The annual Progressive Insurance Atlanta Boat Show opens Thursday with expectations from boat builders for better sales in 2013.
The industry, like many segments of the U.S. economy, has been battered by the recession, but some early signs from the National Marine Manufacturers Association show that boat sales, like those of houses and cars, is beginning to rebound.
The show is not just a showplace for boats from personal watercraft to yachts, it includes a daily lineup of seminars on topics ranging from fishing the Chattahoochee River to navigating by the stars.
Speaking of stars, the show includes TV and sports personalities, such as Phil and Bob Soven, the namesakes of MTV’s show “WakeBrothers.” The young men hold a slew of national and world wake boarding titles between them. Eric Young, the host of Animal Planet’s “Off the Hook: Extreme Catches,” will also be on hand for fishing seminars and autographs.
The boat show runs through Sunday at the Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C, at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. Doors open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The entrance fee for ages 16 and older is $12; 15 and younger will be admitted free with an adult. The ticket includes a year’s subscription to a choice of boating and outdoor magazines.
For information on events, exhibitors, driving directions and seminars, go to www.atlantaboatshow.com.
