Southampton Boat Show 2013

This year’s Southampton Boat Show had over 550 exhibitors , over 100 boats making their debut with 30 being shown for the first time anywhere in the world.

Our highlights were as follows:

Sunseeker : Very impressive stands and boats that you could view and have a good look around including models that cost millions. Stunning!

Honda: They launched the new 80hp and 100hp at the show and both have great power to weight ratio’s. These engines will be available from early next year with pricing still to be confirmed but we are expecting them to be not much more than the outgoing 75 and 90 hp models.

Ribs: The show had a huge number of ribs to choose from starting at 3m and many were on the water and could be tested. It also looked like the slow but steady move to aluminium hulls was continuing and these models are well worth looking at if you are looking to buy new.

Boat Security: This seems to be developing at fast pace and prices appear to have dropped for remote monitoring solutions.

The Show Guide: I know having this as one of our highlights does seem strange but each exhibitor is listed with a short description and hence it is well worth keeping along with your other boating books as a supplier guide.

Things we did not like

1: Lack of 2 stroke engines. Only Tohatsu were showing these off in any numbers on their stand. Evinrude could not even be bothered to turn up to this massive event.

2: Food prices where high once you were in the event

3: It would be nice if it stayed open later as there is a lot to cram in if you are only there for a day.

A great event that has lots to do and see and well worth the effort of getting there

Our Tips for going if you are traveling a long away

1: stay out of Southampton as the hotels get very expensive

2: If you can go for 2 days and book trips out on boats you are interested in or some of the experiences that are on offer

3: Take your own food as inside most of the food stands were very expensive.

4: Take a small rucksack for your food and information that you will collect.

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