Ahoy! Boat Show Opens In Atlantic City
By Mike Dougherty, Cleve Bryan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- More than a billion pounds of fiberglass fill the Atlantic City Convention Center. That can mean only one thing --it's boat show time.
That new boat smell fills the air. It's just like new car smell, just pricier.
From wave runners, to pontoon cruisers, sport fishing boats, to luxury yachts – the Atlantic City Boat Show has more to see than ever. And reason is simple: people are willing to spend.
"Boating tracks very closely with consumer confidence, so as we see that rise, we see boating sales go up" said Atlantic City Boat Show spokeswoman Carrie Weibel.
Weibel says there's something here to fit just about any budget or boating need.
"If you're very serious about fishing, for instance, you're gonna find serious center console sport fishers here," Weibel said. "Watersports boats if you're into wakeboarding or wakesurfing or waterskiing, there's all sorts of watersports boats to dive into."
The size of the boat show has fluctuated pretty closely with the economy. In 2010, there were only about 150 boats here as the leisure industry plummeted. This year there are more than 500 boats on display.
"So that's just more product flooding the market place as there's more demand," Weibel said.
Experts say boat manufacturers have adjusted their products to attract people looking for value. Center console boats once aimed at hardcore fishermen, are now outfitted with extensive cushioning for cruising.
Pontoon boats have become the bread and butter for Schooner Island Marina in Wildwood, which is seeing better sales.
"It rebounded starting last year," said Anthony Sandora of Schooner Island Marina. "We've seen a huge uptick in the past two months, not only with boat sales, but with the marina in general."
A perfect example of people feeling for confident to spend, the Topoleski family from Bargenat, New Jersey.
"I originally bought a 19-foot center console," said Tom Topoleski. "Last year we upgraded to a 24-foot walk around, more comfort for the kids."
Now they're out to accessorize.
And with more than 440 vendors at the show what better place to dream, and have a little fun.
Mike from Sea Isle says his wife won't let him near the credit card.
"I just turned 72 yesterday, so if I buy a boat right now I wont make it to my 73rd birthday" he joked.
And new this year is Super Thursday, with reduced admission fee and the best sales of the week.
