As the summer boating season has come to a close and those last few weekends out on the lake are quickly becoming a memory, it’s time to think about boat show season. The off-season is, according to anyone who has an opinion about such things, the best time to buy a boat. That’s why, in part, the off-season corresponds to boat show season. This is a great time to get the best deals on a new boat, take advantage of manufacturer incentives, meet dealers and just learn more about boats and boating. You might even find a new company to buy boat insurance from. Even if you aren’t currently looking to buy a boat, going to the boat show can be a wonderful way to learn more about the hobby and to expand your knowledge.

Here are some tips to help you make sure that you get the most you can out of your boat show experience:

• Do some research prior to the show. You should have some idea of what kind of boat you’re looking for. You should also have some idea of how much that boat normally costs. This will take some effort, as many boat dealers don’t put their prices online. Still, with a little bit of work you can get pricing directly from vendors or from brokerage websites.
• Try to visit multiple shows. Between January and March you’re likely to have several boat shows within striking distance. By attending as many shows as you can, you can increase your knowledge, narrow down the list of new boats that will work for you and find the right dealer for your boat needs, too.
• Shop for both a boat and a dealer at boat shows. Shows are a wonderful time to make some contacts with boat dealers, too. You want to find a dealer you can stick with over the long term. Don’t just pick the cheapest dealer. You want to find one that will negotiate a good price, but you also want one that’s willing to stand behind his products.
• Never buy a boat on impulse. In fact, you shouldn’t buy a boat on your first boat show visit. Ideally, you’ll attend the show on the first day. That way, you can start collecting information. You’ll have the rest of the boat show – usually at least a weekend or longer – to consider the purchase and decide whether or not it’s really the right boat for you.

Boat Names

The results have been tabulated at Boat US for the ten most popular boat names of 2009. The not so scientific list was assembled by the graphic team at Boat US. They maintain a list of over 8500 names boaters can select from when ordering a name to be put on decals to be affixed to their boat. Here are the top ten selections for 2009.

• Second Wind
• Seas the Day
• Lazy Daze
• Jolly Roger
• Bail Out
• On the Rocks
• Pegasus
• Serenity Now
• Namaste
• Comfortably Numb

Two observations- The name Aquaholics was in the top ten since 2002 but it didn’t appear in 2009. Bail Out is a first time top ten finalist (Boat US has been keeping this list since 1991).

Boat Shows

February is a month for boat shows. In fact, there are no fewer than 44 boat shows in February! Boats will be showcased in St Louis, Miami, Washington D.C., Detroit, Dayton, Duluth, Omaha, Philadelphia and other cities across the country.

Boat Insurance

Make sure you have an adequate amount of boat insurance. Avoid ruining the joy of boating and purchase the best coverage you can afford now matter what kind of vessel you have. There’s no cost for peace of mind. That’s what the right boat insurance provides.

Photo via Akuppa

January features more than 45 boat shows across the nation. Here is just a partial list of shows to whet your appetite.

Week of January 3, 2010

Novi, Michigan: Ultimate Fishing Show, January 7 – 10

Belton, Texas: Central Texas Boat Show, January 8 – 10

Houston, Texas: Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show, January 8 – 17

Lake Charles, Louisiana: Central Gulf Coast Boat, Sport & RV Show, January 8 – 10

Raleigh, North Carolina: Bass & Saltwater Fishing Expo, January 8 – 10

Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Toronto International Boat Show, January 9 – 17

Week of January 11, 2010

Chicago, Illinois: Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show January 13 – 17

Atlanta, Georgia: Atlanta Boat Show January 13 – 17

Austin, Texas:  Austin Boat Show January 14 – 17

Des Moines, Iowa: Des Moines Boat Sports and Travel Show, January 14 – 17

Denver, Colorado: Denver Boat Show, January 15 – 17

Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Milwaukee Boat Show, January 15 – 24

Cincinnati, Ohio: Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show January 15 – 24

Week of January 18, 2010

Louisville, Kentucky: Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow, January 20 – 24

New York, New York: New York Boat Show, January 20 – 24

Minneapolis, Minnesota: Minneapolis Boat Show, January 20 – 24

Port Charlotte, Florida: Charlotte County Boat Show, January 21 – 24

Naples, Florida: Naples Boat Show, January 21 – 24

If you don’t see your town on the list, visit the About.com site to see all 45 shows in January and find one near you.

Make sure you do some homework before you head off to buy a boat. Boat shows are a great place to try out different boats, but you need to know ahead of time what the particular boats you’re looking at are going for. Sometimes, dealers may not offer much of a discount at a show, and you can’t always assume you’re getting the best deal at a show, just because that’s where many of the best deals are at.

You can sometimes find insurers at boat shows, as well, who can give you quotes right then and there on boat insurance for your new purchase.

Photo via skidrd

St. Louis Boat and Sports Show

2010 will be the 56^th annual show, and it takes place from February 10 to February 14 at America’s Center and the Edward Jones Dome. This year, there will be hundreds of exhibitors featuring the latest marine accessories, outdoor sports gear for fishing and hunting and, of course, boats. You’ll also find some of the best deals on boats and boating equipment of the year during the show.

This show will not only give you access to the best bargains of the season, it lets you see what’s up and coming. Whether you want to enhance your outdoor experience or whether you want to buy a boat for the first time, this is the show you want to be at. You can even find special features like the Affordability Pavilion, archery competitions, pre-show shopping and boating seminars.

The Miami International Boat Show

St. Louis isn’t the only place you can see what’s going on in the boating world this coming February. The Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami will take place from February 11 to February 15, 2010. This event is in its 69^th year, and promises to offer something for everyone.

The Miami show draws many tens of thousands of visitors every year. There are expected to be over 2,000 exhibitors at this year’s show. The show will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center.

This is the place to see thousands of boats, as well as several hundred booths displaying the latest and greatest boating accessories and outdoor gear.

This year, the Strictly Sail Miami event will take place within the Miami International Boat Show. In years past, Strictly Sail Miami has taken place at the Miamarina at Bayside. Now, it will take place at Sea Isle Marina. This event will be combined with the powerboat portion of the Miami show, making for an interesting event that will appeal to both powerboat and sailing enthusiasts.

There are many different features at this show, as well. There is the Big Game Room, an Affordability Pavilion, and a Discover Boating Center. There is even a Discover Boating photo contest, which this year is sponsored by the Miami Herald.