Seattle Boat Show 'Must Seas'
Boats of Note lining up for West Coast's Largest Boat Show 

SEATTLE, Jan. 9, 2008 – There's lots to look at and take in at the Seattle Boat Show (Indoors and Afloat, Thursday, January 24 through Saturday, February 2, 2008) and always something new for boating enthusiasts of every persuasion.  Some of the 'must seas' this year include: boats with joysticks - Volvo's innovative IPS propulsion system - that allow you fingertip steering and control (making docking a breeze at Roche Harbor on 4th of July weekend); one of only 75 limited edition Corvette Malibu speed boats, bound to be a show stopper; a 14 foot carbon fiber sail boat that can sail faster than the wind and has been clocked at speeds of 26 knots (30mph); and the show's largest yacht at 112 feet.

This year's expansion onto the turf at Qwest Field has meant an additional 100,000 square feet of exhibition space.  Given the sheer size of the show, many show goers opt for a multi-day pass, so they can linger at leisure at both locations (Qwest Field Event Center and South Lake Union). 

You can find a complete listing of boat brands and search for exhibitors at www.seattleboatshow.com

BOATS OF NOTE AT QWEST FIELD

Malibu Corvette Limited Edition Sport-V
Rare and iconic: How does a ski-boat builder get away with borrowing the name of one of the hottest, most desirable cars ever made? By proving to General Motors that the Corvette Limited Edition Ski Boat built by Malibu Boats under a special licensing agreement will set the same high standards for performance, style and sheer adrenaline rush on the water as its wheeled counterpart does on land. Comes with side power windows & matching custom trailer. Malibu will produce only 75 Corvette Limited Edition models.  It is the fastest inboard water sports boat ever produced. Location: Qwest Field Event Center.
Contact Bill Baker, 425-392-8595. www.malibuboats.com 

Edison Marine
Green and gorgeous:  How about a boat that will make you feel as elegant as Grace Kelly and as green as Al Gore?  The Edison is an electric, hand-crafted, all-wood (mahogany), classic power boat with the style of yesteryear and the technology of tomorrow. It was inspired by classic designs from the 1930s and 1940s.  And here's the best part; it is fully electric, requiring no gasoline; making it a true high performance, commercially available, zero emission boat. The Edison Marine can cruise for 8-10 hrs on one charge. The batteries are fully rechargeable using a standard AC/DC 110/220V outlet, with full recharge being achieved with 3-4 hours charging time. Location: Qwest Field Event Center.
Contact: Steven Shovoly, 503-913-1570. www.edisonboats.com 

Marquis 40 SC
Luxury: Who said yachts have to be all white fiberglass? This attention grabber stands out in a crowd with its sleek, black lines and detailing. Combine that with the Italian Naval Architectural firm of Nuvolari-Lenard and you've got the ultimate in class and luxury. Controlled by the innovative IPS Joystick - the Volvo propulsion system that is taking the large boat market by storm - the Marquis can be steered by fingertip and allowing operators to maneuver in tight quarters and makes docking easy. Location: Qwest Field Event Center
Contact: Patrick Kelley, 206-675-0480. www.MarquisYachts.com  

The International 14
Speed: One of the world's most unique sailboats, the I14 uses modern sailing technology, yet the boat has roots over 100 years old. It is a sail boat, but is faster than a wakeboard. The people who sail them are definitely adrenaline junkies. The new I14's are completely carbon fiber, utilize the latest America's Cup technologies and are the breeding ground for new sailing innovations. The boat uses a unique rudder with a 5 ft controllable wing foil, which acts as like an elevator on an airplane, and creates a lifting hydro foiling effect for at high speed. The show display includes a classic mahogany I14, as well as the latest generation carbon fiber boat, and is part of a larger display highlighting "One Design" sail boats. Location: Qwest Field Event Center.
Contact: Ken Hey, fleetcaptain@i14seattle.org. www.I14Seattle.org

BOATS OF NOTE AT CHANDLER'S COVE ON LAKE UNION

Westport 112
Luxury: Built in Hoquiam, WA, the Westport 112 is the largest yacht on display at the 2008 Seattle Boat Show.  Her crisp, contemporary styling is balanced with timeless traditional appeal.  She is 112 feet overall and sleeps eight in four ensuite staterooms.  She can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots and her 5,500 gallons of fuel capacity can carry her up to 2.500 nautical miles cruising at 12 knots. Among her appointments are an eight-person Jacuzzi tub, full wet bar on both the main and bridge decks, Jenn-Aire Grill, and full entertainment system. Location:  South Lake Union.
Contact: Ron Nugent, 954-316-6364. www.westportyachts.com   

Hanse 43-foot Baltic Champion Sailing Yacht
West Coast debut: Built in Griefswald, Germany the Hanse 430e is making her West Coast debut at the Seattle Boat Show.  At 43 feet, this luxurious sailing yacht offers both stunning interior design with superior style and features combined with sleek hull design and fine plumb bow that has brought top performances in Baltic racing.  Viewed from outside, the yacht looks minimalist and modern while offering a surprising amount of space and comfort below deck.  She is designed by sailors for sailors with self-tacking jibs that are easy to sail.  She is fast, comfortable and surprisingly affordable. Location: South Lake Union
Contact: Don Young, 604-609-0985. www.boatingfreedom.com/hanse430.htm  

Sunseeker Portofino 53
Style + ingenuity: There's a reason Sunseekers are often the yachts of choice for James Bond movies and Sunseeker has been honored with a Queen's Award for Enterprise. (Queen of England, that is.) Designed with both comfort and entertainment in mind the Portofino sports a huge sundeck/bathing platform and below it a garage to house your other watercraft, making launching and playtime a snap. Sunseeker was the first to introduce vessels with garages. The Portofino 53's stern garage provides space for a wetbike, tender or other toys. No need for cumbersome davits as the garage is equipped with a remote winch for easy launch and recovery. The dealer, Seattle Boat Company was just voted #3 boat dealer in the country. Location: South Lake Union.
Contact: Michael Shaffer, 206-391-4052. www.sunseeker.com   

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Seattle Boat Show — Indoor and Afloat is produced by:
Northwest Marine Trade Association (www.nmta.net) and the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association (www.nwyachtbrokers.com.)

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About the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association
The Northwest Yacht Brokers Association www.nwyachtbrokers.com is a non-profit marine trade group founded in 1988 consisting of over 340 marine brokers, dealers and other industry professionals representing over 230 marine-related businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Subscribing to the strictest code of ethics, NYBA members are committed to bringing integrity and professionalism to the buying and selling process of new and previously owned pleasure craft. NYBA plays an active role in marine youth and education programs and is active in creating a greater interest in the welfare and safety of the boating public. Along with the Northwest Marine Trade Association, NYBA's January and September Boats Afloat Shows connect thousands of boating enthusiasts with marine professionals and the finest pleasure craft the Northwest has to offer.