The Atlantic City Boat Show, which took place between Feb. 2-6, showed attendance gains and pleased exhibitors, according to a release from organizers.
Show attendance was up by 114 percent over 2010 - 34,760 attendees compared to 16,249. Organizers say the difference is due primarily to weather conditions: a crippling blizzard hampered attendance in 2010, but mild weather in 2011 helped to bolster the numbers.
Organizers also say that exhibitors reported they were happy with the steady, quality attendance and strong sales. Exhibitor feedback included:
"It's been an excellent show. We set very aggressive goals and I believe we will meet them."- Dean Mancini of Jarvis
"We're really happy. We've sold about 30 boats so far and we're writing one now."- Mike Aiello of Marine Max
"People are so ready for spring and are buying things for their boats. They're spending cautiously but they are spending." - Marjorie Shuda of Home Port Charts