Record Number of Boats Premiere in the United States Powerboat Show

A huge armada of over 450 powerboats from leading manufacturers around the country and abroad will occupy the Annapolis City Dock and Harbor from Thursday, October 12, through Sunday, October 15, 2000, at the annual United States Powerboat Show. This well-established and highly respected boating marketplace occurs in one of the Chesapeake Bay's most charming colonial settings, and this year the show offers visitors the largest number of premiering boats in its 29-year history.

In-water debuts include Mainship's 430 Trawler, Neptunus Yachts' 56 Sedan Bridge, the Ocean 52 from Ocean Yachts, Chris Craft's Roamer 40, the MV32 Passagemaker from PDQ of Ontario, Yacht Search's Manta 52 Catamaran, the Gratitude 28 from Gratitude Yachts, and the Linssen DS 45 presented by Ensign Yachts, Inc. In addition, this year, as a first-time participant, the Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association will be taking part as a collective with three of their members. Two of these, Le Blanc Brothers Boat Builders and Superport Marine Services, will each introduce a new boat.

In addition to the manufacturers that are premiering their latest designs, other companies will be showcasing their 2001 models. Among the exhibitors are Hatteras, Bayliner Marine Corporation, Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc., Sabre Yachts, and Egg Harbor Yachts. There are also a record number of large yachts on display. Oviatt Marine will have their Grand Alaskan MY 75, and Hatteras will be showing their Hatteras 70, 65 and 60. At the other end of the size spectrum, the fleet of smaller boats includes the Maritime Skiff 1890 and the Grady-White 18, as well as the Robalo 1900 and the Trophy 1903 in the Riverside Marine exhibit. Every other sector of the powerboat industry has contracted to display their latest boats as well. For those who are looking for high- performance boats, Formula/Thunderbird will have their usual exciting display, including the Formula 280 SS and the Formula 252 SS. Traditionalists will appreciate the classic lines of the American Tug 34 from Traditional Yachts and the Hinckley Picnic 39. Sportfishing enthusiasts will be able to view several styles from Pursuit Fishing Boats, Shamrock Sport & Fishing Boats, Vicking Yachts, and Bertram Yachts.

In addition to the in-water and land boat displays, there will be over 375 tent exhibits with such diverse products as foul weather gear, diesel engines, financial services, and many other unique items specifically designed to enhance the safety and pleasure of recreational boating. Two new products being shown for the first time are the XT Givens Buoy Life Raft and the Piranha Lift System from TNT Marine Equipment, L.C.

The United States Powerboat Show opens with Press/VIP/Trade Day, Thursday, October 12. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and VIP tickets are $25.00. General admission days are October 13 through 15, with tickets available at $13.00 for adults and $6.00 for children 12 and under. The hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors driving to Annapolis can take Maryland Route 50 to Exit #24 (Rowe Boulevard) and follow the signs to show parking and shuttles.

Posted: 10-10-2000