More than $5 million worth of houseboats were sold March 18-20 at the National Houseboat Expo in Louisville, Ky., organizers said.
Horizon Yachts, Sharpe, Stardust Cruisers and Thoroughbred sold a combined $5,465,000 during the event. Eleven boats were sold, including three pre-sold display models.
"Traffic seemed to be the same as last year or slightly down, but they were more qualified than ever. Booth space was down some, but the attendees are still reporting a great show," Brady Kay, executive editor of Houseboat magazine, which produces the show, told Soundings Trade Only.
"It's unique in nature and houseboaters love coming out to see other houseboaters and celebrating the lifestyle," he added. "The boats sold at the show will definitely give this industry a needed shot in the arm."
Anyone who purchased a show boat during the expo or put a deposit down on a custom boat from a participating builder was entered in a drawing for a Hurricane SunDeck 2400 deckboat from Nautic Global Group.
The $70,000 prize package included the SunDeck with a wakeboard tower, a Thunder & Lightning sound system, a Yamaha F200TXR engine and a Trailmaster trailer.
John and Lynnette Lewellyn, of Indiana, won the prize.
