Portland boat show

L

lloyds

New member
I realize that the impression of a boat show, like dogs or fast women, is all in the beholder but I was really disappointed in this one. Two rooms of aluminum and wakeboard gear. Boondocks was the only vendor there that I could even get remotely interested in and they only had the one C Dory 22 Cruiser there, with their whole lineup of Seasports. I thought that was odd, at an inland boatshow. The C Dory appeared to be a new 2010 and I thought it was really well finished. Hydraulic steering, Wallas, and teak doors on all the storage areas. Something that really caught my eye was the finish on the transom cap. It was really well done, not like some that came off the line a few years ago. Well sealed and neat. I tried to get a minute to talk to the salesman but he was obviously more interested in talking about Seasports. Some other folks saw the same thing. At an inland boatshow where the main recreation is freshwater boating I would have expected more C Dorys than Seasports. But just my opinion. I think I have probably attended my last portland boat show.
 
Interesting that Boondocks from Bellingham is there- They are not a C-Dory dealer, so I'm not sure what the deal was with the 22 Cruiser that was there.

I wonder if Sportcraft was working the C-Dory, as they are still the dealer in Portland.

Plus, the rumor is that Boondocks has closed, so I'm confused.

Yes, the Portlad show is much smaller than years past, and only five days.

Seattle is next, and then, that's it. There is no other NW boat show after Seattle. Tacoma, Everett and Vancouver BC have all been cancelled. The dealers just don't have the money to put on the shows like they have in the past. Seattle will be smaller than years past. Just the nature of the current economy.

Another thing to keep in mind- there isn't as much product in stock, from boats and motors to trailers and accesories. We're having a hard time getting some of the simplest things from distributers.

Word right now is that a new ordered C-Dory would be available after June, and maybe as late as August, depending on the number of boats sold at the boat shows.

If you want a new C-Dory for this season, you better hope the dealer has one in stock, or get your order placed soon.
 
Another surprise was that North River was there, big banner and everything. Boondocks was certainly there with the Seasports. They had a 22 with a 150 yamaha boat show special that was $1000 more than the C Dory. I was surprised they could price them that close.
 
I wonder if they are going to blow out their inventory? That Sea Sport sounds like a great deal.

Was North River being shown by a local dealer? I know that some dealers got caught with stock when North River closed it's doors, and with the banks auctioning off the North River boats, dealers with boats in stock couldn't compete, leaving them holding the bag on some boats.
 
I talked with Sportcraft yesterday and they are not at the pbs this year. In light of that it is doubtful that we will attend this year. We ARE looking forward to the sbs and the gathering!

Don
 
The impression I got while walking by the North Rivers was that it was factory, as there was a huge banner hanging up. But I was going mach 1 due to lack of interest so I could be wrong.
 
Boondocks has been there with SeaSports every time I have attended, or at least that is what my faulty memory recollects.

I am trying to stay away from events like this. It is injurious to my green locker ($$).
 
Boondocks is still in bussiness They also sale Osprey. If I remember corectly the owner of Seasport owns Boondocks Thats one of the main reasons Island Marine Center on Lopez Island no longer sales SeaSport..
 
In talking with a dealer up in that neck of the woods, Boondocks has closed their retail location in Bellingham. Boondocks as a company still exists and will continue to sell the product, just without a retail facility.
 
Matt Gurnsey said:
In talking with a dealer up in that neck of the woods, Boondocks has closed their retail location in Bellingham. Boondocks as a company still exists and will continue to sell the product, just without a retail facility.[/quote

Last week there appeared to be a lack of activity at BoonDocks/Squalicum Harbor but just figured that they were probably at the Portland Boat Show. Then a business in that area told us that BoonDocks was moving their inventory and offices to the Sea Sport factory. Going to be kinda strange not seeing those Sea Sport boats when we drive down to the marina area.

Ruth & Joe
R-Matey
Click to expand...
 
I bought a new Seasport 24 at the PBS last year. Doesn't surprise me that the boonboys are gone. IMHO a very poorly run business. Phones, emails are not answered. Sales folks make promises they cant backup- on the water training-didn't happen, free first service-said they never do that- it was promised.
Good luck, they need a whole new structure. Only thing saving their collective behind is that they make a terrific product, I am very happy with that part of the deal- nothing else

Jimmy
 
I've been going to the Portland Boat Show for many years, and this one was just plain uninspiring. No big boats to tour, just lots and lots of aluminum and a few sailboats, though those were in very short supply, too. I wondered how am I to continue to be motivated to buy new boats if they don't lure me in at the boat show? :wink:

I saw Jeff Lindhout (sp?) from the C-Dory factory over by the 22-Cruiser and its fellow Sea-Sports, so assumed he was showing them.

I realize this is a bad economy and dealers may not have much $$ to go to the show, but this was truly... boring. Good luck at the Seattle show... hope it's much better for you.
 
I was told yesterday by our Yamaha rep that North River is still in business, being run by the bank until a new owner can be found.

Yes, the shows will be smaller this year, as dealers just don't have the money to be at the show. Seattle should be better, although it will be smaller, and with fewer exhibitors than years past.

With Portland and Seattle being the only NW boat shows this year (Tacoma, Everett and Vancouver BC are gone) that will help, as dealers only have one show to focus on.
 
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