Gettin' Ready for the Show

Are you gearing up for the show? Later this week, we'll be at the Austin Boat and Travel Trailer Show with our boats, including brand new Glastrons and Rangers. We are so excited! We've been preparing by busily moving boats over to the convention center all week, but we're not the only ones who need to prepare for the show ahead of time. In order for you to get the most out of the show, we recommend you do a little homework. So here are our tips on preparing for boat shows generally, and the inside scoop on the Austin show.

For any boat show
1. Take notes. A no-brainer? Maybe. But you probably won't be able to remember all of the boat and pricing information you get at a show after it's over. So write down everything you think you might need to know later as you hear it. You want to be able to get the facts straight in your head later so you know exactly which boat is the one of your dreams.

2. Plan a strategy. If you just plan to meander around the show, enjoy! We are all about that. But if there are particular dealers or vendors you want to see, we recommend you do a little research before you go. You don't want to get to the show and not be able to find your favorite dealer! (Hint hint.) So check out maps and/or booth layouts ahead of time (even though this show isn't all that huge). In addition, if there are seminars you want to see, look at the schedule ahead of time to plan accordingly.

3. Bring supplies. Bring a camera to take pictures, because boat brochures may only show "flattering" pictures (who knew boats had a good side too!). Those pictures also might leave out features you feel are important (especially if you're comparing specific features). We also recommend you bring return address labels so you don't have to spend a lot of time writing your contact information down for a variety of vendors.

Now for the Austin Boat Show specifically:
Tickets: you can purchase tickets online ahead of time for a small fee if you don't want to stand in line. In addition, you can sign up for a coupon online (though it's not good for Saturday).
Directions: Need assistance getting to the convention center? Look no further.
For kids: Texas law requires a Boating Safety Education course for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 that operates any vessel over 15 horsepower, wind-blown vessel over 14 feet and all personal watercraft. Texas Parks and Wildlife is conducting the course on Saturday for $5. Email Tim Spice to register.