Atlantic City Power Boat Show Run Through Sunday

The National Marine Manufacturers Association presents the 25th Annual Atlantic City International Power Boat Show™ through Sun., Feb. 8 at the Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City. The fastest-growing boat show in the country, the ACIPBS draws more than 45,000 visitors per year and features more than 700 powerboats on display from leading manufacturers and dealers.

The ACIPBS will showcase all-new, 2004 models of major motor and express yachts, sports fishermen, cruisers and sport boats, with up to 70-foot luxury motor yachts scheduled to appear.

Purchase prices range from $5,000 to $2.5 million, with total boat sales for the show expected to top $125 million this year. "We’re absolutely thrilled to be celebrating our Silver Anniversary with what promises to be our biggest and best Atlantic City show ever," said Michael Duffy, Northeast Regional Manager/Show Manager, NMMA. "We have a number of boats making their regional debut at this year’s show and there’s something to appeal to everyone – from novice boaters to seasoned yachtsmen."

The Russians Are Coming! The N007, a Soviet spy boat, is making its Northeast debut at this year’s ACIPBS, marking the first time the public will see this awe inspiring naval vessel. During the arms race, the Soviet Union developed a number of weapons and vehicles to prepare for possible war. The N007 was designed to rescue pilots in the Arctic Circle, reaching a top speed of 150 mph. The eight-man boat uses an air-start system that can operate at 60 degrees below zero, rather than a typical battery that can freeze at low temperatures. Subs Away!

Also appearing at the 25th Anniversary ACIPBS is the RV Needlefish. The Needlefish is a fully functioning and seaworthy, miniature replica of a World War II submarine built by area craftsman Bill Gifford, CEO of Gifford Marine in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. The 32.5-foot submarine, built in honor of American war veterans, took more than 1,000 hours of research and more than 2,000 man-hours of work to complete. With a shell made from a 1,550-gallon propane tank, the two-man sub can dive to 300 feet and reaches a top speed of 10 knots (11 mph).

Boating Industry Strong According to 2002 figures from the NMMA, more than 70 million people participate in recreational boating in the U.S. each year. Americans spent more than $30 billion on recreational boating in 2002, an increase of $10 billion from just five years ago.

"After 9-11, people began to re-examine the quality of their recreational time with their families," said Duffy. "Even though the economy has been shaky in the past few years, boating sales have been strong because boating offers a fantastic outlet for good, uninterrupted family fun. There’s nothing better than getting out on the water for a few hours with friends – it’s relaxing and boating studies have shown boaters, as a group, have lower stress levels and generally live healthier, happier lives."

ACIPBS Draws Visitors From Up & Down the Coast The NMMA is the nation’s leading boat show producer, presenting 19 in-water and indoor shows across North America and Atlantic City draws one of the largest boating audiences in the country, attracting visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic and as far north as Connecticut and as far south as Virginia.

With the closing of the Philadelphia Boat Show in 2002, the ACIPBS solidifies its position as the indoor boat show for the millions of boaters in the Mid-Atlantic region. The ACIPBS attendance has grown more than 15 to 30 percent per year for the past four years, and enjoyed a 23 percent increase in paid attendance in 2003 – even with near-blizzard conditions hitting the Jersey Shore going into the high-traffic weekend show dates. "Even a half foot of snow couldn’t keep our guests away last year and we’re looking for an even better attendance in 2004," Duffy said.

In addition to over 700 boats on display, a 95,000-square-foot "Marine Marketplace" – a show within the show – will feature accessories, information and marine-related services by vendors demonstrating the latest advances in navigational devices, engines, financial/insurance services and nautical gift items.

Free educational seminars hosted by The Fisherman magazine will also be presented throughout the show to interested attendees. For more information on the seminars visit www.acboatshow.com.

General Show Information Show hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Adult admission is $15 and tickets for children 12 and under are $6. E-tickets will be available on-line one month prior to the show at www.acboatshow.com.

There will be plenty of parking available in and around the Atlantic City Convention Center during the show. Temporary signage will direct incoming visitors to convenient parking facilities with a free shuttle bus service to and from the show.

The NMMA will also be posting parking bulletins on the show website, www.acboatshow.com in the month leading up to the show.