We don’t have flying cars or robot servants yet, but 2017 is already confirming a trend towards virtual reality tours for previewing boats at boat shows. According to Trade Only Today, attendees at the Yachts Miami Beach show had the chance to virtually tour models like the Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht (scheduled to premier at next fall’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show). Anyone seen sporting special goggles and gesticulating in the air was probably exploring different features of one of these boats in an experience almost like being onboard in real life.

These tours are marking a convenient turning point for manufacturers like Hatteras. After all, as the new Hatteras president Kelly Grindle pointed out, “Selling something no one’s been on is tough to do.”

Their particular tour was designed by Yavuz Goncu, director of 3D technology for High Rock Studios. If you were to take it yourself, you would use controllers to choose whatever area of the Hatteras 90 you want to get a closer look at. Even peeking out a window would show you virtual walkaround decks outside.

Other companies have also started expanding towards virtual tours. For example, in 2016 Sea Ray enabled Virginia Key attendees to board one of their boats in high definition and even take a ride behind it on a wakeboard.

 “It’s a great sales tool we’ve got to mature the pipeline,” stated Hatteras owner Versa Capital Management Mike Fram. “It shows off that the company’s become a lot more technologically advanced over the years.”

There are plenty more exciting examples of virtual reality tours being embraced at boat shows around the nation. Check them out at TradeOnlyToday.com.

Photo credited to Trade Only Today