Ah, the Annual boat show, the place where dreams are made. OK, so I borrowed that last line. But if you let your imagination go and just take everything in at a Boat and RV show, you can dream a little and easily put yourself camping in the mountains and canoeing down a river. You can cruise the lakes on a Pontoon or runabout, then head back to your campsite that’s set up with your new RV or camper.

     You can be hitting the Waterways in your Cruiser going port to port on an endless vacation. Or you can be cranking around buoys behind your new ski boat. The destinations are endless, and the well of ideas bottomless, the only catch is, that most of our bank accounts are not.

     Shows like the 36 annual Boat and RV show in Greenville SC are full of every imaginable boat and camper to suit any need or budget.

     On display were hundreds of boats, dozens of campers, and many motor homes. Docks, boat lifts, wave runners, deck boats, pontoon boats, wakeboard boats, ski boats, runabouts, and of course, the dream big cruisers.

     Along with the boats were pop up campers, tag along campers, fifth wheel campers, small motor homes and huge motor coaches. Also were scooters like Vespa and Yamaha, golf carts 4 wheelers and others accessories.  Also on site were Dock builders with boat lifts and jet ski lifts.

     There were 59 boat vendors and 21 RV vendors and associated support vendors. And with over 13,000 visitors over the weekend, it made for a pretty good show.

     I decided to cover this show and look at everything, not just ski boats, and let my imagination run wild and dream of possibilities. This may not be for everyone but sometimes you just have to dream. Or as was once said, “If you’re going to wish, wish big” That statement was tailor made for a boat show.

     Let’s start with the boats.
At this years show there was a huge selection of just about everything.  Starting with the Pontoons, these seem to be in big favor these days, partly due to the versatility and spaciousness, but also the cost of these boats is relatively low for the size craft you get. Large multi chambered Aluminum tubes supporting huge lounge areas larger than some living rooms, more comfortable as well, and optional changing and bathrooms make these readily adaptable for a full day on the water.

     Prices range from less than $10,000 to more than $30,000. And the quality of these boats is much better than in years past. With newer design changes some are even capable of pulling skiers, albeit not record slalom runs. They are just a nice boating option and a very good way for some families to get on the water.



     Next are the runabouts, the general all purpose boats. 

     Be it an outboard or I/O (inboard outboard) stern drive these boats offer the best bang for the buck. They are very versatile boats. They are capable of pulling skiers, tubes, and wake boarders. A runabout is a good all around family boat. Most of the ones I saw are going more toward stern drive, and with good reasoning. You get good interior space and use of the back transom for easy water access. Some outboards can do this but an I/O makes for a much cleaner design. The base engine is usually a 4 or 6 cylinder but V8 engines are available as well. And with trim control of the out drive, power out of the hole, good cruising speed, and being able to beach it in shallow water, this design has become easily adaptable for even the most novice of boaters.

     Outboards still intimidate many boat owners, mainly due to the unfamiliarity of the engine design. Most are now 4 stroke or oil injected but you still have that large lump hanging off the back and some are quite heavy.
Most runabouts now also have open bows, with interiors designed for full functionality with storage lockers in every available space. Fold down ladders off the back make getting in no harder than climbing from a swimming pool.  Most of the boats I saw with outboards were fishing and bass boats. So it did look as though the trend toward I/O runabouts is here to stay.



The best runabouts at the show I thought were Crownline and Kobalt, although most others on display were very nice boats, these just had a look and functionality about them I found very appealing. 



The absolute classiest I/O runabout at the show was Chris Craft. But it came with a Chris Craft price. However, it was one sweet boat. Very well layed out and comfortable. If I wasn’t a tournament skier and wanted a boat for cruising around this boat would be it.


   

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