Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) – Thursday marked the first day of the Central New York Boat Show, managed by Drew Wickham. This year, with a stable economy, vendors don’t expect an increase in boat sales.
“The markets changed,” said boat salesman Rich Albigesce. “The older people have kind of gotten out of the market with the big boats, and all the younger millennial, people who are just looking to get into their first boats, they’re usually looking for a small bowrider or something like the pontoon.”
In the last 10 years, pontoons have become the biggest seller at the Boat Show, according to WIckham. With more room to walk around, pontoons allow people to fit 10 to 12 people on a boat. Not only can kids bring their friends, but multiple families can go on a pontoon boat ride.
Pontoons are a big seller in Central New York, since they are better in relaxing waters, such as the Finger Lakes. In other parts of the country, such as California or Florida, buyers may be looking for yachts or cruisers, rather than a pontoon.
According to Steve Habecker, another seller at the show, his business spends $50,000-$60,000 in advertising for the CNY Boat Show. Habecker said 45 to 50% of annual revenue can come from connections made at boat shows in Syracuse and Rochester.
“Our total sales last year I believe were right about 120 boats,” Habecker said of boats sold through Boat Shows.
As for people coming to the boat show, some are potential buyers, and some are regulars. Floyd Vandeweert makes the two hour trip from Pennsylvania every year. His cruiser is 40 years old, but he’s not in the market for a new boat. “Maybe one day,” he said, but not today. Instead, he came to the boat show for advice on a broken air conditioning unit, and to catch up with old friends.
“We just have some friends over there that treat us good,” said Vandeweert – who makes the annual trip with his friend Jim. “So we stop and see them every year, ask them a couple questions.”
