THE BOAT SHOW THAT NEVER CLOSES

Often times, boaters like to break up the boating season or winter lay-up with a trip to a boat show. Here they look at the new boats, talk to suppliers about their products or compare services that might be needed at a future date.

However, boat shows are often many months apart and becoming fewer in  number and sometimes they do not fit into the plans, needs or timelines of individuals.... What if there was a boat show that never closed?

There is!!! Merely go to a marine industry internet site that can be found and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. There are literally thousands and thousands of boats listed for sale on the world wide web (www).  

As an interested and prospective boat buyer, you can travel through the internet and view boats that fit both your needs and budget. You can search for boats by size, by price, by year, by type or by manufacturer using the search processes developed for that site. If you simply wish to browse and look at a wide variety of boats you can use the search button on various sites and view  powerboats, sailboats, classic boats, funboats - virtually any kind of boat that floats.

Within each of these types, boats will be further separated by specialty categories such as high performance or by styles and purpose of use such as houseboats. Once in an internet site location, boats are then often subdivided by their lengths to make your computer loading time more efficient for you. The internet is a great place to browse through a large number of boats to compare prices, features and other information while in the comfort of your home and at your own leisure.

Boats are often displayed and sold at boat shows.  If you are trying to sell your own boat during the year, winter or summer, you can either call, fax or list the boat yourself using simple prompts on sites that have been designed to act as an advertising medium. Good sites that have been well thought out and developed to be friendly for users can give you good value. Full information about your boat along with colour photos can be placed online for prospective buyers to view and either call or e-mail you directly for more data or to make an appointment to see your boat.

Dealers and Brokers also sell boats for clients on consignment, and these are also found on line. Some people do not want to have the work of selling their own vessel, and having a professional do it for them is preferred. Dealers and Brokers are professional. They are not easily turned off by a buyer's flippant comment and they will take the time to work on your behalf to sell your boat for you. There is a cost to you for this but it can be worth it in the long run if you are not into the sales mode yourself.

Boat Shows are also extensively used by boaters to search out new products and services. Whether it be cleaning products, tank monitors, or barbecues, many of these items can be obtained through your own "at-home Boat Show".

Simply visit a site and take your time browsing as you sit at your computer. Then, call, fax or e-mail and the desired products can be shipped directly to your address. You can also visit online marine stores or chandleries without the drive on a cold winter day. Direct connection to large chandleries through an internet site can provide you the mechanism to shop with them, again from the comfort of your own internet environment. While this can save you time and money it can also provide an excellent opportunity to compare items for quality, serviceability and price... One caution for big ticket items such as navigational electronics, is to make some careful comparisons and ask for information so you know that what you are ordering is what you need for your application.

From a service perspective, there are many such facilities available to you through the Boat Show That Never Sleeps: insurance quotes can be found online, new sails or sail repairs you require are available to you through a good website, surveyors, boat transporters and boat delivery captains are all within the touch of a few easy clicks using the internet and a website designated as a one- stop location for interested mariners.

Looking for a present for your favourite boater? You can also find a very long list of things on the World Wide Web. Marine Artists, from coast to coast in Canada and in the USA, batteries and battery boosters, refinishing ideas, boating safety courses, boat shoes, trailers and cradles, flags and / or banners, and boating magazines are all easily available to you. If you even need to finance the purchase of your next boat, this too is only a back-space and a click away from you. You can actually get approval for the loan while e-mailing the seller.

Boaters also attend Boat Shows to gather up-to-date information as well as to dream about their next boat, to actually place an order or to learn about new and exciting boating areas. Your own in-home Boat Show also provides an opportunity to  access information about marinas that are on the Great Lakes or on the inland lakes of Ontario. Planning the next boating trip can begin with your at-home show, using your computer to contact the areas you plan to visit, even to make the reservations for dockage, well in advance. Weather information is usually provided that will give you current and up-to-date conditions along  with a look at maps and predictions for the future weather. Even in the dead of winter, you can track storm fronts headed your way and be able to determine whether it is safe to venture out onto the highways.

The internet can be a wonderful tool for boaters to wile away the hours and days until the Spring thaw or just to have a break while on board the boat on a summer afternoon. Why travel to a show miles away, line up and sit to obtain a boater proficiency card when, through the internet, you can get your Coast Guard approved Operator's Card? You can  search for and even purchase your next boat on line. You will be able to have it surveyed, financed, insured, equipped, detailed and even arrange to have the bottom redone. You will be able to find a trailer or cradle for it and arrange to have the boat delivered by land or by water... and all from the comfort of your own internet viewing location.

Take advantage of one "Boat Show that never closes". Visit www.boatcan.com and enjoy our show - after all, it is there just for you!!!

Afetr bisiting the internet site... be a RESPONSIBLE BOATER and do your part to save, protect and keep the environment clean, be a safe courteous boater... and when you do... we all WIN.

THINK ABOUT THIS... Without a BOAT, 75% of the Earth’s Surface is Wasted!!!!

Author: David McPhail, President of Boatcan