Strong Sales, Healthy Crowds at 8th Annual Toronto In-Water Boat Show

ORONTO, October 9, 2006 – More than 250 new power and sailboats were on display at the 8th Annual Toronto In-Water Boat Show, taking place September 14-17 at
Ontario Place
in Toronto, Ontario. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada and
Ontario Place
partnered for the eighth consecutive year to produce the show, which in addition to its in-water portion also featured a tent-lined shorefront showcasing the latest boats and marine accessories. Total attendance at this year’s show was 10,118, down four percent from its 2005 total (10,554). Yet despite the slight attendance drop off, exhibitors reported strong sales and a quality buying crowd present during the 2006 event.

“This was one of the best shows yet,�? reported Bernie Luttmer of Swans Marina, a dealer for the Catalina, C&C and Tartan brands. “We sold 8 boats and with the leads generated at the show we expect this number will leap to 11 or 12 boats sold.

The Discover Boating Centre continues as one of the Toronto show’s most popular attractions, offering free boat rides to those interested in learning about the boating lifestyle and experiencing the joys of being out on the water. This year’s Discover Boating Centre featured nine boats, both power and sail, resulting in a total of 917 people receiving free boat rides—a new, all-time high.

Next year, the Toronto In-Water Boat Show will take place September 13-16, 2007. The show is co-produced by NMMA and
Ontario Place
. For more information, visit www.torontoboatshow.com or call (905) 951-0009.