Genmar's "All-Family" boat show will debut in April

By IBI Magazine / Michael Verdon

Genmar will be launching the first of a series of "All-family" boat shows on April 3-6, just miles from its corporate headquarters in Minneapolis. The event, which features free parking and free admission, will take place at Canterbury Park in the Minneapolis suburb of Shakopee.

Besides free admission, Genmar is hoping to draw crowds by turning back the clock 40 years and offering 5-cent soft drinks and 25-cent hot dogs. It will also feature a live trout pond for kids who want to fish and an indoor retail event by Cabela1s, the outdoor equipment retailer.

But, according to Genmar chair Irwin Jacobs, the main draw will be the boats on display. "This will be the largest factory-supported boat sale in Genmar's history, with 10 of Genmar's premium brands, and hundreds of different models on display." Jacobs said that the boats will carry "special boat show prices."

Jacobs said that the idea was born out of frustration with the high costs associated with many "big-city, high-profile" boat shows. "I have not been pleased with the high consumer, dealer and manufacturer costs of several boat shows that have been held throughout the US during the past several years," he said, mentioning in particular the Chicago and New York shows. He added that "exorbitant costs of parking, ticket prices and refreshments" are deterrents for both consumers and boat dealers. Jacobs says that Genmar will conduct advertising to reach over 60 per cent of the central Minnesota population in the two weeks leading up to the event.

Genmar has also signed on sponsors such as Cub Supermarkets, Minnesota Wild Hockey Team, Chevrolet Trucks, and Motor Boating magazine as well as engine manufacturers Yamaha, Evinrude and Volvo Penta.

(11 March 2003)