Southampton Boat Show 2013 - worth it?

Copinsay · 03 September 2013, 00:26

Hello folks

Have found out a client may well want me down in Dorset for a day, the week of the Southampton Boat Show, and so I was toying with going for the first time, with being pretty much in the area anyway.

But - honestly - what do you folks think as RIBbers (rather than folks with oodles of cash for fancy yachts etc)?!

Is it worth it? Is a day out on the RIB more attractive?

Best bits?

Worst bits?

And who else is planning to go?

Cheers

Steve

BruceB · 03 September 2013, 01:39

I am on holiday in the area and intend to go the first friday. Not specially going down to go but since I am in the area and apparently she has tesco vouchers that cover the cost of the tickets, why not?

boristhebold · 03 September 2013, 08:19

Its a big show, I usually go along on one of the days but I reckon 2 or 3 hours can get it done so to speak. Lots and lots of boats including lots of Ribs, some in doors, some outside and some on the water. worth going along if you haven't seen it, lots of chandlery stores also present.

gennaro · 03 September 2013, 08:30

Late entry tickets are £10 on the gate for access 3:30-6:30pm if thats enough time to do the lot.

Copinsay · 03 September 2013, 09:38

Thanks for these suggestions folks - very helpful.

Like some other shows, does it tend to be quieter / less crowded during the week compared to the weekend?

Steve

Erin · 03 September 2013, 13:01

Mrs Erin and I will be there midweek. If you haven't been before it is certainly worth a visit, if nothing more than just to see the impressive displays of big boats totally out of your budget! It is also a good chance to see the latest products and equipment in the flesh and get ideas of what's available these days. Especially when you come from a place where there is a limited number of chandleries and most of your viewing is done on the web.

Copinsay · 03 September 2013, 13:46

Hi Erin - thanks for that. For sure I thought it worth it for a browse if there were things of relevance to me and my budget! I did go to the London Boat show two years ago when first starting out, and found that useful, albeit rather smaller that I'd expected.

For sure when we have a decent chandlers here and two decent ones in Inverness, but having a wider browse could be good (I guess like with you?) and worth the journey, given that it's nearer to get to the edge of Iceland from here than it is Southampton!

And if a client is paying the travel then... :o)

Do RIBnetters do any sort of meet up?

Cheers

Steve

ribber · 03 September 2013, 15:58

Go there with a purpose to buy something you want, having done your research etc. Knowing the price you can get it for and then asking retailers at boat show to do a better deal + the cost of getting in. Money saved can then be well spent in the Guinness tent and a bacon roll.

It's a good day out, worth the effort.

hamster · 03 September 2013, 19:57

Go in the week. Much quieter than weekends and you can walk round with out getting stuck behind people dragging kids around who've gone for a day out and have no real interest in boats other than just getting in your way and stopping you looking at them!!

Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

Copinsay · 03 September 2013, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamster

Go in the week. Much quieter than weekends and you can walk round with out getting stuck behind people dragging kids around who've gone for a day out and have no real interest in boats other than just getting in your way and stopping you looking at them!!

Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

As I suspected - thanks!

ashbypower · 03 September 2013, 20:33

Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the quitest !! Thursday is Lasies Day and getting around can be a nightmare. If you do come along, come say Hi were on Try a boat.
To get a ride you need to be there early, holding area where the booking desk is opens at 09:30

whisper · 03 September 2013, 20:36

We use our Tesco points to get free tickets, if you can, go mid week as there's probably less people and more chance in getting a boat ride

There are some bargains on the last day like sibs and kayaks that they don't want to take back with them but this does change from year to year.

It's a good show if you haven't been before and well worth supporting

jumpinjack · 03 September 2013, 23:53

Went last year for the first time - really enjoyed it. Did two days sat year- was knackered walking about!

Lots to see and look at, some in a totally different league! Plenty to browse and dream about. Going Sat14th this year.

Copinsay · 06 September 2013, 16:28

Sorted - going on the Monday. May even have a go on something with a sail......

Thanks for your help folks

Steve

matt h · 06 September 2013, 19:54

Friday for me with a fist full of dimes to hunt me out a splendidly priced 60 outboard!

Ribochet · 06 September 2013, 20:41

If you are going make sure and stop off at the MRL Marine stand, E062 and have a chat with the Redbay guys - say Richard sent you

Redbay

Copinsay · 06 September 2013, 20:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ribochet

If you are going make sure and stop off at the MRL Marine stand, E062 and have a chat with the Redbay guys - say Richard sent you

Redbay

Really......

willk · 06 September 2013, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copinsay

Really......

Or alternatively you could say that I sent you. Which might get a better reaction than the course of action suggested by Richochet

colcreate · 06 September 2013, 21:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt h

Friday for me with a fist full of dimes to hunt me out a splendidly priced 60 outboard!

Put the dimes in a spare sock and beat the price down!
Do you have a short list of models?

PeterM · 07 September 2013, 00:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by colcreate

Do you have a short list of models?

I heard he's after an evinrude 2 stroke for destructive testing (or 'light use'as its known)