Is the London boat show declining?

[Pan Pan Pan]

Several years ago it was packed, even towards the end of boatshow week, but yesterday it was all but deserted. Didn't have to queue anywhere to look at any of the boats, and in some cases exhibitors were trying to lure the few punters around into their stands.
Of course the rail strike this week did not help attendances, and yesterdays poor weather may also have had an effect, but it certainly seemed quiet compared to several years ago. I was surprised, as the news appeared to indicate an increase in people in the UK, turning to boating in the UK for their holidays?

[DJFish]

Is it still worth a look though?
Was thinking of popping down today with the kids to spend their inheritance.

[kurt535]

My buddy worked with RNLI stand at the show. The first day was murdered due to strikes; wx warnings hurt attendance figures thereafter he reckoned.

[J3JCV]

I was there for various meetings on Wednesday and Thursday, I felt bad for most of the exhibitors!! When I used to work there selling boats, we were in the North hall with the other small sailing boats, dinghies and kit. Whilst the South hall was the stuff over 30' and power, along with a range out on the water. We used to have pretty consistent footfall past the stand, slower mid week, but at least they felt like the boat buying public. When I visit now it feels completely different, now it's so small it would be the time to take it back to the good old Earls Court days, get the spirit back!!

[DJFish]

Well the nippers enjoyed running around boats that daddy can't afford, my youngest actually had a tantrum on a Sunseeker so I'm definitely not buying one of those.

It was a lot smaller than in previous years but people are obviously still buying boats.

[Sonie]

Gone are the years of two halls, outside plus a windsurf pool on the side.
I didn't go this year, they are so desperate the RYA members got in free.

[anonymous-user]

I agree it was much quieter this year. It may well be there were plenty of sales made albeit with less footfall shuffling around. Although quiet Thursday was still decent fun for rainy January

Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 17th January 15:48

[anonymous-user]