The Miami boat show is is the biggest boat show in the world covering its typical 20 football field of space and employing over 1500 people for a week or so to get it set up and break it down . Ill see alot of old friends, meet some new ones and talk to alot of folks about Ranger Tugs and Cummins Diesel this year . It is a good combination and all the manufacturers are working extra hard to make things happen this year with our economic challenges .
The big Suzuki unveiling I went to last evening was from Suzuki showing their new motor platform of 70-80-and 90 H.P. lightweight outboards . I cant tell you how lightweight as they dont know yet . These were semi mock ups with cases , cowlings and lower units , but the lids were screwed down as there is still some R&D to do . They will be ’09 models . This will be significant for our C Dorys as well as a number of smaller craft as the venerable Suzuki 70 weighed in at around 370 LBS. Too heavy for alot of applications . The old 90 turned into a 100 H.P. [ the european market seems to like even H.P. ]and I would have to extrapolate that the 50 will turn into a 60 . All in all the progression of technology keeps marching on
Mercury unveiled their 350 Verado and Evinrude unveiled their 300 E Tec .
I also met up with our current lineup of Manufactuers to see their offerings , I aint no bass guy , but the Champion 210 Elite series is sort of the BMW of Bass Boats and we impressive with its massive storage and well thought out design . If there is a demand forthese boats we will certainly fill it . The Champion 24 Bay [which has been a good seller for us] is as impressive as always and I got a little inside scoop that Champion will be going ahead with a 25 footer that will be perfect for our market with higher freeboard and multi use functionality. And all built with that BMW Champion Quality.
Twin Vee had a great display with their brand new 22 foot single engine bay boat . They also had a stack of the new Classics which represent huge value for the catamaran buyer . It will be available as a 22 Classic soon as well and will be a very simple, superior riding do everything boat .
I am in love with the Shamrock Mackinaw 27 . It is the perfect blend of fishability , economy ,range and comfort . They have a fully loaded boat in the display that is just great. 315 Yanmar power , 2.5 KW Mase Generator. air conditioning , and compact galley , with an L shaped setee up high and a comfy cutty cabin in the Vee. Plenty of fishing space , great visibility and accessibility to the components . It is a great design .
They have also introduced their Hammerhead series of flats boats and had their 17 footer there . We have traditionally not done well with flats boats in our area , but as the rules change , so might the boaters wants and needs . Their defiance center consoles are roomy and deep . Their 22 is equipped with a under console porta potty that is quite comfortable and will be a great family boat . Palmer/Defiance/Shamrock are also offering a lifetime structural warranty to our customers and is totally commited to quality .
Its unfortunate that C Dory did not make the show this year , I hope that will change next year , but we will have C Dorys at all of our upcoming shows . I will look forward to seeing alot of folks soon !
Marc
Related Articles
No user responded in this post