Full Speed Ahead for the 18th Dallas Summer Boat Show.

Lifestyle Editors

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 3, 2003

From jet skis to yachts, the 18th annual Dallas Summer Boat Show promises to be an affair to remember at Dallas Market Hall July 11 - July 13 and again the following weekend July 18 - July 20.

Featuring boats from 35 different dealers throughout the Metroplex, this year's Dallas Summer Boat Show will have rows upon rows of watercraft in all shapes, sizes, and speeds. Whether the boating enthusiast is looking for sporty lakeside fun, something utilitarian for fishing adventures, the latest luxury liner or yacht for destination travel, or a little "R and R" family entertainment outlet, this show will have it.

Dealers will be towing in their most popular sellers and newest models for 2004. Making its debut is the Meridian 341 Sedan Bridge, the latest and greatest in yachts. Returning favorite, the 2004 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer, is fully loaded with two bathrooms and two state rooms. For the fishermen out there, the full Tracker line consisting of Nitro, known for its innovation, overall fishing experience and price, in addition to the Bass Tracker, Sun Tracker, and Tahoe will be on hand. The boating enthusiast needing a large craft for area waterway pleasure will see the 250 SE Cruiser at the show. And the new model Cobalt 250 Bow Rider 2004 will be featured. This model has the largest cockpit for an 8'6" beam in the industry, lots of storage area, and it has a double extended platform.

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

Big, stylish, and fast seem to be common themes for some of the most popular boats this summer. Dealers are saying their most popular sellers are 24 feet and up as well as family run-a-bouts and deck boats, the "sport utility vehicle" in the watercraft family. All these boats are big, yet sleek and fashionable. In addition, wake boarding is still very popular, and boats made specifically for pulling skiers and wake boarders have been in vogue this year.

"Big family boats such as Cruisers have been well received this year as well as 'extras' features such as wake board towers, and water ski towers," says Cody. "Everything seems to be about more comfort and more detail. Details like stereos, lights, more storage space, room to move about and different hull colors. Overall, we are seeing more emphasis on the comfort of boats. People want more room to sit and walk."

Not only will there be more boats galore, there will be scheduled educational seminars regarding tackle and seasonal patterns, catching more bass on Lake Fork, boat buying tips and strategies, striper fishing with artificials, warm weather/hot fishing on Lake Fork, and vessel safety and legal requirements on area lakes.

In addition as a special attraction, Fish O Rama benefiting Kid Fish will be returning for our angling friends. A wooden boat display by the Wooden Boat Association http://www.woodenboatassociation.com/index-4.html also will be featured for attendees' viewing pleasure.

Show hours will be Fridays 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door: $7 for adults, $3 for children under 13, and free for infants 3 and under. Two-for-one admission coupons to attend all days of the show are available at all area Dodge dealers. For more information, please visit www.DallasBoatShow.net.