So, if you start feeling sluggish this fall, boat shows can spell relief. From small local events where gizmos and strange whirring gadgets like "Bass-O'Matics" shoulder out camo-painted flats boats, to glitzy extravaganzas crammed with megayachts that would leave a Saudi prince speechless, chances are that a boat show will be coming to a downtown waterfront, fairground, armory or convention center near you.

BoatU.S. has plenty of common sense tips for how to be a smart boat show consumer (see below) but boating aficionados put their own spin on the subject, as we found during a recent informal survey on the BoatUS.com message board.

Why go to boat shows?

Most of our respondents said they go simply to get a “boat fix” during the winter even when they have no intention of buying something new. “I go every year, just for the entertainment,” a Phoenix, AZ, boater told us.

“One good thing about buying at a boat show is that the decision makers are all there. The dealer and builder can sit there and negotiate with you as they watch your eye glance over to their competitor’s boat,” said an owner from Jacksonville.

“I always go to the North American In-Water Boat Show [in Sandusky, OH] even though I am not in the market for a boat,” said a Columbus boater. “I like to keep current on who’s got what new model, prices, etc.”

In fact, many use shows as dress rehearsals for purchases arranged with dealers in their hometowns.

“I’m always sort-of, kind-of in the market for a new boat, admits a New Jersey owner. “Just sometimes I’m more in the market than other times. Make me a good deal and see how fast I’m in!”

“I met with my dealer prior to the show and pretty much decided on the model we wanted,” commented another boater from Atkinson, NH. “Then, we went to the show and closed the deal, taking advantage of any promotions and deals being offered as part of the show. We think it significantly helped the bottom line.”

Location, Location, Location

In-water boat shows are the venue of choice for many because the star attractions, the boats, are in their natural element. If boats feed our imaginations, our message board members told BoatU.S. that water is the medium that washes it all down.

In fact, while it's possible to get what one Maryland owner calls a winter "boat fix" at an indoor show, another owner told BoatU.S., "I would rather walk a show in the rain on floating docks” than visit a show inside a convention center. In-water shows make it possible to sea trial new models, an essential first step before buying.

“It may be possible to arrange a sea trial of one or more boats that are in the area only for the show,” pointed out a boater from Stratford, CT. “For example, my Sea Ray dealer usually has only two boats in the water at any one time. At the Norwalk, CT, show he may have 10 boats ready to go.”

The fall in-water show season kicks off this year with the Newport Boat Show September 11-14.

"You go to Newport for new products," Nancy Piffard, show director told BoatU.S. With many builders starting the model year in August, the 40,000 Newport attendees get their first glimpse of boats exhibited at the Newport’s historic downtown waterfront, long associated with the America's Cup competition.

A month later in Annapolis, the U.S. Sailboat and Powerboat Shows are set for October 9-13 and October 16-19 respectively.

Show director Jim Barthold pointed out that Annapolis is the site of the first in-water show for sailboats. It’s been a success, to say the least. A novelty in 1970, the power and sail shows have grown to attract 40,000 to 50,000 attendees and nearly 600 vendors, half of whom exhibit boats.

For an all-out, over-the-top experience October 30 through November 3, when northerners are starting to feel the full effects of boat deprivation, head south to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. There you will find literally miles of megayachts docked at five waterfront locations and exhibited at the local convention center. Show organizers say the show features over $1.6 billion worth of “boats, yachts, super yachts and accessories.”

“This is the largest gathering of super yachts in the world,” according to Geri Haber, show spokesperson.

“We go to lust after all the stuff we can’t afford and to keep current on what’s happening and trends,” said a Lakeland, FL, boater, adding that shows in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando and Miami offer “a nice break and a great place to get ideas.”

Other tips gleaned from our online discussion include:

• Plan your attack. Map out the exhibits you want to visit -- before you get to the show. That way there’s less chance you’ll be distracted.
  
  
• Make “I” contact. “I almost always make contact with someone before the show to set up an appointment. That way I can get their undivided attention. Having said that, a show during their public open hours is not a place to have a three-hour tour of a boat. For serious buyers, most will meet you on the boat after the show closes,” says a Jacksonville boater.

Others stress that the major boat shows are great places to rub elbows with marine manufacturer VIPs and other key industry members.

“Atlantic City is better for talking to dealers. The New York [National Boat Show] is better for talking to factory people, “ said a New Jersey boater. “I've met some of the principals of the various boat companies in New York City including, Scott Adams, Michael Fiore, Reggie Fountain and a few VP types from other companies.”

• No kidding. As one Maryland boater said, “If you’re seriously shopping for a boat at the show, don't bring the kids. The sales people don't like ’em crawling all over the boat and it's impossible to focus. If you do bring the kids, have a battle plan. Don’t let them run wild.”

Another boater from St. Petersburg was blunt. “Children able to walk upright should be on leashes and those in strollers prohibited altogether. It need not be a day out for the family.”

• Think on your feet. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove so you can climb aboard the exhibits. Plus, your feet will thank you at the end of the day.
  
  
• Be prepared. Bring snacks and water with you. Typical complaints are, “Refreshments costs can be unreasonable, especially in Florida when they charge you $2.50 for a 25¢ bottle of water” on top of a $15 entrance ticket and “I don’t want the $5 beers and the $4 hotdogs.”
  
  
• Mark your calendar. The National Marine Manufacturers Association’s web site includes a calendar of boat shows here in the U.S. and around the world. Log on to BoatUS.com and click on the “Boating Info” menu.

BoatU.S. Consumer Tips For Boat Show Buying:

• Know before you go. Most builders’ web sites offer model information so it’s easy to compare designs and options before you get to the boat show. Print this information and bring it with you.
  
  
• Have a clear idea of how much money you can afford to spend on the boat and on yearly maintenance, insurance, storage, repairs and fees.
  
  
• Pre-qualify for a boat loan before shopping. You may get a lower interest rate and better terms.
  
  
• Buy show tickets in advance to take advantage of discounts. Watch for coupons in local boating publications and visit show web sites. Visit BoatUS.com for tickets, boat show information and general consumer advice.
  
  
• Take a day off. Plan your visit for a weekday when shows are less crowded. This makes it easier to inspect boats and to talk with manufacturers’ reps.
  
  
• Make notes and take a digital camera to the show with you to refresh your memory later on.
  
  
• Protect yourself. Make purchase agreements contingent on a specific delivery date, inspection and sea trial.
  
  
• Just say no. Walk away from any deal that requires you to pay in full or begin making loan payments before the boat is delivered.