atlanta boat show
Buoyed by a full Lake Lanier and improving economy, the local boating industry is ready for the 48th annual Atlanta Boat Show. Chris Smith, who owns Banner Rama Custom Boat Lettering with husband Mike, said the 2010 event is a great way bto get my name out there and drum up business for this year.b The 10-year-old business is making its first appearance at the show, which runs through Sunday at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Itbs also Steve Thompsonbs first time participating, though his company, MarineMax of Georgia, is no stranger to the annual event. The boating giant, which has taken part for more than a decade, has one of the largest displays, said Thompson, who manages the Forsyth County location. The show, he said, bsets the pace for the new boating season.b bItbs the start of a new boating season with the Atlanta Boat Show for all the boat dealers in the metro area,b he said. bItbs kind of the kickoff. Itbs like the Indy 500 of boating.b With the drought of 2007-09 and slowing economy, the show posted lower turnouts the past couple years. A year ago, the level of Lanier was 1,056.14 feet above sea level. Wednesday morning, it was at 1,070.44, slightly below full pool of 1,071. Last yearbs drop-off at the show caused Terry Morrisey to shift his priorities. The J&L Dock Supply owner is sitting out this winterbs show after participating every year since the business opened 15 years ago. The show has, however, helped boost business in the past and he plans to return next year. bWe decided to take a break and do some other stuff here,b he said. bWebve just got a lot of other projects and webre doing a lot of work to the facility.b Chris Smith said 2008 was a difficult year for them, but bit picked up fairly well in 2009 over 2008.b Her equipment is at the show, she said, which means she will be able to create boat lettering during the event while advertising the companybs services. bItbs just about getting known ... Ibm introducing myself to everybody out there,b she said. Show promoters prepared for the drop in numbers last year by introducing the affordability pavilion. The pavilion, which is back this year, showcases boats for those with less disposable income. Thompson said MarineMax has some boats in the pavilion that can be financed for less than $200 a month. The company is offering everything from 13- to 50-foot-boats during the show, he said. Whether people can afford $200 a month or $2,000 a month, Thompson said therebs something for everyone. bWe have great expectations,b he said. bThe economy seems to have stabilized somewhat. It hasnbt gone into further decline, and peoplebs passion for recreation and boating never goes down.b