It's all about the boats at the Detroit Boat Show

LIVONIA, Mich., Feb. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Michigan's economy rebounds, so has the marine industry in this Great Lakes State.  New boat, motor, trailer and accessories sales in Michigan have increased over the past 4 years. Along with this increase comes an increase in the size of the state's premier boating sales event – the Detroit Boat Show.

Boat shows remain the single most important selling tool for dealers," said Show Manager Nicki Polan.  "57% of those who buy a boat attend a boat show for a number of obvious reasons." The Detroit Boat Show will bring hundreds of boats and 150 of the state's finest marine businesses under one roof.  It would take someone weeks to see as much product on their own. We are also seeing more manufacturer involvement, which means more manufacturer exhibits and a sexier show."

At 350,000 square feet, the Detroit Boat Show cruises into Cobo Center February 14 – 22. The show will be 50,000 square feet larger than in 2014 and a full 150,000 square feet larger than 2012.  The Detroit Boat Show features hundreds of boats for fishing, skiing, wakeboarding and cruising – also paddle boats, kayaks, paddleboards and inflatables. New product launches from engine and boat manufacturers, will be featured as well as marinas, canvas shops, aftermarket accessories, ski and wakeboarding equipment, tow toys, electronics and docks, lifts, and hoists.  It is the best place to shop all things boating," said Polan.  "Show prices are also extremely competitive and buying a boat in February assures boats will be ready for an early summer launch."

More than 68,000 consumers are expected to attend to see and buy hundreds of new 2015, 2014, and 2013 model boats of all types and sizes. Unlike auto shows, people actually buy boats at the Detroit Boat show.  Many dealers say they can attribute up to 50-percent of their annual sales to sales and leads generated at this show.  More than 1,500 boats, worth an estimated $50 million, traditionally sell during the Boat Show's nine-day run, and shortly after to leads generated at the show.

The Detroit Boat Show also offers exhibits selling boating accessories and services including motors, dockage, water toys, skiing and wakeboarding gear, boating and fishing accessories, electronics, boat gear, nautical gifts, artwork and much more.

Special features also make this event fun for those looking to get a taste of summer in the middle of Michigan's winter, including: The popular Rail Jam – a live wakeboarding show, Kid Rock's Cowboy boat featured in his "All Summer Long" Video, Water-rollerz, The Bat Boat, Kid's Boat Building Center, Meet a Mermaid, Learn to Sail Simulator and Exhibit, win a Stand Up Paddle Board, promotions, giveaways and a Free boater safety course.

Admission to the boat show is $12 for adults; children 12 and under are free with an adult. Save $2 per ticket if you buy tickets in advance on DetroitBoatShow.net.

Special admission days include:

Monday, February 16: Senior Day - seniors 65 and older receive free admission

Tuesday, February 17: Ladies Day – Ladies get in free & Muscular Dystrophy Awareness.

Wednesday, February 18: A Boat Load of Food – Free admission with 5 cans of food for Gleaners Food Bank between 3 & 6 p.m.

Thursday, February 19: Half price tickets – get your tickets for only $6 between 3 & 6 p.m.

Discount tickets and hotel accommodations at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Detroit are available at www.detroitboatshow.net.  HOURS: Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sundays & Monday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Parking is available at Cobo Center and surrounding lots.  The Detroit Boat Show is owned and produced by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), the voice of boating in Michigan. Proceeds generated from this event are returned back to fund boater's interests via MBIA's programs and services. FOR MORE INFORMATION visit www.detroitboatshow.net, or call 1.800.932.2628.

The Detroit Boat Show is sponsored by Great Lakes Scuttlebutt, Official Magazine of the Detroit Boat Show, Allstate Boat Insurance and the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Detroit, Official Hotel of the Detroit Boat Show.

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SOURCE Detroit Boat Show