Notes from the MIami Show

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