Newport
September 21, 2023
On Sunday, I attended the annual Newport International Boat Show. The show was well attended and there was a lot to see between the tent exhibits and in-water boat displays. Personally, I learned a lot from the vendors. Some highlights: Toyota and Kubota, relative unknowns in the marine field, are gaining traction in marine engines; high-line varnish manufacturers recommend ten coats of varnish to achieve a durable, professional level result; huge center consoles, paired with equally large outboards, are becoming the new normal; and while solar installations are becoming more pervasive, electric-powered boats are just starting to make their presence known. All in all, it was a very interesting show, well worth putting on the 2024 calendar.
