Boat Show rings sales: After almost capsizing in 2009, Detroit event draws optimistic buyers [Detroit Free Press]

Feb. 21--Ding. The loud ring of the brass maritime bell could be heard from one side of the Cobo Center exhibition hall to the other Saturday, signaling another boat sold.

This time it was Chris Campbell buying a 17-foot 2009 Bayliner from Wilson Marine -- replacing a 20-year-old used fishing boat -- at the 52nd annual Detroit Boat Show, hosted by the Michigan Boating Industries Association.

Campbell, 35, of Detroit was buying a runabout -- "something I could afford ... so my wife wouldn't kill me" -- for fishing and pulling his children around a lake.

He and his stepson David Ford, 18, were among about 60,000 people expected to attend the state's premier boat show over the weekend, featuring boating accessories and hundreds of new and used boats, ranging from $7,000, 14-foot fishing boats to $35,000, 26-foot pontoon boats to $800,000, 45-foot sport yachts.

It also was likely the final boat show for Van Snider as MBIA president. He is retiring after 20 years with the association and a career in the marina and boating business dating back to the 1970s.

His departure marks the end of an era. But Snider is encouraged by the rebound of the boating business that nearly capsized from the recession, especially last year.

Though the boat show crowd was larger last year -- about 65,000 -- Snider said there are more buyers this year and more optimistic boat dealers.

"I think we've bottomed out," Snider said, adding that buyers appear to feel more comfortable using their discretionary income. "I think there's some pent up demand."

Ron Wilson, head of the Brighton-based Wilson Marine, one of the largest boat dealers at the show, said his boat sales were up 25% to 30% this year. Last year "was the hardest year we've ever had."

"When we talk to the customer, we're not hearing doom and gloom," Wilson said. "We're hearing, 'I want this boat,' 'I want this color.' "

Jeff and Karen Harbour of Macomb Township eyed a G3 fishing boat, retailing at a little more than $11,000.

When asked whether they were buying a boat Saturday, Jeff Harbour, 54, with a sparkle in his eye, said "Yes." His wife, Karen, 56, smiling broadly, shook her head no.

With three children in college, Jeff Harbour said, "We thought this was the place to come to start looking, start dreaming."

Contact NAOMI R. PATTON: 313-223-3327 or [email protected]

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