2014 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show exhibitors report record sales

Nicholas UptonFebruary 13, 2014

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show wrapped up Sunday, February 2, with reports of relatively flat attendance compared to 2013 as the show dealt with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow on opening day (36,719 compared to 36,642 in 2013). Despite bad weather, many exhibitors are reporting significant business gains this year, with some reporting a record show for sales:

“At our previous most successful boat show, we sold 51 kayaks and day sailboats. This year, we sold 115 units! Saturday and Sunday we were writing deals non-stop,” Brad Nelson, Hi Tempo.
“This has been a record year! On Saturday from 12:00 – 2:30, we couldn’t write orders fast enough. Folks were very interested in buying Berkshire, Premier Pontoons and Alumacraft, and even our StingRay line made a comeback,” Dan Chesky, Dan’s Southside Marine.
“We sold several Bryant, YarCraft, G3 and Larson boats. It’s been a great show!” Jeff Hannay, Hannay’s Marine.

Also worth noting, the boat show’s Build-A-Boat Cove, Smallship, raised $848 for the Minnesota Children’s Hospital.

Up next: Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show (Feb. 13-17), Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show (Feb. 22-Mar. 2), Progressive Insurance St. Louis Boat & Sportshow (Feb. 26- Mar. 2). Also see Tuesday Date Ideas in Minneapolis.