Dallas Winter Boat Show Anchors Away at Market Hall.

Sports/Business Editors

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 2003

Area Boat Dealers Navigate Interstate 35 to Bring Consumers the Latest

and Greatest in New Watercraft and Boating Toys Galore

The Dallas Boat Show opens Friday, January 31 in a flurry of activity bringing in watercraft of all shapes, sizes and varieties. Attendees dreams come true whether its lapping up a life of luxury perusing the latest luxury liner or yacht for destination travel; or if the need for speed gets their adrenaline pumping, viewing the newest in power boats will be a must; for the fisherman looking to sport something new on the lake this summer, bass boats galore will be available; and if it's a little "R and R" calling their name, seeing the newest house boat also will be part of the 48th annual Dallas Winter Boat Show.

Consumers will see everything from the largest boat ever shown inside the Hall to what's new in personal watercraft for fun and games on area lakes this summer.

"Over the years, we've strived to provide the consumer with as many boating options under one roof as possible," says Gary Cody, president of the Dallas Boat Show. "It beats driving around the Metroplex looking for just the right boating choice for your purpose, whether it be fishing, fun or sport."

Boat Show exhibitors include area dealers showcasing just about everything dealing with marine activities from the latest aquatic gear to water toys and luxury yachts valued at more than a million dollars to more moderately priced fishing boats. Dealers also offer financing options on site and provide quality customer service guaranteeing their warranty work.

The "queen" this year will be a custom designed 65-foot destination boat fully equipped with flat screen televisions, tracking system, Bose surround sound system in the living room, and stainless steel electrical appliances with Corean countertops in the kitchen. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom vessel showcases wood paneling throughout and is valued at more than $250,000.

Other sites to see include the Igniter 2000 POWERSKI(TM) JETBOARD(TM), a patented 8 ft. 4 in., motorized, solo-rider, standup PWC weighing approximately 150 pounds. Geared toward the wind-surfer and jet ski lover, this surfboard-shaped watercraft valued at $6,000 is equipped with a long control handle. The craft features a high-tech composite hull and proprietary, state-of-the-art engine, the heart of an axial-flow jet-drive system capable of 370-plus pounds of thrust. Created by Bob Montgomery and PSI designer Bjorn Elvin, formerly with Swedish manufacturer Husqvarna Motorcycles, the light and compact engine replaces the converted conventional outboard motors used in early Jetboard(TM) prototypes.

"In Texas, we have the luxury of boating practically year round," says Cody. "Since the winter show rolls out an eyeful of the latest and greatest in boats and boating equipment, it is our largest exhibit and people are lured to see what's new on area lakes this summer."

Representing the largest and best-attended event at Market Hall each year, this family friendly exhibition reels them in with free seminars, daily prizes, returning show favorite - the Fish-O-Rama Trout Tank, and new to the show - a Bass Fishing Simulator provided by Malibu SpeedZone.

Daily free seminars from area dealers, fishing experts and guides again will be offered at The Dallas Boat Show. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about many subjects related to various water-related interests including winter vs. summer bass fishing, tackle and seasonal patterns, a guide to fishing the Texas Coast, boat buying tips and strategies, safe ski boat driving techniques, tips for striper fishing, and sailing technique and procedures. The Texas Parks and Wildlife will also be on hand once again to conduct a boating safety seminar. Successful completion of this course usually qualifies the participant for a boating insurance discount.

And there will be prizes. Each day, visitors who register upon entry to the Dallas Boat Show will be eligible to win different gifts including four trips varying from cruises to Mexico and ski packages, premium Mavericks tickets, premium Stars tickets with seating in a suite at the AA Center, NASCAR tickets, rounds of golf, and one-year's worth of concerts compliments of KZPS to name a few.

Attendees also can register to win a 2003 Sea-Doo GTI valued at $6,000 at area Dodge dealers beginning the week of January 27. The 2 for 1 Admission coupons are available only at area Dodge dealers and are good Monday through Friday. To be given away at the conclusion of the show, the lucky winner will be informed by March 15 if not before; tax, title and license fees not included.

About The Dallas Boat Show

The 48th annual Dallas Winter Boat Show features watercraft from more than 35 area dealers. The 2003 Winter Show begins Friday, January 31, 2003 and closes Sunday, February 9, 2003 at Dallas Market Hall located at Stemmons Freeway and Wycliff. In a ten-day period, water enthusiasts interested in purchasing a new cruiser, bass, motor, pleasure, run-a-bout, watercraft or sailboat have the opportunity to see more than 900 different varieties in one 300,000 ft. location. Featuring boating designs consistent with current trends, this show appeals to attendees interested in discussing first-hand with boat dealers new boating design and engineering advancements to ultimately purchase a new boat off the showroom floor.

Show hours will be:

Friday, January 31                      3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, February 1                    10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, February 2                      10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, February 3                      3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, February 4                     3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, February 5                   3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, February 6                    3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, February 7                      3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, February 8                    10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, February 9                      10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets will be sold at the door for $7 for adults, $3 for children under 13 years old, and free for infants 3 years old and under. Two-for-one discount coupons to attend the show Monday through Friday are available at area Dodge dealers.

For more information, please visit www.DallasBoatShow.net.