National Houseboat Expo attendance a pleasant surprise; big September in-water show at State Dock is planned

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cumberline - 3-7-2009 at 04:03 PM

(Houseboat Magazine news release)

The overwhelming turn-out of attendees was a welcome sight at the National Houseboat Expo, especially considering how other boat shows around the country have been experiencing a large drop off in crowds this year. But it wasn’t just a numbers thing—there was excitement and energy in the air with no hint of a bruised economy being felt inside the Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.

This one-of-a-kind weekend was the ideal opportunity for prospective buyers to make notes and check out, first-hand, just how much luxury and comfort a houseboat could offer in a wide variety of price ranges. With nearly 20 houseboats on display, and rows of houseboat-specific vendors, patrons flooded the hall to see several different houseboats in person including Adventure Craft, Destination Yachts, FunTime, Gibson Boats, Horizon Yachts, Sailabration, Sharpe Houseboats, Starlite, Sunstar Houseboats, Thoroughbred and others. Plus it was at this show that is sponsored by Houseboat magazine that Sun Tracker released its new line of luxury houseboats.

“A big thank you needs to go to those who attended or exhibited at our Expo for their unwavering support,” said Show Manager Greg Larsen. “We enjoy being a part of the houseboating industry and look forward to contributing to the growth of this special niche in the years to come.”

Dennis Salazar, better known as Sal to his friends and family, stood before hundreds of attendees along with his wife Barb and was presented the Houseboater of the Year award during the three-day event. Other awards included the Proud Crowd trophy that went to Cave Springs Marina from Lake Cumberland who brought 84 people with them to the Expo from the Kentucky marina.

Jamal A. Abudawood, who after three years of trying to make it to the Houseboat Expo from Saudi Arabia, was more than a deserving recipient of the Dan McKain 2009 Spirit Award.

But by far the most anticipated and thrilling moment at the 11th annual National Houseboat Expo was the announcement of the Qwest pontoon boat that was part of the give-away, sponsored by Apex Marine. A loud one-man cheer from the back got heads turning and all that could be seen was two arms waving high above his head as he tried to make his way through the crowd to the front.

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard my name,” said winner Gene Stansberry.

He quickly became the most talked about person at the show as his story about his wife being unwilling to come back for the drawing because of his odds, spread throughout the hall.

The third annual BoardzNBagz Cornhole Tournament was also a huge success. The competitive tournament dished out $2000 in cash to the top four teams; including $1000 going to first-place winners.

If you think you have to wait until 2010 for our next Houseboat Expo think again, This September at the State Dock Marina on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky, Houseboat magazine is taking the largest houseboat show to the water. All the fun and excitement that has made the show such a success for over ten years is moving to the ideal outdoor venue.

At this show you don’t just look, but you can also drive the houseboats from your favorite builders. Plus you’ll be able to take a cruise and get behind the wheel of a houseboat as you learn how to navigate with our “hands on” captain’s course. There will also be live entertainment, great food and affordable lodging on both land and water, Of course no Houseboat Expo would be complete without a cornhole tournament on the docks as well as other fun games and activities.

The dates are still being finalized for the National Houseboat Expo On Water at State Dock, but there is a tentative weekend date for the September show in place. Check back at http://www.houseboatexpo.com for more information.

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