April 23–25 Spring Boat Show in Essex Brings New and Used Vessels to an Intimate, VIP Experience
Soundings Publications is the exclusive media sponsor for the Spring Boat Show taking place April 23–25 in Essex, Connecticut. The event will showcase a diverse selection of new and brokerage boats in a relaxed, boutique atmosphere that emphasizes one-on-one attention, expert access and local maritime character.
“Essex is an ideal setting for a spring show,” says Bill Sisson, editor of Soundings and Soundings Trade Only magazines. “Buyers will appreciate the broad range of boats on display and the ability for brokers and dealers to present both new and used models. From trawlers and tug-style yachts to sailboats and express cruisers, this event features quality builders and many models in one convenient location.”
The Spring Boat Show is produced in partnership with Brewer Dauntless Shipyard & Marina and five local dealers and brokers: Boatworks Yacht Sales, Wilde Yacht Sales, Eastland Yachts, Hank Aldrich Yacht Sales and Prestige Yacht Sales. More than 50 vessels will be available for viewing, with lengths ranging from about 25 to 72 feet and including both sail and powerboats, new construction and brokerage listings. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Brewer Dauntless Marina, 9 Novelty Lane, Essex. Admission is free.
Doug Domenie, general manager of Brewer Dauntless Shipyard & Marina, explains why the timing is right: “This is a perfect opportunity for dealers to create their own platform for showing boats. Essex makes an inviting spring kickoff for the town and provides a manageable, local show we expect to grow year after year.” Domenie notes that the suspension of larger spring events elsewhere and Brewer’s recent acquisition of the Novelty Lane site helped create the conditions for launching this regional show. “In today’s market, collaboration within the industry is essential to generate new sales opportunities and keep buyers engaged,” he adds.
Organizers describe the Spring Boat Show as a boutique event where each visitor gets more personalized attention than at major boat shows. “What we aim to do as an industry is make the buyer’s experience as positive and welcoming as possible,” Domenie says. “At a smaller show like this, every boater can be treated like a VIP.”
Essex’s unusually high concentration of dealers and brokers gives the show broad appeal, according to Ben Wilde, president of Wilde Yacht Sales. “A regional, smaller-scale show like this fills a niche: some people prefer not to navigate the crowds at large expos. This format can grow into a desirable alternative for buyers who want variety without the overwhelm.” Wilde will present several Nordic Tugs—32, 37 and 42-foot models—alongside 21- and 29-foot Ranger Tugs.
One of the Spring Boat Show’s strengths is its inclusion of brokerage inventory alongside new boats. “Many larger boat shows limit used listings, yet a growing number of buyers are looking for pre-owned vessels,” says Dick Nolan, owner of Eastland Yachts. “By offering both new and brokerage boats, and keeping admission free, the show lowers the barrier for consumers to explore options.” Eastland expects to display 10–12 boats, a mix of brokerage and new models, including Nonsuch 26, 30 and 33, a Freedom 40, a Legacy 52 powerboat, Najad 390 and boats from Hallberg-Rassy and Sabre.
Hank Aldrich of Hank Aldrich Yacht Sales emphasizes the benefit of seeing boats in person. “Research online is useful, but buyers still need to step aboard to understand a boat fully. Essex offers a compact, high-quality lineup concentrated in one location.” Aldrich plans to show six brokerage vessels, including a 1986 Egg Harbor Sedan and several sport and motor yachts ranging from a 2007 27-foot Sea Ray to a 1982 61-foot Hatteras motor yacht.
Tom Pilkington of Prestige Yacht Sales notes that the smaller show footprint means sales teams can spend more time with individual visitors. Prestige will present models from American Tug and Hunt Yachts—American Tug 34 and 41, Hunt Harrier 25 and 29 and a Surfhunter 29 hardtop coupe—and is working to have a Hunt 52 available as well.
Boatworks Yacht Sales highlights the setting’s maritime history and village atmosphere as part of the draw. “This show is ideal for people who want to learn in a casual, friendly environment with access to knowledgeable experts and a broad selection of premium products,” says Clute Ely, president of Boatworks. “Visitors can make a day of it, touring boats, enjoying the village restaurants or visiting nearby maritime attractions.” Boatworks expects to display about 20 boats, including several Grand Banks models—a 47 Eastbay FB, 41 Heritage EU with Zeus pod drives, a 59 Aleutian and a 72 Aleutian SC—along with Cabo sportfishing options like a 36 Express and a 40 Flybridge with Zeus pods.
The show aims to balance the convenience of a focused, local event with the variety buyers want. Dealers and brokers hope the approachable format and zero admission will attract both seasoned owners and prospective buyers looking for their first boat.
For more information, contact [email protected].
This article originally appeared in the Connecticut/New York and New England Home Waters sections of the May 2010 issue.