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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Boat Show Season Under Way Comparisons, Bargain Prices Help Make Events Attractive

From Staff And Wire Reports

To boaters, the end of the holidays and the football bowls does not lead to the January blahs. It starts the boat show season.

The shows are the best places to shop, to compare not only prices from local dealers, but to see different manufacturers’ products a few yards apart on the same floor where you can compare features.

The shows usually offer the best prices of the season, too.

Boaters also can select shows that cater to their specific interests. For example, the Northwest Game Fish Show, which begins Friday at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds, will feature virtually nothing but fishing boats.

To do a show properly, plan ahead and allow plenty of time, not only to see every boat you want to see, but to get a couple of breaks for a drink and a snack to keep your energy up until closing time.

Start working on a game plan well before show day.

Decide what type of boat you are looking for - a runabout for a family, a high-speed bass boat for fishing or something with a high freeboard that can take rougher water of big lakes. Figure out your price range, both in total dollars and the size of monthly payment you can handle.

You may find when you start working the floor you can get more boat than you expected for the dollars you have available.

Make a list of features you really want in your boat and a second list of those you’d like to have.

Get a bag or a knapsack to carry brochures. One of those leftover handled Christmas shopping bags will do fine. Toss in a notebook and pen to make notes on different makes and models.

Get there early so you don’t have to rush.

Climb aboard boats that interest you. That’s what they’re there for. Sit in the seats. Are they comfortable? If you’re an angler, is there enough room on the fishing deck. Check the power and passenger ratings.

Check each boat thoroughly to see if the features you want are available, and whether they are standard or extra-cost options.

Rate the most appealing boats on the basis of your criteria. After the first go-around, go back for another look at those that rate highest.

If you want a boat, but can’t make a decision, go home and sleep on it. Come back the final day of the show. Assuming the boat isn’t sold, a dealer might cut a bit better deal in the final hours to avoid hauling a boat back to his showroom.

xxxx AREA BOAT SHOWS Following is a calendar of boat shows in this area, including three that begin this week: Kootenai County Boat Show, Friday through Sunday, Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Sea-Ray Boat Show, Friday through Sunday, Spokane Convention Center. Northwest Game Fish Show, Friday through Sunday, Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds. Northwest Boats Afloat Show, Jan. 13-22, Chandler’s Cove on Lake Union in Seattle. National Boat Show, Feb. 1-5, Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds. Boat Show ‘95, Feb. 9-11, Spokane Convention Center. Auto Boat Speed Show, March 24-26, Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds. Brunswick Boat Show, Sept. 22-24, Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds.