The International Boat Show Visitor’s Guide

Your plan should depend upon your objective.

You may be attending to:

• buy a new boat;
• buy a used boat;
• compare builders;
• research a future purchase;
• arrange finance;
• meet brokers;
• book a charter;
• research engines;
• compare electronics;
• find suppliers;
• source marine services;
• meet existing contacts;
• develop business;
• or simply enjoy the show.

Trying to do all of these at once usually leads to a poor visit.

Set priorities.

Not every boat show serves the same market.

Some focus heavily on:

• superyachts;
• production motorboats;
• sailing yachts;
• watersports;
• commercial marine;
• equipment;
• engines;
• or local boating.

A show may be famous but still be wrong for what you want to achieve.

Before booking travel, look at:

• exhibitor list;
• boats on display;
• builder attendance;
• equipment halls;
• seminar programme;
• sea-trial opportunities;
• trade access;
• and location.

Attend because the right market is there, not just because the show has a famous name.

A Mediterranean yacht show may feel completely different from:

• a northern European indoor show;
• a US waterfront show;
• a Middle Eastern luxury show;
• or a specialist equipment exhibition.

Differences can include:

• boat size;
• visitor profile;
• trade access;
• weather;
• layout;
• appointment culture;
• and how easy it is to get aboard.

Understand the character of the show before you arrive.

In-Water Shows

Advantages can include:

• boats displayed in their natural environment;
• easier appreciation of exterior proportions;
• possibility of sea trials;
• larger yachts;
• and realistic marina layouts.

Potential disadvantages include:

• weather;
• long walking distances;
• restricted boarding;
• queues;
• and crowded pontoons.

Indoor Shows

Advantages can include:

• weather protection;
• concentrated displays;
• easier product comparison;
• equipment halls;
• and more predictable conditions.

Large yachts may be less represented.

Both formats can be highly useful.

Some events are primarily designed for buyers and boat owners.

Others are industry events.

Trade-focused shows may concentrate on:

• equipment;
• manufacturing;
• technology;
• components;
• distribution;
• and professional networking.

If you are looking to buy a complete leisure boat, a large consumer show may be more useful.

If you are sourcing equipment or suppliers, a trade show may be far more valuable.

Some shows allow straightforward ticket purchase.

Others may require:

• trade registration;
• proof of industry status;
• invitations;
• appointments;
• or specific visitor credentials.

Do not assume access rules are identical from one event to another.

Check before travelling.

Advance booking can save time and sometimes money.

It can also provide:

• faster entry;
• digital show guides;
• exhibitor information;
• event updates;
• and access to appointment systems.

For major shows, complete registration before arrival.

The first hour of the day is too valuable to spend standing in an unnecessary ticket queue.

Large boat shows can be physically enormous.

Do not rely on finding exhibitors as you walk.

Study:

• entrances;
• halls;
• marinas;
• pontoon numbers;
• exhibitor stands;
• food areas;
• meeting points;
• and transport links.

Group your appointments geographically.

Crossing a major show repeatedly can waste hours.

If you are researching boats, create three categories.

Must See

Boats genuinely under consideration.

Compare

Alternatives that could influence your decision.

Interesting

Boats you would like to see if time allows.

This prevents an attractive display near the entrance consuming half the morning.

If there is a specific boat you seriously want to inspect, make an appointment.

This is particularly important for:

• larger yachts;
• new model launches;
• popular boats;
• private viewings;
• and trade meetings.

An appointment can provide:

• guaranteed access;
• a knowledgeable representative;
• more time aboard;
• and a better discussion.

Do not rely on simply turning up at a busy stand.

Back-to-back appointments sound efficient.

At a large show they rarely are.

Allow time for:

• walking;
• queues;
• meetings running late;
• unexpected discoveries;
• refreshments;
• and spontaneous conversations.

A schedule with no flexibility quickly collapses.

If a boat is genuinely important, see it early in the day.

Advantages can include:

• fewer visitors;
• less pressure;
• cooler conditions at outdoor shows;
• more attentive sales staff;
• and better photography.

Leave casual browsing until later.

This sounds trivial.

It is not.

A boat show can involve many kilometres of walking plus repeatedly:

• climbing steps;
• boarding yachts;
• moving between pontoons;
• and standing.

Wear comfortable shoes that can be removed easily if required aboard.

Avoid footwear likely to mark decks.

Outdoor boat shows can involve:

• strong sun;
• rain;
• wind;
• heat;
• or surprisingly cool evenings.

Take appropriate:

• sunscreen;
• hat;
• light waterproof;
• water;
• and layers.

A visitor who becomes exhausted by lunchtime makes poorer decisions.

Keep it light.

Useful items include:

• phone;
• charger or power bank;
• notebook;
• pen;
• water;
• sunglasses;
• tickets;
• and perhaps a measuring tape.

Avoid carrying every brochure you are offered.

Photograph or download information where possible.

Your phone can become your show notebook.

For each boat, record:

• builder;
• model;
• salesperson;
• stand/pontoon;
• price indication;
• key features;
• concerns;
• and next action.

Photograph the model name before taking interior pictures.

Otherwise you may return home with 300 photographs and no idea which yacht they belong to.

Some exhibitors permit photography freely.

Others may restrict it on:

• new launches;
• private yachts;
• interiors;
• prototypes;
• or invitation-only displays.

Ask where necessary.

Respect restrictions.

If you are seriously shopping, use the same criteria for every boat.

For example:

• purchase price;
• length;
• beam;
• engines;
• fuel capacity;
• range;
• cabins;
• bathrooms;
• headroom;
• cockpit;
• storage;
• engine-room access;
• warranty;
• delivery time;
• and options.

Memory becomes unreliable after viewing ten boats.

Write it down.

Before boarding, stand back.

Look at:

• proportions;
• hull shape;
• deck layout;
• boarding;
• side decks;
• anchor system;
• cockpit;
• swim platform;
• tender storage;
• and overall finish.

Many buyers go directly inside and overlook the operational parts of the boat.

Imagine using the yacht in real conditions.

Ask yourself:

• Can older guests board easily?
• Is the passerelle practical?
• Can children move safely?
• What happens with luggage?
• How do you board from a tender?
• Is access difficult at low quay heights?

An awkward boarding system becomes irritating very quickly.

Check:

• width;
• handholds;
• guardrails;
• steps;
• door openings;
• deck transitions;
• and trip hazards.

Try to imagine moving forward at night or in poor weather.

Ask:

• Is the windlass accessible?
• Is there adequate chain storage?
• Is the anchor appropriate?
• Can the system be operated safely?
• Is there room to clear a problem?

Anchor arrangements are easy to overlook at a show because everything is perfectly clean.

The cockpit is often one of the most-used areas aboard.

Consider:

• seating;
• shade;
• dining;
• access;
• visibility;
• storage;
• refrigeration;
• and movement.

Ask whether the layout works for the number of people you realistically expect onboard.

If swimming and water access matter, check:

• platform size;
• ladder;
• hydraulic operation;
• safety;
• tender interaction;
• and storage.

A spectacular platform may also contain complicated hydraulic systems.

Ask how it operates and what maintenance it requires.

If the boat carries a tender, ask:

• maximum size;
• launch method;
• recovery method;
• lifting capacity;
• storage;
• and whether carrying the tender obstructs other areas.

Never assume the tender shown at the boat show is included in the purchase price.

Do not be distracted by:

• cushions;
• lighting;
• flowers;
• music;
• and show styling.

Look at the underlying design.

Ask:

• Is there enough headroom?
• Can people pass each other?
• Is storage practical?
• Where are the handholds?
• How easy is cleaning?
• Can you move safely at sea?

A boat show interior is staged like a show home.

Your boat will have bags, clothes, food and people.

Do not just look at seating.

Sit on it.

Check:

• seat depth;
• back support;
• table height;
• visibility;
• and legroom.

Beautiful furniture can still be uncomfortable.

Ask permission and inspect:

• lockers;
• wardrobes;
• galley storage;
• under-seat storage;
• pantry areas;
• and technical compartments.

Boats often look spacious because nothing is aboard.

Imagine where your actual belongings will go.

Look at:

• worktop space;
• fridge;
• freezer;
• cooker;
• sink;
• ventilation;
• storage;
• rubbish;
• and movement.

Think about cooking while the boat is underway.

A domestic-looking galley may not necessarily be practical at sea.

Do not judge only by photographs.

Look at:

• bed access;
• mattress size;
• headroom;
• storage;
• natural light;
• ventilation;
• charging points;
• privacy;
• and noise sources.

Lie on the bed if the exhibitor allows it.

A cabin can feel very different once occupied.

