Boat Show Feedback

Nasher · 12 January 2005, 16:22

Spent an enjoyable day at the show yesterday, hadn’t been for a couple of years so there was plenty to see.

Had a hilarious 10 minutes winding one of the Garmin reps up about non availability of blanking plugs for their cables when disconnected from the units. He really didn’t know what to say to me, or even appreciate the environment in which many of their units are used.

I was surprised that most of the RIB manufacturers only had what I would call Blue water cruisers at the show. White Hulls and Tubes, Blue and white stripped bench seats, fake teak decks, drinks coolers, you know what I mean. Now don’t get me wrong, each to their own taste, but the more rugged RIBS really were in a minority.
Don’t want to offend anyone with a more luxurious RIB, was just surprised.

Also spent some time talking to each of the major engine manufacturers, and came away very frustrated that I don’t yet have the funds in place to replace my engine and so take advantage of the show offers.
I was offered very good deals on Johnson 200/225HP E-TEC, Suzuki DF200/225, Optimax 175/200, and Yamaha 200HPDI. Had the money been in place I’d have probably gone in favour of the 200HP E-TEC.

Nasher.

DJL · 12 January 2005, 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Had a hilarious 10 minutes winding one of the Garmin reps up about non availability of blanking plugs for their cables when disconnected from the units. He really didn’t know what to say to me, or even appreciate the environment in which many of their units are used.

Mine aren’t the only ones that corrode then; I've just had to order a new cable for my fish finder. All they need is a little plastic cap to keep them dry.

Rogue Wave · 12 January 2005, 18:47

when I ran gArfmins I made some caps up with a squirt of silicon

The Jackeens · 12 January 2005, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

I’d have probably gone in favour of the 200HP E-TEC.

Nasher.

Now there's an idea

Us

Carl · 12 January 2005, 19:28

i have to say i thought the show was excellent

Alan · 12 January 2005, 19:37

Nasher, Your profile makes me laugh. I know where you are coming from with the Johnson 150 - ran one myself on a BWM21. Thirsty isn't it! Pray for the day when it breaks down beyond economical repair 'cos then you have to go out and buy and etec, opti etc. Thats what happened to us.

In the meantime just take lots of friends with you when you go ribbing - more to share to fuel cost with!!

Nasher · 12 January 2005, 20:57

I jest about it a lot, but I do love it. It makes a wonderful noise on full chat that the newer engines just can't match. And I can usually fix it without the use of a laptop.

We've debated on here before how much petrol I'd need to use in order to come up with the price of a new E-TEC etc, but my real reason for the change will be to dramaticaly increase my range.

Nasher.

ribraff · 12 January 2005, 22:09

The general consensus of opinion from what i've seen is that the new e-tec seems to be the favourite with most people..... and not the Verado.

DaButt · 12 January 2005, 22:24

Quote: I was offered very good deals on Johnson 200/225HP E-TEC, Suzuki DF200/225, Optimax 175/200, and Yamaha 200HPDI. Had the money been in place I’d have probably gone in favour of the 200HP E-TEC.

Nasher,

In your opinion, what constitutes "a good offer" (in terms of £) today for each of the models you mention above, and what was included in those quotations?

DaButt

prairie tuber · 12 January 2005, 22:46

Having a big Johnson would make a blue water cruiser redundant.

pettal · 13 January 2005, 09:28

Having a big Johnson will make you popular with the ladies

Zippy · 13 January 2005, 19:52

Had a really nice day at the show today made more so by being able to park right next to the East entrance door (The advantaged of having a disabled parking badge holder with you) and not having to pay to get in! (thanks to the nice people at Tek Jet. lovely looking boat by the way!

)

Wasnt as busy as i had expected and talking to some people they were saying attendance was 40 to 50 % down on last year

managed to spend a few quid but more importantly make my mind up on what i actually want. was very useful to play with gizmos back to back to see the benefits and weakness of each.

Would like to have stayed a bit longer but with two ageing rellies in tow thought best to get away before they keeled over. who knows. maybe i will get back there on Saturday?

Jono Garton · 13 January 2005, 20:14

Anyone seen the Standard Horizon 3500 dsc, extra full repeater mic and pa system for only £325 !!!

The Jackeens · 14 January 2005, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by pettal

Having a big Johnson will make you popular with the ladies

You'd be surprised me oul flower.
We can usually see past the Johnson.

missus

Scotty · 14 January 2005, 15:18

I approached the chap on the Valiant stand (bad hair and eybrows like Denis Healy !

) to talk about lifting rings on my Dr 600. He was the most unhelpfull person at the show

. I assume he does not like the Irish or assumed I would not buy anything from him. Other than that it was a good day but not busy for the dealers.

pettal · 14 January 2005, 15:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Jackeens

You'd be surprised me oul flower.
We can usually see past the Johnson.

missus

It all depends on the pitch of the prop.....

Neal · 14 January 2005, 18:59

Just got back from a good day at the show I felt it was worth going. Not in the market for as much kit as I needed this time last year so was able to take my time and wander about today. Got good deal on new hand held VHF and couple of other bits. Show looked to be busy but with the money it must cost to be there I just cant understand why some stands/staff make no effort to see if the can help. One stand of sharp dresses electronic “sales” men seemed to miss me and two others who all gave up and went away. While I hate high pressure sales staff if someone is looking at a stand for couple of minutes with no one else to serve a “can I help” could show an interest. A bloke at RIB X took time out to talk even knowing I was not in the market for new boat today and the staff at Purple Marine wanted to help so they got some of my business. I think it must be me age would not have cared couple of years ago. Have fun to those going over the weekend

John Kennett · 14 January 2005, 20:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotty

I approached the chap on the Valiant stand (bad hair and eybrows like Denis Healy !

) to talk about lifting rings on my Dr 600. He was the most unhelpfull person at the show.

Give Keith Somers at IBS a call after the show. I'm sure he'll be rather more helpful than the bloke you spoke to!

John

PeterR · 14 January 2005, 20:56

I have the pleasure of having 150 ficht great preformance and fuel comsuption but allas needs sodding computer every time so dont drule too much because i cannot even change spark plugs without dealer but you can

The Jackeens · 15 January 2005, 09:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by pettal

It all depends on the pitch of the prop.....

Trim is important alright.

missus