Grand plans in order for South Carolina's In-Water Boat Show

by Meaghan Van Liew on 9 Mar 2013 The docks are nearly filled for April's South Carolina In-Water Boat Show, with the latest boat models to be on display for all to enjoy. Boats built in South Carolina, like Scout Boats, Sea Fox and Beneteau, will be joined by others like MJM Yachts, made in Boston, to participate in the event. Dealers from throughout South Carolina will show off boat designs from Sea Ray, Whaler, Meridian, Cobalt, Regal, Edgewater and Chaparral. The enthusiasm for the event comes as boat sales are on the rise and other major boat shows have experienced considerable success.

'We are thrilled to have the SC In-Water Boat Show back this year,' said Dave Wallace, Vice President of Operations at Scout Boats. 'The sales we have seen in Miami Beach and other boat show locations indicate it is prime time for showcasing our product and encouraging the public to enjoy recreational boating.'

The marine industry is seeing a leap in the size and scope of events plus people are simply buying boats; just what manufacturers and dealers like to see. This year's Yacht and Brokerage Show in Miami Beach reported the largest show in the event's 25-Year History, with a 16% increase in boats participating from 2012 to 2013. In addition to showcasing the latest boat designs, boat shows offer a healthy, outdoor environment for the public to access the waterfront and gain awareness of marine resources, accessories, safety and regulations. Both DNR, the US Coast Guard and the Power Squadron will be onsite for the Charleston event. The new Charleston fire boat and police boat will be on display.

The SC In-Water Boat Show will be held April 12-14, 2013 at Daniel Island's Waterfront Park, where River Landing Drive meets the Wando River. The existing City of Charleston dock will be complemented by approximately 1,000 linear feet of portable floating docks and spud barges to accommodate a full array of motor and sailing watercraft. Ticket holders will be welcome to peruse the docks and tour the boats on display, as well as enjoy the landside attractions. There will be dozens of boats on land, boatbuilding displays, presentations, boating and fishing demos, live music, local food, and a children's area offering fun for the whole family. Tickets will be available online starting March 15 for $8 ($10 at the gate). Children 12 and under enter free of charge and a discounted ticket is available for students and active military at $5.

The South Carolina Marine Association (SCMA) has kept a pulse on the marine industry for more than 15 years, since the not-for-profit organization was founded to serve as the eyes and ears of recreational boaters throughout the state of South Carolina. Information from the boat manufacturers and brokers in South Carolina, and throughout the Atlantic region, say the tides have changed since 2007 (the last event hosted by the organization) and they are seeing a surge of interest and sales of watercraft. This development has prompted the SCMA to re-invent an event which they owned and operated for more than eight years from 2000-2007.
SC In-Water Boat Show