Inspect:

• shower space;
• toilet;
• ventilation;
• storage;
• drainage;
• and headroom.

A beautifully photographed bathroom can feel surprisingly small when actually used.

If the yacht requires professional crew, inspect their accommodation too.

Crew need:

• reasonable sleeping space;
• storage;
• bathroom facilities;
• access;
• and separation where appropriate.

Poor crew accommodation can make recruitment and retention more difficult.

One of the hardest things to judge at a boat show is noise.

The boat is stationary.

Engines are often off.

Generators may not be running.

Air conditioning may be operating under unusual conditions.

Ask specifically about:

• engine noise;
• generator noise;
• air-conditioning noise;
• vibration;
• cabin insulation;
• and noise levels underway.

If quiet cruising matters, arrange a sea trial.

Ask to see the engine room.

Even if you do not service the yacht yourself, inspect:

• access;
• headroom;
• filters;
• seacocks;
• generators;
• batteries;
• service points;
• and working space.

A beautiful yacht can hide extremely poor maintenance access.

Someone will eventually have to work there.

Instead of asking only:

“How powerful are the engines?”

ask:

“What has to be removed to carry out major engine maintenance?”

The answer can reveal a lot about the design.

A model may be available with several engine options.

Ask how each affects:

• speed;
• range;
• fuel consumption;
• weight;
• service support;
• purchase price;
• and resale.

The biggest engine option is not automatically the best one.

Ask for realistic figures at several speeds.

For example:

• displacement speed;
• economical cruise;
• normal cruise;
• fast cruise;
• and maximum speed.

A single “cruising consumption” figure tells you very little.

Ask what assumptions sit behind the quoted range.

These can include:

• speed;
• fuel reserve;
• load;
• sea conditions;
• engine choice;
• and generator use.

Published maximum range is not the same as everyday usable range.

If stabilisation is fitted, establish:

• type;
• brand;
• underway capability;
• zero-speed capability;
• maintenance;
• power consumption;
• and limitations.

Ask to experience it on a sea trial where possible.

Modern yachts can carry significant electrical loads.

Ask about:

• shore power;
• generator;
• inverter;
• batteries;
• lithium systems;
• solar;
• charging;
• and power management.

This becomes particularly important if you spend substantial time at anchor.

If the yacht includes solar, hybrid or electric technology, ask specific questions.

These can include:

• installed solar capacity;
• usable battery capacity;
• propulsion power;
• charging time;
• shore-power requirements;
• generator/range extender;
• battery warranty;
• battery replacement strategy;
• and specialist service support.

Do not rely on broad phrases such as “eco propulsion” without understanding what the system actually does.

Ask:

• Is it standard?
• Can it operate at anchor?
• What powers it?
• How much energy does it use?
• How many zones?
• How noisy is it?

On a hot-climate yacht, HVAC performance can strongly influence comfort.

Boat shows are ideal for comparing electronics.

Consider:

• displays;
• radar;
• autopilot;
• sonar;
• AIS;
• cameras;
• communications;
• and connectivity.

Touch the equipment.

Use the menus.

Ask whether the display shown is standard or optional.

Show boats are often heavily optioned.

They may contain:

• premium upholstery;
• upgraded engines;
• larger displays;
• audio systems;
• stabilisers;
• generators;
• air conditioning;
• teak;
• navigation packages;
• and décor upgrades.

Ask for the price of:

1. standard boat;
2. displayed boat;
3. boat configured to your specification.

These can be very different figures.

A comparatively inexpensive base boat can become expensive once configured.

Request:

• standard equipment;
• option prices;
• compulsory regional packages;
• delivery;
• commissioning;
• tax;
• and any dealer charges.

Compare boats on like-for-like specification.

Ask when a boat ordered today could realistically be delivered.

Consider:

• build slot;
• transport;
• commissioning;
• registration;
• options;
• and seasonal demand.

A good boat delivered in 18 months may be less attractive than a suitable alternative available next season.

Dealers may have:

• completed stock boats;
• cancelled orders;
• demonstrators;
• previous model-year inventory;
• or boats already in transit.

These can sometimes provide:

• shorter delivery;
• known specification;
• and commercial flexibility.

A demonstrator can potentially offer good value.

But inspect:

• engine hours;
• cosmetic condition;
• warranty start date;
• usage;
• sea-trial history;
• and equipment.

