2008 Boat Shows - Detroit Boat Show

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February 14-22, 2009

Cobo Center
One Washington Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48226

Show Hours
Sun: 11am - 6pm
Sat, Mon & Wed: 11am - 9pm
Tues, Thurs & Fri: 3pm - 9pm

Hotline: 800-932-2628

This site is not associated with the National Marine Manufacturers Association or other boat show promoters.

Boat Smart from the Start

All of our lives, we have heard "Safety First!" It is no different when you are getting into boating. Learn safe boating and seamanship by taking a boating safety and seamanship course offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron. You'll boat with confidence and reduce your boat insurance cost, too. These classes are virtually free (with the exception of the cost of materials) and are usually convenient to your home.

Find a class nearby by searching these sites:
US Power Squadron
USCG Auxiliary

These courses take place within your community at boat stores, community colleges, marinas, etc. and are usually set up over a six - ten week period one night a week. The curriculum covers such topics as basic navigation, knots, anchoring and docking techniques, state and federal laws, boating terminology, what to do in case of an emergency, and much more.

New boat and PWC models give buyers
plenty to get excited about in 2009

Yamaha FZR

yamaha fzs

Yamaha FZ S

Yamaha 232 Limited S

The bar continues to raise in the realm of recreational boating. High performance and sleek design are commonplace on today's boats and personal watercraft. So it takes something really special to standout on this year's showroom floors.

Boat show visitors are in luck for the 2009 season, though. Boat companies are bringing out all the stops to be sure to offer the biggest variety of high quality boats and PWC -- offering something in every segment. The most highly anticipated unveiling at the shows this year is the new 2009 Yamaha line-up.

Yamaha continues its lead from last year's success of its “Watercraft of the Year” SHO Series and its “Boat of the Year” 230 Series with five new models for 2009 that include the all-new FZ Supersport WaveRunner Series, the all-new High Output WaveRunner Series and the new 23-foot flagship 232 Limited S boat.

The all-new Yamaha FZ Series combines the industry’s most advanced hull and the industry’s largest displacement, supercharged engine in one adrenaline-pumping package that is available in a two-person or three-person configuration.

The FZ’s all-new hull design combines remarkably tight turning with an edge-to-edge inside-lean character. The FZ Series also features the industry's first telescopic handlebars, as well as Yamaha’s exclusive, award-winning NanoXcel™ hulls and decks that are engineered using nanotechnology to reduce overall weight.

The result is a state of the art watercraft that is quick and nimble, but with balance and maneuverability that truly connects the driver to the machine.

Yamaha also expands on its wildly successful FX Series with the introduction of two new models, the FX Cruiser® HO and the FX® HO. Both the FX Cruiser HO and the FX HO are powered by an all-new Yamaha 1812cc, normally aspirated marine engine. The FX Cruiser HO and the FX HO also include Yamaha’s revolutionary NanoXcel hulls and feature Yamaha’s exclusive Cruise Assist and No Wake Mode at a value that’s impossible to ignore.

Yamaha has also added to its already-stellar line of best-selling boats. New for 2009, the 232 Limited S is the premier watersports model that further elevates Yamaha’s boat line to premium status. This luxury 23-foot bowrider expands on Yamaha’s extensive list of amenities to feature a beautiful forward-sweeping aluminum tower with integrated stereo speakers and overhead lighting. Also new for the 232 Limited S are bow docking lights and a distinctive dark blue color and graphics combination.

To see the entire line-up of Yamaha products, check out www.yamaha-motor.com.

boat show pic

Starting Up
Naturally, prices for new boats vary, but many boat manufacturers and dealers can put you in the captain's chair for considerably less than a monthly new-car payment. Compare boats and their prices to come up with the ideal choice for you.

Financing
You can finance a new boat just like a new car. As with cars and homes, boat loans have carried extremely appealing interest rates in recent years. Terms generally range from two to 20 years. Comparing rates on-line is a great starting point.

Outfitting
Similar to cars, new boats are offered with different accessories and options. When pricing, factor in the cost of electronics, accessories and water toys. Modern marine electronics are extremely reliable, are loaded with features and more affordable than ever. Don't skimp on safety gear.

Operating Costs
Boating isn't like driving where you're using gas all the time. In fact, when a person is boating, they may be fishing or swimming and not using the motor at all. Most boats in use today are less than 21 feet and do not require exorbitant amounts of gas. In fact, 64 percent of boaters say they purchase less than fifty gallons of gas per season.

Maintenance and Upkeep
Boat, trailer, and motor maintenance can be as simple as a freshwater wash down after each use and keeping them covered. If you don't feel like you have the time and energy to do it yourself, hire a pro. Costs for routine maintenance vary by region, but for more involved services, such as oil changes and winterizing, expect to pay what you would for your car on an hourly basis.

Storage
When it comes to storing your boat, you have several options. You won't find a less-expensive way to keep a boat than storing it on a trailer in your driveway. Another alternative is rack storage that keeps your boat in a covered shed filled with trailer-like cradles. For owners of larger boats, and owners who crave convenience, a marina slip is the best way to go.

Insurance
Boat insurance varies by length, type, cost and level of coverage. Consult your agent for quotes or compare rates online. Smaller boats can be insured for a nominal sum as a rider on a homeowner's policy. You can reduce the cost of marine insurance premiums by taking an education course.


	Eco-Friendly Boating Tips The cooperation of boaters is essential in the effort to improve air quality and prevent pollution. Boaters can help protect the environment now and in the future by following these tips from the Environmental Protection Agency: • Limit engine operation at full throttle. • Eliminate unnecessary idling. • Avoid spilling gasoline. • Use a gasoline container you can handle easily and hold securely. • Pour slowly and smoothly. • Use a funnel or a spout with an automatic stop device to prevent overfilling the gas tank. • Close the vent on portable gas tanks when the engine is not in use or when the tank is stored. • Transport and store gasoline out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. • Use caution when pumping gasoline into a container at the gas station. • Carefully measure the proper amounts of gasoline and oil when refueling. • Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. • Prepare engines properly for winter storage. • Buy new, cleaner marine engines. • By combining these strategies, boaters can reduce pollution from marine engines and help improve air quality across the nation and protect public health.