Trawlerfest was disappointing, what did I miss? We drove from NC to Stuart, 10+ hours with kids, on Thursday and attended the show on Friday. Being our first Trawlerfest, it seemed unorganized as parking was a mess, and signage, directions were confusing. We did board about 12 boats (had no problem with the fixed docks and low tide) but was disappointed that there weren't more older or used boats in a lower price range. I don't think we saw a boat south of $300,000. While touring the boats, my wife and I both thought we were somewhat snubbed because we didn't look or act the part of high dollar boat buyers. (I know, what does a high dollar boat buyer look or act like exactly?) Maybe this was just our perception, maybe it was because we had two young kids with us (we didn't see any other children there) or maybe it was all in our heads but it sure seemed like an accurate perception. While on one very expensive boat, the rep asked me my boat budget. When I stated that we were budgeting around $400K to $450K he literally stopped talking to me mid conversation and began speaking with another couple. We also thought that the Kadey Krogan people were silly. They make you complete a "boarding pass" and be given a small clip to wear on your shirt before you can even see their boats close up or board them. Even if you weren't going to board one, they wouldn't let us proceed to the end of the t-dock where they were moored until you completed the form. I'm sure this was a marketing tool so they now have my name, email and phone number (well, they really don't because I gave them fake info). Nevertheless, we felt like having to complete the "boarding pass" and wearing the little clip was silly and somewhat pompous. These are just boats, albeit very nice and very expensive, but just boats after all. What's next, a credit check? I can go to most of my state's coastal marinas / boat shows and see much of what I saw at Trawlerfest.
As for the vendors. There were approx 20 vendors and the majority were insurance related or brokers. That's fine and certainly important but where were the product vendors? Many vendors we passed didn't even bother to say hello, good morning, nothing. Some didn't even look up at us as we walked by. They seemed bored and were usually on their phones or laptop. We got there that morning and they weren't even busy. I will say that the gentleman I spoke with at the MTOA booth was very informative and we had a great conversation. Also, Alyse Caldwell at the Ask Captain Chris booth was fantastic. She was informative, engaging and passionate about her services. She took the time to answer numerous questions we had and we truly enjoyed our time speaking with her. She will get our business in the future. The other vendors that didn't even attempt to engage in a conversation with us have lost us as customers.
Please understand, these are only our impressions of our first Trawlerfest. Maybe this was considered a fantastic event? Maybe our expectations were too high? Maybe we didn't fully understand what the event was all about? We have heard that the seminars are really good and maybe this is why most people attend a Trawlerfest. We did not attend any (kids in tow) and certainly may have a more favorable review had we attended some of them. To drive some 20+ hours round trip and spend over $500 on gas, food and lodging to see a few dozen high priced boats and 20 mostly disinterested vendors were just not what we had in mind and why we won't be attending another.
As for the vendors. There were approx 20 vendors and the majority were insurance related or brokers. That's fine and certainly important but where were the product vendors? Many vendors we passed didn't even bother to say hello, good morning, nothing. Some didn't even look up at us as we walked by. They seemed bored and were usually on their phones or laptop. We got there that morning and they weren't even busy. I will say that the gentleman I spoke with at the MTOA booth was very informative and we had a great conversation. Also, Alyse Caldwell at the Ask Captain Chris booth was fantastic. She was informative, engaging and passionate about her services. She took the time to answer numerous questions we had and we truly enjoyed our time speaking with her. She will get our business in the future. The other vendors that didn't even attempt to engage in a conversation with us have lost us as customers.
Please understand, these are only our impressions of our first Trawlerfest. Maybe this was considered a fantastic event? Maybe our expectations were too high? Maybe we didn't fully understand what the event was all about? We have heard that the seminars are really good and maybe this is why most people attend a Trawlerfest. We did not attend any (kids in tow) and certainly may have a more favorable review had we attended some of them. To drive some 20+ hours round trip and spend over $500 on gas, food and lodging to see a few dozen high priced boats and 20 mostly disinterested vendors were just not what we had in mind and why we won't be attending another.
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