It is not brand-new in the same sense as an untouched factory boat.

Boat shows may generate promotional offers.

These can include:

• equipment packages;
• options;
• discounted upgrades;
• finance incentives;
• service packages;
• or price reductions.

Do not allow a show deadline to force a poor decision.

Ask:

• what exactly is included;
• whether the offer is genuinely time-limited;
• and whether it applies to the specification you want.

Value may be available through:

• extra equipment;
• upgraded electronics;
• delivery;
• servicing;
• berthing;
• commissioning;
• training;
• extended warranty;
• or tender package.

A seller may have more flexibility on options than headline price.

A deposit may reserve:

• build slot;
• stock boat;
• or order.

Before paying, understand:

• what you are buying;
• specification;
• price;
• tax;
• payment schedule;
• delivery date;
• cancellation rights;
• warranty;
• and what happens if delivery is delayed.

A busy show is not a good reason to stop reading contracts.

International purchases may be priced in another currency.

Between deposit and final payment, exchange rates can move.

For a substantial yacht purchase, this can materially alter the actual cost.

Consider currency exposure early.

Buying at an international boat show does not determine where tax is due.

Issues may include:

• VAT;
• GST;
• sales tax;
• import duty;
• customs status;
• delivery location;
• registration;
• and intended use.

Seek appropriate advice before signing a cross-border purchase.

Ask where the boat can be registered and what documentation is supplied.

But remember:

registration and tax status are not necessarily the same thing.

The correct structure depends upon owner, yacht and operating plans.

Finance providers at shows can be useful for understanding options.

Before committing, compare:

• deposit;
• interest;
• term;
• currency;
• security;
• early repayment;
• fees;
• and total cost.

A low monthly figure can hide a long and expensive finance structure.

Boat shows can also be useful places to meet insurers and brokers.

Premiums can depend upon:

• yacht;
• value;
• cruising area;
• owner experience;
• crew;
• claims history;
• and use.

A yacht that looks affordable to buy may have expensive insurance requirements.

Before buying, ask:

Where will I keep it?

Berth availability can be more difficult than yacht availability in popular regions.

Check:

• length;
• beam;
• draught;
• shore power;
• annual cost;
• waiting lists;
• and seasonal restrictions.

Catamarans and wide-beam boats can require particular planning.

Ask dealers for realistic information about:

• engine service;
• generator service;
• antifouling;
• haul-out;
• warranty servicing;
• consumables;
• and annual maintenance.

Avoid relying on one universal percentage of boat value.

Actual costs depend heavily on yacht type and usage.

Ask:

• length;
• structural coverage;
• equipment coverage;
• labour;
• travel;
• exclusions;
• transferability;
• and how claims are handled internationally.

A warranty is only as useful as the service network behind it.

For international cruising, ask:

• Where are dealers located?
• Who services the engines?
• Who supports the electronics?
• How are parts supplied?
• What happens in another country?

A strong service network can be more valuable than a small purchase-price saving.

If possible, ask whether the builder can introduce you to an existing owner.

Useful questions include:

• What has broken?
• How was warranty support?
• What do you wish you had specified differently?
• How accurate were performance claims?
• Would you buy from the builder again?

Owner experience can reveal issues brochures never mention.

A yacht purchase is also a relationship with:

• builder;
• dealer;
• distributor;
• and service network.

Assess:

• communication;
• transparency;
• technical knowledge;
• after-sales reputation;
• financial stability;
• and willingness to answer difficult questions.

Display boats are:

• spotless;
• styled;
• lit;
• lightly loaded;
• and presented by sales teams.

That is their purpose.

Try to imagine the same boat:

• loaded with provisions;
• with wet towels;
• with six people aboard;
• after three days at anchor;
• in rain;
• with the generator running;
• and with luggage everywhere.

Buy the operational reality, not just the presentation.

Some shows include brokerage yachts and used boats.

These can be useful because you can compare:

• age;
• condition;
• refit history;
• price;
• layout;
• and depreciation

alongside new boats.

Do not assume a boat shown by a reputable broker has already been independently surveyed.

Conduct your own due diligence.

Ask:

• Why is the yacht being sold?
• How long has it been listed?
• Where is it registered?
• What is its tax/customs status?
• What major work has been completed?
• What service history exists?
• Is there damage history?
• When was the last survey?
• What is included in the inventory?

The broker represents the transaction, not your independent technical interests.

