While there’s no Atlanta Boat Show this year, Lanier’s boat dealers are bridging the gap for prospective boat owners. In-the-water-boat shows, promotional events among several dealers and special promotions in the first quarter of 2021 will provide many chances for viewing the latest and greatest boats in the marketplace.

MarineMax at Bald Ridge Marina will begin the 2021 season with a four-day in-the-water boat show January 14-17.

“In addition to our lineup of 2021 boats in our floating showroom, we’ll have more than 30 vendors that offer just about everything nautical- and marine-related, including products and services,” said Beth Kendrick, marketing and event coordinator for Marine Max. “And we’re doing a special promotion with WKHX-FM/New Country Radio 101.5 to give away a ’21 Sea Ray SPX 190 through the radio station.”

Marine Max represents Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Tige and Crest Pontoons. Visitors will be able to tour the boats, talk with Marine Max staff and learn about specifications to determine the best boat for their lifestyle. Several boat dealers are still in the planning stages for events later in the first quarter. Singleton officials said they will have a weekend event at the One Water Service Center on Lanier Islands Parkway during February.

Gainesville Marina and Boat Sales is putting together in-the-water events for February or March.

“We’re also looking at partnering with several other boat dealers in the next several months,” said Philip Burton, managing partner of Gainesville Marina. “And we’re considering a combined RV and boat show at some point.”

Pull Watersports is putting together some events as well.

“We’ll be spearheading some multiple dealer events through the Marine Trade Association of Metro Atlanta and the National Marine Manufacturers Association,” said Jenny Serwitz, president of the MTAMA and co-owner of Pull Watersports.

“Although the Atlanta Boat Show didn’t happen this year, we dealers are optimistic about the 2021 boating season.

“Boat sales in 2020 were significantly up over the previous year as people looked for more family recreation opportunities closer to  home during the pandemic,” she said. “Boating is a life-long pursuit that all members of the family can enjoy, and there’s a type of boat for anyone who’s interested in being on the water.”