Thursday, Jan. 13
January 13, 2011
‘Crimes of the Heart’: Tragedy, laughs
January 17, 2011
Winter months offer a time when campers and fishermen prepare for their coming seasons. The Southern Louisiana Boat, Sport and RV Show this weekend at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center offers the experienced outdoorsman and families looking into the lifestyle an opportunity to see the newest of boats and RVs as well as watch educational demonstrations, shows and participate in hands-on activities.
“This is as top notch as you’re going to get in the state of Louisiana,” said Sheldon Caple, marketing director for BOC Productions, in regards to the event that will feature 50-plus vendors, inventory valued at millions of dollars and a wide range of attractions.
Caple said that with this being the 13th such show in Houma, old standards like a 5,000-gallon glass-walled tank where fishing pros demonstrate the usage of lures will be back, as will the Fish-O-Rama Rainbow Trout Pond where youngsters can put their angling skills to the test.
New attractions, such as the award-winning Wild Whitetails display offers observers a lesson on the variety of whitetail deer that roam America. Additionally, the popular Louisiana-based History Channel program “Swamp People” will be represented with appearances from Trapper Joe and Trigger Tommy.
“The show gives [vendors and dealers] a chance to show people what’s new,” Caple said. “It’s a great way to bring everything to them rather than having to travel around the state looking at different models.”
Caple admitted that the recreational boating industry has been slow during the past year. Shawn Robert, manager of H&H Marine of Houma, said fiberglass boat sales had dropped by about 50 percent since the BP Deepwater Horizon oil release last spring. “People were hesitant [to buy] when the season got shut down. But once we open a new season, we hope it comes back. I think this year might be better,” he said.
“Consumer confidence has not been great all year and boat sales are tied to consumer confidence,” said National Marine Manufacturers Association market statistics director James Petru, who said that a report showing national sales figures would be available in late January. For now, he said that nationally, recreational boat sales were down 10 to 15 percent in 2010 and that industry leaders anticipate a 4 percent rebound in 2011.
“From what we are hearing, [boat sales] are starting to pick up,” Caple said. “Boats are such a part of the Louisiana lifestyle that they may slow down for a bit but they will always pick back up.”
While the economy was blamed for the drop in boat sales, it was also credited for an increase in recreational vehicle purchases. RV sales have fared better in 2010 with a nearly 53 percent increase in units shipped from those sold in 2009, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.
“People love to spend time outdoors with their families,” Caple said regarding an increased popularity in RV use. He also admitted that it could be more economical than a European vacation and offer long-term benefits from the investment. “We try to keep up with the RV industry. Manufacturers are making more fuel efficient RVs and campers and they are selling really well.”
Admission to the Southern Louisiana Boat, Sport and RV Show is $7 for adults, $2 for children from age 6 to 15 and children under six can enter at no charge. On Friday, children under age 12 get free admission and a one-time trip to the Fish-O-Rama Trout Pond. Show hours are 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
H&H Marine salesman Mark Hamilton shines up a Frontier 21-foot bay boat in preparation for the Southern Louisiana Boat, Sport and RV Show. Dealers are in hopes this presentation will boost consumer activity following a 50 percent drop in sales from 2010. MIKE NIXON
