Southampton Boat Show

[fastasfox]

I booked tickets back in February at £19.. I think, bargain.
I have never been to this show, so I don't know what to expect.
The only other boat show I have been to is the BoatLife show in Birmingham, which I will remain a fan of, because of the fact that it's indoors and it's in February when there ain't much else happening.

I'm hoping there will be more stands from the big UK chandlers as if I'm being honest, that is the only part of the BoatLife show that is missing at the moment.

Back in February at BoatLife I very nearly purchased a new plotter/ fishfinder, but didn't....then a week after that show I lost my Job...so it became less of a priority. I have set some cash aside, so I'm hoping to furnish my boat with a new 9" unit..... not too fussed between the Raymarine Garmin or Lowrance...but the bigger screen in the past 12 months has become a must , as I'm sure the over 50's of you will understand, when your eyesight begins to go, it goes fast.

If any of you have any tips for the show and if any of you know the bast place to park up to get to the show...park and ride maybe!

Anyone else going?

[chipko]

Usually plenty of electronics deals around from the big players like Cactus etc. and lots of chandlers stalls.

We park at WestQuay Multi Story car park which is just opposite the show. About a fiver for the day I think. Postcode SO15 1ST for sat nav.

[whiskylee]

We did both shows last year, the Southampton show is vast and ideally you need a few days there to make the most of what's on offer & take up offers of sea trials

[fastasfox]

Originally Posted by chipko

Usually plenty of electronics deals around from the big players like Cactus etc. and lots of chandlers stalls.

We park at WestQuay Multi Story car park which is just opposite the show. About a fiver for the day I think. Postcode SO15 1ST for sat nav.

Thanks for that. I imagine you have to get there early!

[fastasfox]

Originally Posted by whiskylee

We did both shows last year, the Southampton show is vast and ideally you need a few days there to make the most of what's on offer & take up offers of sea trials

I only have a day lol

I don't think I will be doing sea trails...I would feel uncomfortable wasting peoples time as I'm not in the market for a new boat.

I hadn't realised the show was that big!
Cheers.

[GuyC]

I'm Portsmouth based and tend to visit every year. It's not got quite the same atmosphere as back in the day when the Guinness bar was by far and away the biggest and busiest stand although maybe it's just me getting old.

Garmin, Raymarine etc will be there showing their wares although you can't buy direct off them - you'll have to go to one of the chandlery / electronics stands. They all do boat show offers which also tend to be available on line and this may be the reason that a couple of the big resellers weren't there last year. Hopefully they'll all be there this year.

You can get some good deals on shoes and clothing and I always return home having bought (more) rope.

I'd suggest taking your own water as show prices are pretty eyewatering and it's thirsty work getting round all the stands and pontoons.

All in all it's a good day out.

[Orwell boy]

Find it difficult to drive from East Anglia ,do the show and back in a day so i choose the Monday date so you can travel at leisure to a travel lodge about 20 mins away (29.99) for a night (sunday seems dirt cheap ) ,breakfast and get to show early ,usually park in multi storey ,do a few hours then home .........good day out !

[fastasfox]

You can never have too much rope lol

[fastasfox]

Originally Posted by Orwell boy

Find it difficult to drive from East Anglia ,do the show and back in a day so i choose the Monday date so you can travel at leisure to a travel lodge about 20 mins away (29.99) for a night (sunday seems dirt cheap ) ,breakfast and get to show early ,usually park in multi storey ,do a few hours then home .........good day out !

That would have been my preference but I can't get a week day off from work so Saturday it is....I'm expecting it will be busy.. My wife's best friend lives just outside of Southampton so we could crash with them.

[Nasher]

I'll be at the show on Thursday the 21st if anyone fancies meeting up lunchtime for a chinwag.

[fastasfox]

Originally Posted by Nasher

I'll be at the show on Thursday the 21st if anyone fancies meeting up lunchtime for a chinwag.

Sorry mate...I will be down on Sat 16th...enjoy.