If you need a break from the winter weather, take a step inside the Quad City Boat and Vacation Show. There’s a little greenery and a whole lot of boats.
“More boat dealers than we've had in a long time, a lot of new models out here, it's just boats for any occasion,” said show producer John Bunge.
Some are just at the show to look, others are potential buyers.
“We're looking at the boats they have, see what kind of deals they have,” said Steve Croghan.
Many more around the country are looking and buying. The National Marine Manufacturers Association says power boat sales in the past two years increased 15%. The numbers are expected to jump another 5-7% this year.
“The last thing when the economy is poor, people want to spend money on is recreational items. Well, when the economy is improving that comes into their life again and it is very important,” said Russell Hafner, National Sales Manager for Manitou Pontoon Boats.
The way people look at the toys at the boat show could be an indication of how the year will go.
“We, as a manufacturer, base a lot of our production off the traffic and the flow and the attitudes of the retail consumer at boat shows,” said Hafner.
In addition to boats and jet skis, there are RVs and ATVs on display. There are several seminars and exhibits including resort and fishing camps. The show runs Friday, January 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday , January 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.