Wednesday September 12th will see the official opening of the 2012 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show, running till Sunday September 16th. One of the largest on-water shows on the West Coast, the 34th annual show represents the end of summer and the start of the boat buying season for many Puget Sound boaters.
South Lake Union Boats Afloat Show
Whether one is looking for his first boat or looking to trade up, the show is the place to find his dream boat. More than 50 distinct brands of yachts and 50 brokers and dealers from Washington, Oregon, California, Florida and British Columbia, Canada will display their yachts. The largest boat in the show is a Queenship Motor Yacht at 90 feet. But there will also be dozens of sport boats for the wakeboard and watersports enthusiasts– from Cobalt, Malibu and Chaparral, to name a few–ranging from 18 to 30 feet. This show has it all!
New for 2012: extended weeknight hours and Boater’s Happy Hour.
Weekdays the show will now be open an extra hour. So instead of fighting rush hour traffic better is to come on down to the show after work and spend a few relaxing hours walking the docks, kicking some anchors and having a beverage at the new Floating Beer Garden. Boater’s Happy Hour is 5-7pm on weeknights and tickets are half price. Just $6!
Boats of Note
The 82 Cockpit Motor Yacht from Ocean Alexander is making her world debut at this year’s Boats Afloat Show. Equipped with twin 1920 HP MTU power, the 82 superyacht is the fastest Ocean Alexander vessel built to date, exceeding 28 knots. With the cockpit and added functionality, this 82 provides luxurious entertaining and cruising yet exhibits extreme versatility and storage. The top deck is designed for outdoor living with its full back bar and multiple seating areas. With three large en suite staterooms and a fully appointed crew’s quarter, the 82 offers plenty of accommodations.
Ocean Alexander 82 superyacht on display at the Show
On display from Grand Banks will be a new 2012 Grand Banks 46 Eastbay yacht, available for sale, as well as a selection of brokerage yachts. This is the only 46SX available on the West Coast. It features Cummins Zeus Pod Drive technology for superior maneuverability. With pod drive technology, the engines are further aft in the boat, opening up additional space in an onboard “utility room” which provides storage, an extra refrigerator and space for a washer/dryer if desired.
Holland Yachts will be debuting their all new motor yacht Holland 75’ featuring an open floor plan with large windows on the main deck which allows for 360 degree visibility from the lower helm, galley and salon. This particular Holland 75′ was purposely designed and built to accommodate two couples, plus crew, in spacious luxury and as such, it has a full beam owner’s suite on a par with most 100′ to 120′ yachts. This Holland 75′ yacht will especially appeal to experienced owners who have had larger yachts and want to down size, reducing, or eliminating crew requirements and still have the spacious luxury found on their larger yachts, but for fewer overnight guests.
Holland 75' yacht to be exhibited at the Show
Islands Marine Center will be featuring a 2012 Dual Console 26 Pursuit, the first time this boat has been on display on the West Coast. The DC 265’s all new hull was specifically engineered with its anticipated uses –family fun, casual fishing cruising and marine sport utility–in mind.
Signature Yachts will have the new Beneteau Oceanis 41 and 45 yachts. Both will be new 2013 models that feature a full width electric drop down transom making access to the water, in and out of a dinghy or on and off a dock very simple. In addition, both models feature a Mainsheet Arch that allows the companionway to be moved farther forward to allow for a much easier stairway into the cabin at 45 degrees vs. other boats at 60 degrees or more.
Sundance Yachts plans to debut a 47’ Waterloft – a barge boat designed for cruising on rivers, lakes, and protected salt water. With two covered cockpits and a large upper deck, the WaterLoft has no shortage of exterior sunning and entertaining space. And with more than 350 square feet of windows, there is ample natural light, great views, and an open and spacious feeling interior. The WaterLoft can be one’s weekend getaway on Lake Union, his vacation home on Lake Havasu or his fishing retreat in Alaska. The possibilities are endless.
Seattle Yachts will have a 2013 Tayana 46 Pilothouse with inside and outside helm stations on display. They will also have a new 2012 Tayana 48 Deck Saloon and two of the new 5 Series sailboats from Catalina, a brand new Catalina 385 and a Catalina 355. New on the 5 Series are a Watertight Strike Zone at the bow and the “SecureSocket” chain plates mast support system that affords superior load resolution and watertight integrity. All Catalina 5 Series boats include “in mast” furling and lead keels at no additional charge.
Attractions and promotions
Other attractions include:
– Center for Wooden Boats kids toy boat building Saturday and Sunday
– Kids free sailing lessons, Saturday and Sunday
– Free sailboat rides every day
– Ocean Adventure Rowing and Education and Exploration Team
– Floating beer garden
– Extended weeknight hours and Boater’s Happy Hour. Weekdays the show will now be open an extra hour. Boater’s Happy Hour is 5-7pm and tickets are half price. Just $6!
All one needs to know
What: South Lake Union Boats Afloat Show
When: Wednesday September 12th – Sunday September 16th, 2012
Hours: Weekdays 11am – 7pm/Weekends 10am – 6pm
Where: South Lake Union in Seattle
Tickets: $12 for adults/$5 for kids 12-17 (kids under 11 are free)/$18 for a multi-day pass.
Weekdays 5-7 pm: $6
e-Tickets can be purchased online
Getting There: Parking lots are limited near the show. For convenience park downtown and take the Seattle Street Car directly the show on South Lake Union.
Show Office: 206-748-0012
