SIDEBAR 1
SEAING IS BELIEVING! 2006 LAKE UNION BOATS AFLOAT SHOW

Mega-yachts up to 130 feet, trailerable boats for every budget, even a 32-foot submarine and everything you need to know to help you get on the water. All on the water at South Lake Union's Chandler's Cove.

When:
Wednesday, Sept. 13 – Sunday, Sept. Sept. 17

Times:
Weekdays – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Weekends – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets:
$10 Adults, $5 (Children 12 and under)
$18 Three Day Pass

Or listen to the following Seattle-area radio stations to win free tickets:
AM: KIRO 710, KOMO 1000, KVI 570, KTTH 770, KPTK 1090
FM: KING 98.1, 570, KJR 95.7, KWJZ 98.9

Getting There: Located at Chandler's Cove on South Lake Union, the Boats Afloat Show is just off the I-5 Mercer Street exit. Designated parking for $5 per day is located at 5th and Mercer about five blocks west of the show near the Seattle Center. A free shuttle runs between the Boat Show and the 5th and Mercer parking lot every 15 minutes during show hours.

Help Ease South Lake Union Traffic – Take the Lake Union Water Taxi: Seattle's Electric Boat Company will provide water taxi service on-call and from various locations around Lake Union throughout the show, beginning one hour prior to opening and concluding one hour following closing. Cost is $5 each-way. Call 206-223-7476 to arrange for pick-up.

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SIDEBAR 2
SEVEN STEPS TO BUYING A BOAT
Basic steps required in every boat purchase. The smart buyer will look to enlist the help of a professional broker for the steps 2-6. “Following these steps will help prospective boaters enjoy their dream of boat ownership,” said Jonathan Ives, Executive Director of the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association. Prospective and experienced boaters can learn more about each step to buying a boat from the professionals at the 2006 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show.

1. Spend some time to ask yourself about the type of boat you want
2. Find the right boat for you, your lifestyle and your budget
3. Get a boat loan and marine insurance
4. Get a sea trial and marine survey
5. Understand sales agreements and contracts
6. Know what it really costs to own a boat (maintenance, moorage, fuel, etc.)
7. Always be safe

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SIDEBAR 3
AFFORDABLE BOATS AT THE LAKE UNION BOATS AFLOAT SHOW
The 2006 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show includes over 90 trailerable boats ranging from 17 to 25 feet – ideally suited for the first-time buyer. Many are lightweight and fuel efficient - perfect for late summer wakeboarding, tubing and waterskiing including a new 17-foot, 135hp stern-drive Bayliner through Olympic Boat Centers, one of several local dealers at the show. The 2007 model has a large interior that can safely seat seven adults and includes a deep, open bow that is a safe space for kids to enjoy the water. The Bayliner 175BR with galvanized trailer is priced at $12,997, or with down payment and financing, as little as $129/per month.
 
Over $777 million in new and used boat sales activity occurred in Washington State during the 2005-06 fiscal year, an increase of some 8 percent over the previous year, according the data compiled by the Northwest Marine Trade Association.

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SIDEBAR 4
ROLE OF THE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL YACHT BROKER
There are 103 Certified Professional Yacht Brokers (CPYB) in the Northwest - more than one-third of the 300 certified brokers across the U.S.
 
Similar to a licensed real estate agent, to become certified, a yacht broker must undergo a combination of a two-year internship with a brokerage holding membership in one of four professional associations across the U.S. (Northwest, Florida, California Yacht Brokers Associations and Yacht Brokers Association of America) and pass a four-hour certification exam. Like professionals in the real estate, legal and medical fields, certified yacht brokers must participate in a continuing education program to renew their license every three years.
 
"Like a good real estate agent, a professional yacht broker will help their client identify the right fit for their lifestyle, budget and experience and then provide assistance in finding the right boat," said Jonathan Ives, Executive Director of the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association. "The goal of our members is to understand their clients' interests, provide good information and build a foundation of trust for a lasting relationship."

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SIDEBAR 5
ABOUT THE NORTHWEST YACHT BROKERS ASSOCIATION
The Northwest Yacht Brokers Association 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.