The 47th annual Atlanta Boat Show will return to the Georgia World Congress Center Jan. 14-18, 2009.  The Show, ideal for novice and experienced boaters alike, offers five days of boating fun, filling 500,000 square feet of space with the best in boats and marine accessories in addition to activities for the whole family.

At the state’s largest boating event, visitors will find hundreds of the latest pleasure boats, fishing boats, ski boats, personal watercraft and marine accessories at the best deals of the year, not to mention an array of fishing and boating seminars, kids’ activities, special attractions and prize giveaways.  More than 250 exhibitors are expected to participate in the 2009 Show.  On opening day, Jan. 14, the Atlanta Boat Show will offer a special $5 admission all day.
 

The 2009 Atlanta Boat Show takes place:

Wednesday - Friday, Jan. 14-16:  11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 17:  10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 18:  10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

“There is no other boating event like the Atlanta Boat Show. The Show features special off-season pricing for inventory reductions and new model debuts, and with hundreds of boats to choose from, dealers can help guests find the right boat at the right price for any age or lifestyle,” said Show Manager Larry Berryman.     

In addition to the boats, the 2009 Show will have something for everyone.  Features will include:  Miss GEICO, the world’s fastest offshore racing boat; the “Let’s Go Fishing Center” featuring demonstrations at the live fish tank  and special catch-and-release fishing for little ones at the trout pond; the Discover Boating Center, an educational stop for new boaters which has an array of boating information and unbiased advice from boating experts; the all-new boating affordability area showcasing boats that cost as little as $350 per month; the Boardwalk, where visitors can take part in sailing seminars, browse through marine art by local artists, enjoy activities in the kids area, or relax and unwind at the Boater’s Lounge.   

Advance e-tickets go on sale Nov. 24 at AtlantaBoatShow.com and include $2 off if purchased by Jan. 11.  Adult tickets are $9; youth tickets (ages 13-15) are $5; and children 12 and under are admitted FREE.  Opening day tickets are $5 all day.  Show tickets go on sale at the Georgia World Congress Center beginning Jan.14.  Use your Show ticket for a free hot dog at The Varsity (with purchase of fries and drink), or visit metro-Atlanta Subway® restaurants for $2-off coupons, good for Jan. 15-18.  For Show information, call (954) 441-3220 or visit AtlantaBoatShow.com. 

Visitors to the Show should park in the blue and yellow lots at the Georgia World Congress Center or take MARTA to the Georgia Dome/Georgia World Congress Center/Philips Arena/CNN Center or Vine City stations.

The Atlanta Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows. NMMA is the leading association representing the $37.5 billion per year recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the U.S. For more information about the NMMA, visit www.NMMA.org.

Boating Within Reach

One of the key advantages to shopping at the Atlanta Boat Show is the incredible prices.  The Show offers special off-season pricing for inventory reductions and new model debuts.  With hundreds of boats to choose from, marine dealers can help guests find the right boat at the right price for any age or lifestyle.  Some brand new boats can be financed for as low as $250 per month.  Boats can also provide a tax deductible and cost-effective second home, and interest on a boat loan can be deducted if the boat has a galley, berth and head.

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, average boat prices in 2007 were:

·         Average price of a new boat:  $13,944

·         Average price of a pre-owned boat:  $10,024

·         Average price of a new outboard engine:  $9,761

·         Average price of a pre-owned outboard engine: $3,711

·         Average price of a new outboard boat, motor, trailer package: $29,398 (a 7 percent increase over 2006)
 

Even with fuel prices rising, boaters are taking matters into their own hands by becoming conscious of their boating habits.  Many boat owners are using their boats as often as usual, but are considering ways to decrease fuel consumption by reducing cruising speed, taking shorter trips and tuning the engine.  Plus, some favorite activities such as anchoring, fishing, floating or sitting at the dock are enjoyed while the engine is turned off, which helps save fuel.  An average-sized powerboat uses about 20 gallons of gas over the length of an entire weekend.  With a $1 increase in the price of gas, boaters will only spend an average of $20 more to fill up.  

Insurance costs can also be reduced by taking a boater education class. Maintenance costs are kept lower by taking a few simple steps such as a freshwater wash-down after each use and keeping boat, trailer and motors covered during storage.  The cost of storing a boat can be further reduced by keeping it on a trailer in the driveway or backyard.  For more economical boating tips, go to www.discoverboating.com. 

A Greener Future
Boaters looking for eco-friendly products will have lots of options to choose from at this year’s Show.  Each year, boat manufacturers are introducing more technologies to meet the demand for environmentally friendly products. 

Today, boats are more fuel efficient and emissions and noise have been reduced significantly.  Marine engine manufacturers have developed a Direct Fuel Injected (DFI) two-stoke engine and a four-stroke engine that help reduce emissions by 75 to 90 percent and increase fuel efficiency by more than 40 percent.  Marine outboard engines are 38 percent more fuel efficient than 20 years ago.  

Not only have engines become greener, but generator manufacturers are also making significant investments to protect boaters and the waterways.  New products limit carbon monoxide emissions, sometimes by 99 percent.  As the need for environmentally friendly boats continues to grow, boat builders are also turning their sights to using green engineering.  Some shops now use waste water collection systems that pump water to engineered wetlands where the water is then treated naturally before being dispelled.  

Marine accessory companies have developed non-toxic biodegradable boat soaps, color safe, oxygen release gels and cleansers that remove spots from boats without using bleach or other hazardous materials. Boat sewage is also getting a new treatment.  Marine sanitation manufacturers have created products that treat, store and contain waste more successfully.  New products have been designed to eliminate tank odors without using harsh chemicals or formaldehyde, and the number of pump out facilities in popular boating areas have also increased due to partnerships formed between government agencies and the boating industry. 

To learn more about green boating, stop by the eco-friendly display at the Show and check out Atlanta Boat Show Web site for more environmentally friendly boating tips, www.atlantaboatshow.com.