The basics of boating haven’t changed much in decades – at least not until recently.
New hulls, incredible electronics, more powerful motors – the list is longer than your favorite boat ramp.
A vast number of those improvements will be on hand when the 73rd annual Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show returns for another run at the end of January at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
The event is brought to you by the Isaac Walton League and Top Notch Events.
Hours are from noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1.
Tickets are $10. Children 12-under are free.
For years what was a 10-day celebration of boating had a reputation as the event of the winter – with Friday and Saturday night showings being the only place in town to be. Even if you weren’t into boating, the social aspect of the show brought in thousands of people.
But while things have changed, last year saw more than 8,500 attendees.
Do the math and the chaos isn’t any different.
Since the Convention Center opened, the now-three-day event has more floor space than before – with 128,000 square feet taking over a facility that’s considerably larger than the old Pavilion.
And this year will see 90 vendors showing off boating related products and services.
There’s more.
“We’ll have more fishing clubs than ever,” said Top Notch’s Russ Kostinas. “There will be more pontoon boats, personal watercraft and all the new stuff.
“And we’ll have a larger selection of dealers – and manufacturers than ever before.”
A new emphasis in the boating world is based on giving older vessels a newer feel.
While electronics and wiring can play a big role in that effort, re-powering has become a hugely popular undertaking.
It’s definitely a growing part of business here at Lynnhaven.
“It’s easier to fix things these days and there is a lot of re-powering,” Kostinas said.
While the event has altered in a lot of ways, it’s much better in others.
And, no matter what, the social aspect is still a big deal.
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