A serious pre-owned purchase should normally involve appropriate independent inspection.

A survey can include:

• structure;
• machinery;
• systems;
• safety;
• and condition.

Large or complex yachts may justify multiple specialists.

Do not substitute a show viewing for a proper survey.

A sea trial can reveal things a static show cannot.

Evaluate:

• acceleration;
• steering;
• visibility;
• noise;
• vibration;
• trim;
• manoeuvring;
• stabilisation;
• handling;
• and comfort.

For sailing yachts, sail the yacht if conditions and arrangements permit.

Motoring out of the marina is not a meaningful sailing-yacht trial.

Sea-trial slots can be limited.

Some shows conduct trials:

• during the show;
• before opening;
• after closing;
• or during dedicated trial days.

If you are a serious buyer, request one early.

A calm demonstration can make almost any boat feel comfortable.

If possible, consider how the design will perform in the conditions you actually encounter.

Ask about:

• head seas;
• following seas;
• crosswinds;
• low-speed manoeuvring;
• and offshore behaviour.

For sailing yachts, inspect:

• rig;
• deck layout;
• winches;
• traveller;
• sail controls;
• helm position;
• visibility;
• mainsail system;
• headsail handling;
• and short-handed practicality.

Do not let interior volume dominate the decision.

It still has to sail.

When comparing catamarans, look beyond saloon size.

Consider:

• bridge-deck clearance;
• windage;
• helm visibility;
• engine access;
• sail handling;
• load carrying;
• beam;
• marina costs;
• and motion.

A huge interior comes with operational trade-offs.

For smaller boats, pay particular attention to:

• seating;
• storage;
• boarding;
• shade;
• fuel capacity;
• towing weight;
• trailer requirements;
• engine choice;
• and real passenger comfort.

A boat rated for 12 people may not be comfortable for 12 adults carrying bags.

Major shows can be excellent places to compare:

• outboards;
• diesels;
• electric propulsion;
• hybrid systems;
• pods;
• shafts;
• waterjets;
• and alternative technologies.

Talk directly to technical representatives rather than relying only on boat-sales staff.

If considering electric propulsion, ask:

• battery capacity;
• usable capacity;
• cruise consumption;
• realistic range;
• charging speed;
• shore-power requirement;
• battery warranty;
• replacement cost;
• and service support.

Do not evaluate electric boats using only maximum quoted range.

For solar-assisted yachts, ask:

• installed solar capacity;
• expected daily generation;
• shading effects;
• battery capacity;
• hotel load;
• propulsion contribution;
• and backup generation.

The meaningful question is not:

“How many solar panels?”

It is:

“What proportion of the yacht's real energy use can this system supply?”

Use the opportunity to compare competing systems side by side.

Try:

• chartplotters;
• radar interfaces;
• autopilot controls;
• cameras;
• sonar;
• switching systems;
• and monitoring.

Usability matters.

The most powerful system is not always the easiest to operate.

Shows are also useful for researching:

• anchors;
• water-makers;
• stabilisers;
• generators;
• batteries;
• tenders;
• davits;
• safety equipment;
• ropes;
• sails;
• and deck hardware.

If planning a refit, equipment halls can be as valuable as the boats.

Salespeople can explain benefits.

Technical staff can often explain:

• installation;
• power requirements;
• servicing;
• limitations;
• integration;
• and failure modes.

If you are making a serious equipment decision, ask to speak to someone technical.

Marine equipment can have lengthy delivery schedules.

If planning a refit, ask:

• stock availability;
• manufacturing lead time;
• installation time;
• and commissioning.

Ordering late can delay an entire yard period.

Shows often feature new products and prototype technology.

Treat first-generation equipment differently from mature products.

Ask:

• Is this in production?
• Has it been installed on customer yachts?
• How many?
• What warranty applies?
• Is service support established?
• When can it actually be delivered?

Innovation is exciting.

Reliability still matters.

Shows may offer useful sessions on:

• cruising;
• safety;
• technology;
• destinations;
• ownership;
• and regulations.

Choose sessions relevant to your actual plans.

Do not spend half the show listening to presentations you could watch online later if the exhibitors you need are only available that day.

Boat shows are excellent networking environments.

You may meet:

• builders;
• brokers;
• captains;
• designers;
• suppliers;
• journalists;
• owners;
• charter companies;
• and service providers.

Have a clear explanation of who you are and what you need.

