Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Hull Thumpers

In brief (busy day here) there’s a wrap-up of last weekend’s Annapolis (Sail) Boat Show in the Washington Post. Attendance is apparently down but, in a masterful example of spin, the article attributes the downturn to a lack of "hull thumpers” …industry slang for those with no intention to buy. So less people flocking to the oldest and biggest sailboat show in the nation but more in the market to actually purchase a sailboat? "Boats are being sold. Deals are being made," said Rick Franke, the show spokesman. Thanks Rick for that insight. My guess is that the lack of boat show goers had a more to do with the torrential downpour than the elusive North American species of khaki wearing, rum swilling, gonad scratching, zero checking account balance hull thumper…but I realize I’m calling that one from the sidelines. Rick probably knows more about it.

4 comments:

Wicketywack said...

I didn't go this year, but the low turnout had to be because of the rain. It's been miserable in the DC metro area since last Friday. No one likes to walk around in rain like this. People aren't used to it.

Also, I'd say there're always "hull thumpers" at those shows.

Zephyr (Sail) said...

Thanks for commenting Lonnie! And still the rain continues...

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know who was awarded the Hunter 216 which was to be given away by Sail Magazine and Hunter Marine on VIP day?

Anonymous said...

I went on Saturday and Monday. Saturday I got out to the end of the I dock at about 3:00, just in time for the heavens to open with me as far away from the tents as possible. It was defiitely the rain.