Open Season At Ohio's Boat Shows

It's January and that means Ohio's boat show season has opened. Shows in Toledo and Columbus have already been held. The Cleveland boat show ends January 20 and Cincinnati's Travel, Sports and Boat Show runs January 18-27. Additional boat shows are in February in Columbus, Ft. Wayne (IN), Indianapolis (IN), Dayton, Ashland County, and Erie (PA).

Recreational boating generates a yearly economic impact for Ohio's economy estimated at $3.5 billion, according to a Michigan State University study released last year. The Division of Watercraft reports Ohio ranked ninth nationally with just over 414,000 registered watercraft in 2007.

Ohio's marine dealers agree that as much as 40 percent of their boat sales in a single year result from boat shows and related exhibitions. Despite some bad economic news in 2007, the marine industry says that boating remains affordable and offers a wide array of recreational opportunities well suited to family activities with a diversity of interests.

Boat shows offer some of the best purchase deals of the year. The industry's latest designs, technologies and other improvements continue to lure buyers who choose to improve their ride on the water. Boat shows also offer the best opportunity to speak with dealers and other industry experts under one roof. Knowledge nurtures boating interest and invites participation.

State watercraft officers will be staffing a Division of Watercraft display at many of Ohio's boat shows and will be available to answer any questions on agency programs, boating rules and education programs and offer advice on top boating destination sites.