New York National Boat Show

The 94th annual edition of the largest and most popular boat show in the Northeast was held on Saturday, December 27, 2003 through Sunday, January 4, 2004 at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Founded in 1906 and famous as the world’s first and longest running boat show, the NYNBS featured a spectacular selection of nearly 1,000 of the newest and best boats, engines, marine accessories, electronics and fishing gear, plus nautical gifts and apparel. For boaters and dreamers alike, the show was an exciting opportunity to see a preview of what will be on the water this upcoming season and was the perfect time to buy a boat in time for spring delivery. There were boats for every budget, taste and activity plus financing and insurance at the show so it was easy and convenient one-stop-shopping.

Recent studies show there was never been a better time to buy a boat. With special financing terms, shows specials and value-added packages, many who were on the fence became boat owners. As boaters always knew, it was an ideal way to relieve stress and spend quality time with the family without traveling far from home.

Besides the latest boat models, innovative technology, gear, and engines, there were activities and features that keep the show fresh and a “must-see.”Scuba Diving is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world. Now, for the first time at the NY Show, “The Scuba Tour” invited attendees to try scuba diving at the tropically warm 26,000-gallon pool located in the Scuba Diving Pavillion. Courtesy of the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA), this exciting “Try Scuba Diving!” event was staffed with professional diving instructors and staff from the local scuba diving community. It was the perfect setting to discover the diving lifestyle. It was free of charge and open to all attendees from the age of 10 and up. “The Scuba Tour” participants got to experience their first breaths underwater using state-of-the-art equipment and also had their photos taken underwater, documenting this monumental moment. In addition, they received a free T-shirt and “Diving is a Lifestyle” CD ROM You didn’t even have to worry about wet hair, as the dressing rooms were equipped with hair dryers, mirrors and towels!.

New Freshwater Fishing Exhibits were also located throughout the show. You should have taken a look at the R.V. Needlefish submarine, dedicated to all those who fought in WW2 and helped preserve our freedom. There was also an opportunity to meet Theodore, son of Bear, the famous WTC search and rescue canine hero.

There was also an opportunity to visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYC DEC) exhibit to find out how to get the most the most from boating and fishing in New York State, and to learn what DEC is to protect and manage the state’s abundant natural resources. Besides boating and fishing information, a highlight of DEC’s display this year was the DEC’s new SAFE Boat, one of four DEC has deployed in waters near Long Island and New York City, and on the Great Lakes. The 31-foot patrol boats are aluminum-hilled boats with a foam collar around the gunnels to make them unsinkable. The SAFE boat design enables officers to come alongside a moving vessel and safely board it while both boats are under power. Many did not want to miss the opportunity to board this unique vessel and talk to a DEC environmental conservation police officer. If you’re interested in fish, water quality, pollution prevention, recycling, or the Hudson River Estuary, now’s your change to talk to the experts. DEC will have staff and literature from many DEC programs on hand, including, of course, both saltwater and freshwater fish management. And it was the perfect time to subscribe to New York State’s award-winning magazine, “The Conservationist”

The DEC exhibit was a great place to relax with the family. There was also the opportunity to pick up a set of state symbol collecting cards while people marveled at the life-size model of an Atlantic sturgeon and admire the display of New York’s state-record fish. Even more exciting was the “live” touch tank. There were contests of fishing skills for the kids, while young and old alike had fun taking the boating and fishing quiz to win prizes just for taking it!

Some of the highlights included the new “Try Scuba Diving” exhibit, the new Freshwater Fishing Exhibits, the Allstate Safety Weekends, where children under 12 were given free lifejackets, and a roster of celebrity speakers at the free informative daily Discover Boating & Fishing Seminars produced by Rich Johnson of “The Fishing Line”, featuring “The Bass Professor” Doug Hannon, author Lou Tabory, columnist Al Ristori and many more. Anyone who would like more information, including when the 2004 Boat Show will be taking place, may feel free to visit the official website, at www.nyboatshow.com.