Landlubbers will be amused at the Everett Boat Show, from the cute picture on the official program showing pretend vessels docked on top of an aircraft carrier to shopping for anchor jewelry.
Though I wasn’t interested in swinging a deal, I wanted to check out the first Seattle-type boat show in our new Everett Events Center.
Let’s say upfront I am tickled by the new arena. I think opponents to the downtown location will end up like neighbors of south Everett’s Costco. They screamed they didn’t want it, but I bet Costco’s neighbors hop over now to buy gallons of mayonnaise.
How can anyone dislike an arena with ice skating, rodeos and upcoming performances by the likes of rocker Rod Stewart and figure skater Michelle Kwan?
And the best thing is, it’s not in Seattle or Tacoma.
I decided to do the whole enchilada and deposit my 1993 Toyota Corolla in the new Snohomish County parking garage that opened Monday. It’s supposed to be the hot spot for event parking and is right up the street.
Taxpayers, the county didn’t waste a dime making the underground roofs too high. Claustrophobics beware. I drove down, down, down, feeling like an ant in a plastic farm.
I found a spot on the Cedar level, as opposed to the Birch level. Cute names.
When I emerged into the sunlight, I spotted the ship’s rigging on the roof of the events center. No one needs a compass to get bearings with those stately landmarks in place.
Inside the boat show, you are directed to follow red carpeting to upper level displays.
Shoppers who are tagging along with boat people, this is your place, with fleece jackets for $14.99. Begin your search for handouts. Get the free Port of Bellingham plastic sack, but you won’t fill it. Freebies were scarce. I got a few pens, a floating key ring, a cold-can holder, Port of Everett licorice, Lemonhead candy and a Port of Port Townsend pencil.
There were lots of free sacks, but not much to stuff them with, unless you like brochures.
Organizers cleverly set up displays so you feel like you are in a Halloween cornstalk maze. You’ll wind around everything, whether you want to or not. There is a nautical art gallery near the way to downstairs, with jewelry, glasswork and prints. On the main floor, there are more boats than you can shake a fishing pole at, as well as fishing poles.
You’ll never convince me that yachting could be anymore fun than we had in our 1950-era dinghies powered by 5 1/2-horsepower Johnson outboards. We were captains of our ships and destinies at our family cabin on Camano Island.
At the Everett Events Center, they showed outboard engines that were taller than me. Yikes. My dad couldn’t carry one of those into the utility room for winter storage.
Two of the huge engines were affixed to the back of a Glacier Bay Catamaran made in Monroe. Instead of the normal $55,000 price tag, get one at the show for only $49,999.
Pretty and sleek, one had a queen-size bed in the bow and a portable potty. Steve Waltz, with I-90 Marine Center, said the ride on the Monroe design is incredibly stable and smooth.
Glacier Bar sold 10 catamarans at the January Seattle Boat Show, Waltz said, up from two in 2003.
And who said our economy is in the tank? I liked the kitchen booth in the $70,000 Osprey.
Most sales include a $200 gift certificate to Boaters World. That would seal a deal for me.
Check it out for yourself noon-8 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday at 2000 Hewitt Ave. in Everett.
I don’t know if it’s like a Sunday garage sale, with better prices at the last minute. Besides boats, visitors will see jet skis, flashlights, wet suits, a rain jacket demonstrated under a flowing shower, barbecues, propellers, toilet systems, a telescope, gold ship charms, life jackets and kayaks.
Yes, they have little dinghies, too.
Olympic Boat Centers had a good idea — a bulletin board showing some used models for sale.
If you aren’t in the market for a boat, you can sit in a 2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada with a sticker price of $40,320.
I understand the price of cars, but couldn’t understand the $134 price for a lounge chair. Must be reinforced with gold doubloons.
As I wandered around, I heard someone ask about exits. A salesman said they don’t really want you to leave. I found that to be the case as I made my unintentional second full loop.
They’ve arranged for maximum exposure at the Everett Boat Show. They didn’t sell anything to this landlubber. I had enough wet adventure in a downpour swimming back to the garage. I could have used a sextant to find my car.
Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451 or
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