Boat Shoppers Delight
Roanoke Civic Center To Host Annual Boat Show Despite Renovations
By Jerry Hale     
          
   The popular saying, “The show must go on!” perfectly captures the attitude of the Southwest Virginia Boat Dealers’ Association (SWVBDA) as its members finalize plans for the annual Southwest Virginia Boat Show Feb. 24-26 at the Roanoke Civic Center.               
   Virgil Naff, SWVDBA president, cautioned us not to think for a moment that renovations and construction at the civic center will displace the popular pre-season showing of new watercraft and accessories.               
   “It’ll be a challenge for us, working around the reconstruction activity,” he said. “We’ll be starting our move-in a day earlier this year to make sure everything’s in place for show opening on Friday morning.”                
   But show attendees won’t be inconvenienced in the least, he said. “We’ll have 12 dealers showing the latest in boats, motors and boating/water sports gear, just like usual,” Naff said. “It’s a very convenient way for prospective buyers as well as boating lovers who are curious to see offerings from hundreds of industry manufacturers – all in one place.”                
   Mike Ratcliff of Conrad Brothers Marine in Westlake echoed Naff’s enthusiasm and offered more on why the boat show is a great opportunity for buyers: “Most manufacturers have incentives — rebates, special financing, giveaways, etc. — that will end around March 1. So show deals typically qualify. New models that were bought before the first of the year can be sold based on previous-year’s pricing. And astute buyers can sometimes find a previous-model-year leftover that fits their needs just fine…and is available as a blow-out deal.”                
    Make plans to attend the Southwest Virginia Boat Show Feb. 24-26 and start dreaming of the wonderful SML boating season to come. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the Smith Mountain Laker booth with your comments and ideas for future stories. We’ll see you there!
Southwest Virginia Boat Dealers’ Association members, in alphabetical order: All Seasons Marine, Moneta; Ace Marine, Stuart’s Draft; Central Boat & Trailer Sales, Glade Hill; Conrad Brothers Marine, Moneta (Westlake) & Pulaski; Hughes Marine, Danville; Lakeside Marine, Dublin; Magnum Marine, Union Hall; Shoreline Marina, Moneta; Smith Mountain Boat & Tackle, Penhook; Smith Mountain Yacht Club, Moneta; Lynchburg Kawasaki/Virgil Naff SeaDoo, Lynchburg; Webster Marine Center, Moneta.