Detroit Becomes the "Boater City" as the 54th Annual Detroit Boat Show Rolls Into Cobo Center

LIVONIA, Mich., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Detroit Boat Show starts Saturday, Feb. 11 and runs through Feb. 19 at Cobo Center.  This week, hundreds of boats from 10 – 45 feet in length are lining up along the streets of Detroit waiting for their turn to get into the warm halls of Cobo which will be transformed into a summer paradise within a few days. 

Show management and exhibiting dealers are expecting a strong showing of attendees and boat buyers.  The show's bulk exhibit space is sold out and up 24% from 2011.  More boats and more brands will be on display and for sale.  Many boat dealers attribute up to 50% of their annual sales due to the sales and leads generated at the Detroit Boat Show.

"With positive reports coming from Michigan's auto industry and from other boat shows around the country, we are expecting a strong show here in Detroit," said Show Manager John Ropp.  "Consumer confidence is up and so is pent-up demand – which means boat sales are heading in the right direction."

Michigan has nearly 1 million registered boats on file and more than 4 million active boaters who enjoy them.  The Detroit Boat Show is one of the top five boat shows in the country.  "Detroit is really as much the 'Boater City' as it is the 'Motor City' if you look at the passion we have here for the water and boating related activities like fishing, cruising and waterskiing," said Ropp.

Features and promotions and discount tickets are available at DetroitBoatShow.net. Regular admission is $12 for adults, children 12 and under free with an adult. Hours: Saturdays and Friday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sundays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Monday through Thursday: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. Parking is available at Cobo and surrounding lots. The Detroit Boat Show is owned and produced by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), the voice of boating in Michigan. Revenue generated for this event is returned back to fund boater's interests via MBIA's programs and services. For more information visit www.DetroitBoatShow.net or call 800.932.2628.

The Detroit Boat Show is sponsored by RAM Trucks, Official Truck of the Detroit Boat Show, Courtyard by Marriott and Fishbone's Restaurant.

SOURCE Michigan Boating Industries Association