http://exhibitionnews.uk/london-boat-show-2019-cancelled/
Lack of interest from exhibitors it would seem.
by Ianfs » 21 May 2018, 11:08
by Xboatboyx » 21 May 2018, 20:37
by Ianfs » 22 May 2018, 07:16
by MartynG » 03 Jun 2018, 08:40
by lewlew100 » 03 Jun 2018, 20:46
by betty boop » 09 Jun 2018, 17:19
lewlew100 wrote:I agree with the captain!!! Back in the sixties/seventies and even the eighties boat shows had far more of the smaller, less expensive boats and most of the UK manufacturers did not even build the really expensive models. Companies like Fairline, Sealine and Sunseeker for example - and look what has happened to those companies in the meantime - I am referring to closures, receivership, management buyouts and bailout takeovers. As with the motor industry, brand loyalty has disappeared and the idea of "trading up" to the next model just seems not to happen anymore. During my boating life, I have been able to buy several brand new boats, some ordered at the boat show (the first was a 19' Loftus Bennet hull and superstructure for self fit out then a Beaves Marine Europa 4, a Shetland 570 and then my first Fairline, a Weekend, followed by my beloved Carrera. Any hope of ever buying a new Fairline today would just be a pipe dream and in any case being a devout "trailer sailor""I would not even want one, even if I won the lottery (most unlikely as I never buy a ticket). It at does seem to me that the "new" boat market is no longer very interested in encouraging average working/middleclass customers. Hence the fact that I do seem to be gathering up the old Carreras - as Ian (BB) said - sad isn't it!!! Geoff.