along with my sobriety..

This boat is bitchen if you haven't seen it in person..

Kyle from WOT Marine talking to Vic and Bear Trailers

RD

 

[RiverDave]

There was one little booth that I think most everybody missed.. It was completely tarped off to keep the light out of it..

These guys make these bitchen little light up signs for boats (12Volt) portable (can run off a 9volt) or home (110 volt), and you can literally get one made and use it for all 3..

The lady was talking to me about it, and saying how inexpensive it was.. She said 400.00 (for this sign) which i wasn't thinking was too bad being that it lit up and it was custom, and then followed it up with "about 30% more then vinyl."

Normally I wouldn't say anything, but being pretty well tossed.. I looked at her half cross eyed and said "Where the hell are you getting your vinyl?

So we move on..

RD

 

[Long Way Home]

I didn't catch the name of the pontoon mfg.. but apparently Bennington made a hell of an impression when their reverse facing seats, because other mfg's are doing it now as well. RD

They are South Bay Pontoons..
http://www.southbaypontoon.com/

 

[RiverDave]

These were a couple of Stand Outs in the LA Show!!

A nice Hallett Flatty restored by Hallett and Friends.. (this boat is usually visible in their show room BTW, along with several other hot rods)

RD

 

[RiverDave]

Next Up was Place Controls "Corporate Jet"

Nice choice in steering wheels! (same one I have in my schiada)

Modern styled Interior / Old school Tuck and roll! Nice combination of modern vs traditional

RD

 

[parker guy]

Thanks Dave, Nice job.

 

[PVHCA]

The 21-22 Essex is actually one of my favorite modern boats.. They are built like a tank, run through the rough water well.. Essex always made great use of the Bravo III drive understanding that the extended dual prop has trim advantages etc.. For a family run about it's one tough boat to beat.. That and they are roomy as hell.

RD

We have the 22 Essex up at Mead, boat performs quite well in the heavy chop, just wish it had tabs.

 

[454Rocket]

When I finally caught up with Gene I was completely in the bag, and telling him he's getting an F- if he doesn't produce a coors light.. LOL

He didn't produce a coorslight, (although he did try like hell) but how the hell can I give Howard an F.. They build some pretty damn nice boats.
RD

When I found you at Eliminator you told me everyone but Shockwave was getting an F on the beer-to-boats scale... :drunk

 

[GRADS2009]

When I found you at Eliminator you told me everyone but Shockwave was getting an F on the beer-to-boats scale... :drunk

That's exactly what he told me when I bumped into him.

It was nice meeting everyone and spending two days at the show.

One of the funniest moments was when I went up to the Performance Boats booth and they asked if I was on the forums and what my screen name was.

 

[Riverbound]

When I found you at Eliminator you told me everyone but Shockwave was getting an F on the beer-to-boats scale... :drunk

Nordic also received a passing Grade due to them having beer in their booth.

 

[Tom Brown]

Is there an insurance discount for a 5 seater, or something?

 

[Tom Brown]

One of the funniest moments was when I went up to the Performance Boats booth and they asked if I was on the forums and what my screen name was.

You know... so many people have said they are Tom Brown over the years, when people ask my name and I tell them, they usually roll their eyes and just carry on. I couldn't buy a fucking conversation at the boat show.

... with the exception of Keith Sayre. He was unbelievably nice and even gave us a personally guided tour of the show.

 

[Performance Boat Candy]

I went by the HotSauce booth to say hello to Zach, Tom and Patrick. They have completely rebranded their line up. I love the black bottles, and the new darker / sinister marketing that they have come up with!! The bottles look 10x better then they used too.

RD

Interesting choice of colors

 

[Gelcoater]

Perhaps the industry should find a cheaper place to exhibit with their smaller show.

I could not agree more with TPC here,been asking MFG.s why not for years. Every year there when things were good they would raise the price of MFG.s space,limit the amount of days,alter what days from year to year,etc,claiming the LA show didn't draw enough revenue to the surrounding buisness,Hotels,etc. Basicly they were saying we dont give a shit about you guys. Why deal with it? Make Anaheim the "premier" boat show of the year and pass on LA.

 

[ultra26shadow]

Interesting choice of colors

Interesting choice of product line

 

[RiverDave]

Thanks Dave, Nice job.

I'm not done yet.. Takes a few days.

RD

 

[RiverRacerX]

What? No review on the Yamaha jet boats?

 

[Flyinbowtie]

Enjoying the read Rd...keep it up.

 

[Riverbound]

Interesting choice of product line

LOL

 

[Tom Brown]

I'm not done yet..

It's so hard to tell with these reports, Dave.

 

[RiverDave]

Interesting choice of product line

LMAO!

I think ole Tim just learned the lesson of why you always gotta keep it positive on the boards..

RD

 

[GRADS2009]

Am I the only one that felt sorry for the alligator that had to stay in the little pool for four days? I was hoping to see that dudes head get bit.

 

[Tom Brown]

Am I the only one that felt sorry for the alligator that had to stay in the little pool for four days?

Yes.

 

[Riverbound]

Am I the only one that felt sorry for the alligator that had to stay in the little pool for four days? I was hoping to see that dudes head get bit.

Did you not see the guys thumb all bandaged up? I guess the Gator got a piece of him when they were setting up....LOL

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

I could not make the show this year, was sitting watching titties in the channel instead, one question, why was there an alligator in a pool at the show?

 

[Tom Brown]

... why was there an alligator in a pool at the show?

It preferred the pool to walking around on the concrete.

 

[Scott E]

Interesting choice of product line

SMACK!. LMAO:skull

 

[Guest]

You know... so many people have said they are Tom Brown over the years, when people ask my name and I tell them, they usually roll their eyes and just carry on. I couldn't buy a fucking conversation at the boat show.

... with the exception of Keith Sayre. He was unbelievably nice and even gave us a personally guided tour of the show.

At gunpoint?

 

[Hardly Satisfied]

Nice Pics Dave