London boat show - any good?

[IndyR1]

Never been to any boat shows since the two main ones are both down south and I'm up north now I've made the plung and bought a rib I was wondering if it was worth a trip to London.
Any one been before and if so how much rib related stuff is there to see?

[Pikey Dave]

The last time I went to the LBS a couple of years ago, I vowed it would be the last. I get the impression that most of the manfs. don't take it seriously, preferring to concentrate their efforts on Soton. BRP/Evinrude didn't even have a stand. Ribcraft were there, but it was a poor showing overall on things RIB related. It was expensive to get in (I HATE having to pay to spend money, they should be paying me to go!!!) I was looking for a PLB, I got a price from a few of the exhibitors, force4, mailspeed etc. & called my local chandler & he was happy to match the price. So I bought nowt.

[biffer]

It's crap. We were staying on a boat by tower bridge a couple of years back with the aim of doing a couple of days there. Finished up going on a bender instead. Far better time was had

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[Hightower]

Yeh, wait a year and go to Southampton instead

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by IndyR1

Never been to any boat shows since the two main ones are both down south and I'm up north now I've made the plung and bought a rib I was wondering if it was worth a trip to London.
Any one been before and if so how much rib related stuff is there to see?

I've just noticed you're in Hull. Chris Legge at Kildale Marine will do as good a price on most stuff that you'd get at the boat shows. I've used him for years, top bloke. Good service, knows his stuff In fact on the occaisions when he hasn't been able to beat a price I've still used him. It's worth the pennies for the quality of service.

[Vandad]

Pros:
1. Easier to see everything as it is mainly indoor, and is better organised.
2. Better choice of chandlery stuff
3. Loads of training, sailing and powerboating courses, and holiday offers
4. MUCH better for Marine Electronics (at least compared to 2011 Southampton Boatshow).
5. Better choice of food!!!!

Cons:
1. Limited number of boats,
2. Almost no RIB (I think there were only one or two RIB manufacturer in 2011 London Boatshow)
3. Busy like Hell!

It is not TOO bad, considering it is an activity in "LONDON" for just £16! + £15 car park!

[mick]

I went to both this year won't be going again cost a fortune.

[Alan Priddy]

It's a great social event. This years was a lot better and all the bars were full. It certainly made a huge difference by putting the outdoor and bike sho on at the same time. I suspect that there will be some exceptionally good deals next year bearing in mind what's going on in the world Alan P

[Max...]

Used to go to Earls Court every year with my Dad in the 80's - those were the days, great atomosphere at the old show - loads of variety with every type of craft for all types and pockets, also a huge windsurfing/w-skiing presence.

Went to Excel a few years back and it was useless - aimed at the Sunseeker crowd with barely a small boat to be seen and zero 'buzz'. Would not waste time and money on it now.

[IndyR1]

Think you've all made my mind up, don't waste the time and money of going and I'll spend the money on the boat instead.

[IndyR1]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I've just noticed you're in Hull. Chris Legge at Kildale Marine will do as good a price on most stuff that you'd get at the boat shows. I've used him for years, top bloke. Good service, knows his stuff In fact on the occaisions when he hasn't been able to beat a price I've still used him. It's worth the pennies for the quality of service.

Have used Kildare for some parts and they do seem helpful. Needed some flares and he actually rang me on Friday morning to tell me they'd had their delivery so I'll be popping in next week to pickup a pack.

Si

[red]

The exhibitors are limited at London Boat Show. My advice would be to head for Dusseldorf in February where there is alot more to see and just as easy to get to. The only down side I can see is that the beer often comes with a thick foam head and the choice of sausages too much......

[johnT]

Just as an update to this thread, word on the street is the LBS continues to decline in quality. Most people are saying it's not worth it. I have heard the Beale Park boat show is much better and it's in the summer so more of a good day out.

[C2 RIBS]

Originally Posted by johnT

Just as an update to this thread, word on the street is the LBS continues to decline in quality. Most people are saying it's not worth it. I have heard the Beale Park boat show is much better and it's in the summer so more of a good day out.

Beale Park is a small event with the organisers having loads of small businesses from the boating world covering, canoes, dinghys,rowing boats, canal boats and even radio control boats . Specialist skills linked to boat building are usually there. This does not compare to a large show but is a good day out

[Steve_B]

Was speaking to the guys at Copper Coat (which I will be using this year) and whilst they had a good show, the foot fall through the show was down again by about 10%.

[C2 RIBS]

Here is the Beale Park listings for exhibitors this year
Beale Park Thames Boat Show | At The Show | Exhibitors | General Exhibitors

Beale Park Thames Boat Show | Beale Park Boat Show