Annual Charleston Boat Show drops anchor this weekend

The annual Charleston Boat Show plays out like a big family reunion as boaters, fishermen and women, and thousands of other marine-life enthusiasts return each year for the largest maritime event in the Lowcountry.

Now in its 32nd year, the 2012 version even features a pair of far-flung visitors from the Louisiana bayous: "Trapper Joe" LaFont and stepson Tommy Chauvin from the History Channel reality series "Swamp People."

About 7,500 people are expected to attend the three-day event at the Charleston Area Convention Center.

The weekend is pitched as a family event, more or less signaling the beginning of a new boating and fishing season.

"I'll recognize people from every year that come with their friends and family," event organizer Jacqui Bomar said. "The show, even in bad economical times, has not had a real decline in attendance. That goes to show the strength of the boating community."

Such enthusiasm also may point to a resurgence within the marine industry, which in recent years has slipped along with the economy.

"The boating business has made pretty good strides forward," said Jim McClellan, general manager of the Sea Ray Scout marine dealership in Berkeley County. "I know things aren't good for everybody, but I think to some degree, people who are working and have some income may want to let their hair down a little."

The event annually exhibits the latest merchandise from marine dealers, including aluminum boats, bay and bass boats, bowriders, center consoles, shallow-water skiffs, express and motor yachts, runabouts, sports cruisers, sportfishing boats and deck, ski and pontoon boats.

McClellan emphasized a pair of emerging trends likely to draw the attention of discerning boaters: the manufacturers' shift toward more efficient engines and an improvement in drive systems.

Docking larger boats, McClellan said, often presents difficulties because of the current, wind and assorted conditions. To combat the challenge, manufacturers have introduced a new drive system that functions similarly to the pod drives used by cruise ships.

A joystick allows boat operators to maneuver the craft sideways rather than use the traditional wheel and throttle method.

"It really has changed people's attitudes about boating," McClellan said, "and opened it up for people who are hesitant to get out because of a fear of parking."

Sellers this year include perennial favorites such as Barrier Island, Butler Marine, Cape Romain, Duncan, Hanckel, Longshore, Sea Fox, Sea Ray and Scout, and Seel's Outboard. It's like a one-stop shop.

"Dealers put a lot of emphasis on selling the boats at this event, so there are always great manufacturing deals," said event organizer Bomar.

"You can come by, take a look, get in the boats and compare. You can do all the shopping you want online, but it doesn't compare to seeing all the choices in person in one place."

The show also offers gear, accessories, boat supplies, clothing and even marine lending, insurance, finance and bank products from additional vendors.

"Interest rates have dropped so dramatically," McClellan said. "It used to be, when you were getting a boat, you were looking at 8, 9 or 10 percent interest. Just like houses now, they're down in the 4 and 5 percent categories, and in the 3s for more short-term deals. It's gone a long way for folks who think they can't afford a boat."

Similarly, the price points for related marine accessories also have dipped as the market has welcomed newer technologies and devices.

"You can get a chart on your iPad for $29 that will get you from Maine to Miami," McClellan said. "That unit alone used to cost you $5,000."

And of course, there's LaFont and Chauvin from "Swamp People," one of the event's high spots.

"They're very unique," Bomar said wryly.

The state Department of Natural Resources returns with its interactive sport fishing simulator. Kids love it, sure, but it's for all fishermen and all ages. A fishing pole and video screen allow realistic game play, as well as an opportunity for the DNR to give feedback or tips.

"It looks just like you're fighting a fish," Bomar said.

Otherwise, activities specifically geared for children include face painting, bounce castles and an art workshop. The Coast Guard will provide a boating safety resource for families.

This year marks the first wing-eating competition for the show, sponsored by Q104.5 and, naturally, the Kickin' Chicken restaurants. The contest starts at 3 p.m. Saturday. Food from Sticky Fingers will be available for purchase, as well.

Artists Rick Hendrick and Billy Wharton plan on offering pieces of chainsaw-carved fish from cedar and driftwood, demonstrating their unusual methods in the process.

And then there's another favorite: the Coastal Fishing Expo, which will feature net-casting demos, a primer to catching sheepshead, seminars on in-shore light tackle, fly-fishing and reel fishing and a how-to course on targeting redfish and trout with soft plastic lures.

"Anyone in the Lowcountry who has an interest in fishing and boating should visit," Bomar said. "It's really a lifestyle event."