If you have ever wanted to take advantage of Savannah’s many fresh and salt waterways, but kept putting off getting a boat because it was just not affordable, at least you can take your dream a little further by visiting Savannah’s Boat and Outdoor show this weekend at the International Trade Center.
There will even be alligator “wrestling” exhibitions and Twiggy the water skiing squirrel for family member who are less than enthusiastic about the idea of staring at boats and motors.
Be forewarned that they will charge a $5 fee for parking, so be smart if you go on Saturday and Sunday and park close to Bay Street and take the free water ferry from the Hyatt Dock. It does not cost anything to park at downtown meters on the weekend.
Times and costs of the boat show are as follows:
Hours:
Friday:
Noon - 6pm
Saturday:
10am - 6pm
Sunday:
11am - 5pm
Tickets:
Adults:
$8 ($5 on Friday - may not be combined with other discounts)
Children 4-12 yrs old:
$3
Children 3 & Under:
Free
There will be nearly 100 vendors selling boats, boat insurance, teaching boat safety classes and fishing classes as well as fishing equipment. You can even purchase gel filled insoles that make you feel like you are “walking on water” in case you prefer enjoying the water from dry land!
The Sea School will be there to show you how you can get your captain’s licenses which also allows you to take people out on tours.
You will mostly find motor boats and yachts at the show but there will be face painting and lure making for the kids as well as a fishing simulator and a boating safety expo with Sammy the Seas Otter (a human mascot, not a real otter).
It’s basically a good family outing and an excuse for the adults to ooh and ah over the boats, many of which cost as much as a home on land, but how often do you get to take a tour of a yacht?
For more information and times of the alligator and squirrel shows, visit: http://www.savannahboatandoutdoorshow.com/features.html
With the poor economy and rising cost of gasoline, many people are leery about investing in a boat, but if you have a large enough boat, you can carry eight or more people on the water with you, save money by catching your own seafood and boat over to private Islands where you can spend the day away from crowds at the beaches, and even if you cannot afford a new boat, you can learn what boats are out there, which engine is best for your needs and then go out and look for a used version at half the price.
Even if you can’t afford a boat, new or used, you may find some information on where you can go to fish and swim and to reel in your own catch to keep your family fed.
There is really something for everyone and it will also be First Saturday on River Street, so if you get bored at the boat show, you can take the ferry over to River Street for a quick bite to eat and peruse the artist’s wares and let the kids enjoy the bounce houses or take a walk along the parks and enjoy the azaleas now in bloom or stop by Paula Deen’s Lady and Sons Restaurant for lunch and take a carriage tour ride around the squares. There is a lot to do depending on your finances and if you are budgeting, just bring a lunch and walk along the waterfront enjoying the view from the river, take a free ferry over to Hutchinson Island and back again. Who knows, you may actually see a dolphin swim past or a huge cargo ship go by. The world is awaiting your adventure, get outdoors and enjoy!
Comments