The Jacksonville Marine Association’s Spring Boat Show, held April 16-18 at Metropolitan Park and Marina in Jacksonville, gave local boating enthusiasts a chance to browse and buy a variety of watercraft.
Twenty dealers showed off between 100 and 150 boats in all sizes and styles.
The demand for boats is on the rise and manufacturers have been challenged to meet it. In fact, it was a shortage of boats that prompted the association to hold its first-ever outdoor show at the marina.
Usually, the annual show is held in January at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. But concerns about the supply of boats prompted a cancellation of this year’s show, and the spring show was held in its place.
If all goes well next year, the association may be able to host three shows: the annual January show, a repeat of the outdoor spring show and a third in St. Johns County.
The inaugural spring show was three days of water-related fun, family-friendly activities and educational seminars. Sixty-five vendors lined the walkways throughout the show offering a wide range of wares -- some, though not all, nautical.
The stars of the show were the many fishing boats, cruisers, ski boats, pontoons, inflatables, personal watercraft and more.
Capt. Rick Murphy and Brie Gabrielle from Florida Insider Fishing Report gave presentations on throwing a cast net, fighting a fish and dissecting a water column. Kids’ fishing clinics were held as well.
The event also featured live music and food trucks.
