Avalon VP Director of Sales and Marketing Greg Knight takes a moment during the unveiling of his new Sandbar model line to pose for a photo. The new luxury pontoon from Avalon was on display at the Atlanta Boat Show in January and is getting a lot of attention in the industry.
Boat show attendance has been inconsistent this spring, with some regions doing very well, while others have struggled. Attendance was down at the Atlanta Show back in January, but it wasn't from a lack of trying.
Avalon
Avalon pontoons used the four-day show to launch its latest creation, which they kept hidden to add excitement to the debut. Patrons couldn't help but notice the draped-off area of the Georgia Boat Sales display that included a wide variety of Avalon pontoon boats. The live music helped draw people to the booth and to what was hidden behind that curtain, which was the Avalon Sandbar model.
With the large reclining chairs in the stern as well as stereo controls, Avalon VP Greg Knight enjoyed showing off the latest design. Visit www.avalonpontoons.com for more information on the Sandbar.
Going Green
The Green Boating Zone debuted at the show as well. Boaters looking to watch their carbon wake this year were able to check out the new area. Visitors to the Atlanta Show discovered the latest environmentally-friendly marine products and boats available on the market today, in addition to tips for greener boating.
Green boating developments have been significant in recent years. For example, marine engine manufacturers have developed a Direct Fuel Injected (DFI) two-stroke engine and a four-stroke engine that can reduce emissions by 75 to 90 percent, while increasing fuel efficiency by more than 40 percent. Generator manufacturers have created products that limit carbon monoxide emissions, potentially as much as 99 percent.
Boats in the Green Boating Zone included the JC NepToon 19 Electric with Torqueedo Motor. The pontoon comes equipped with the new Torqueedo electric outboard engine, perfect for the family who wants to cruise into luxury and greener waters. The MSRP for this package is around $18K.
The ElectraCraft Power Boat was also included in the display. This electric runabout is great for a day of cruising with the family and offers many creature comforts including a sound system, a heater, window enclosures and more and the MSRP is around $20K.
Affordability Pavilion
Another new feature for the Atlanta Show was the Affordability Pavilion, which was located in the show lobby. These boats could be financed for $300 or less per month and show goers had plenty to look at. Included in this section was the Harris Flotebote Sunliner 200 from Cobalt Boats of Atlanta. On display, this pontoon was listed at $249/month, which was one of the least expensive choices out of the dozen or so boats in the lobby. For information on the 2010 show visit www.AtlantaBoatShow.com or call 404-222-5200.