A useful conversation can be more valuable than another hour of browsing.

Traditional cards still work.

Digital contact exchange can be even faster.

Whichever system you use, make a note explaining:

• who the person is;
• what you discussed;
• and why you should contact them.

A name without context becomes useless after the show.

If an exhibitor is dealing with a serious buyer, do not interrupt aggressively for general questions.

Likewise, if you are a serious buyer, make that clear.

Good exhibitors will usually prioritise appropriately.

Respecting people's time improves the quality of conversations.

You do not need to pretend you are buying immediately.

Say:

• “I am comparing boats for purchase next year.”
• “I am researching a refit.”
• “I am considering moving from sail to motor.”
• “I want to understand your electric system.”

A professional salesperson can then give you more relevant information.

Large yacht stands can appear exclusive.

If the show permits public access and you have a genuine interest, ask politely.

You do not need to look wealthy to ask an intelligent question.

However, some yachts may require appointments or restrict access at the owner's or exhibitor's discretion.

VIP tickets may provide:

• lounges;
• hospitality;
• priority entry;
• transport;
• or special access.

They are useful if those benefits materially improve your visit.

Do not assume a more expensive badge automatically gives unrestricted access to every yacht.

Eat before you become exhausted.

Large shows can have:

• queues;
• expensive catering;
• limited seating;
• and long distances between food areas.

Carry water where permitted.

Decision quality falls rapidly when people are tired and hungry.

A ten-minute break can improve the rest of the day.

Use it to:

• review notes;
• reorganise priorities;
• answer messages;
• confirm appointments;
• and decide what you still need to see.

Do not continue walking simply because the show is still open.

A large international show may be difficult to cover properly in one day.

If the trip is commercially or financially important, consider:

Day One: boats and appointments

Day Two: equipment, suppliers, follow-ups and second viewings

The extra hotel night may be insignificant compared with the purchase decision being researched.

If you remain interested in a boat, return later.

The second viewing is often more revealing because the initial excitement has faded.

Look again at:

• storage;
• access;
• cabin size;
• machinery;
• visibility;
• and compromises.

If you still like it the second time, the interest is more meaningful.

Do not wait until returning home.

Score each serious option while it is fresh.

For example:

The winner may surprise you.

Boat shows are designed to create excitement.

That is not a criticism.

It is their purpose.

But a yacht is a significant financial and operational commitment.

If you feel pressured to decide immediately:

• go for a walk;
• review the numbers;
• reconsider your requirements;
• and verify what you have been told.

Excitement should begin the buying process, not replace due diligence.

After the show, serious buyers should contact relevant exhibitors promptly.

Request:

• final specification;
• quotations;
• option lists;
• contracts;
• sea trials;
• technical data;
• finance information;
• and delivery schedules.

Salespeople speak to hundreds of visitors.

A clear follow-up helps maintain momentum.

Create folders for each serious boat or supplier.

Keep:

• brochures;
• photographs;
• quotations;
• specifications;
• emails;
• and notes

together.

Do not allow the research to become another pile of disconnected PDFs.

If a specification matters to the purchase, verify it.

This can include:

• performance;
• weights;
• dimensions;
• certification;
• warranty;
• fuel capacity;
• range;
• and equipment.

A conversation on a busy stand should not be the sole basis for a major decision.

For a major purchase or refit supplier, consider asking for:

• existing owner references;
• customer yachts;
• case studies;
• and service contacts.

The quality of support after the show is often more important than the quality of the stand during it.

Post-show communication tells you something about the company.

Do they:

• answer questions;
• send promised information;
• respond quickly;
• understand your requirements;
• and follow through?

If communication is poor while they are trying to sell you the boat, consider what it may be like after payment.

For marine businesses, visiting a show can also help decide whether to exhibit in future.

Observe:

• visitor quality;
• exhibitor mix;
• hall location;
• traffic;
• competitor presence;
• hospitality;
• and business activity.

Do not judge a show solely by crowd size.

Ten relevant buyers can be more valuable than thousands of casual visitors.

At the end of the show, ask:

What did I actually achieve?

Perhaps you:

• reduced ten boats to three;
• identified the right builder;
• arranged two sea trials;
• found a new marina;
• solved an equipment problem;
• found a refit supplier;
• established finance options;
• or decided not to buy at all.

That is still a successful show.

Good research can save money by preventing the wrong decision.