Annual Grand Strand Boat & Sportsman Expo set to cast off

A huge variety of boats will be on display at the 32nd annual Grand Strand Boat & Sportsman Expo this weekend at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Of all the varieties that have been brought in by 14 boat dealerships for attendees to check out, show coordinator Kevin Bennett points to two types — on opposite extremes of the boating spectrum — that are currently hot items, offshore fishing boats and kayaks.

For most of this century, offshore boats have been a hard sell, thanks in large part to the highest gas prices, well, ever. But that has changed in the last year, as gas prices have dropped to the lowest levels since the early 2000s.

“In the last year or so they've really taken off,” said Bennett. “People are getting back into (offshore fishing), and gas prices are really the key.”

While the huge center consoles are powered by two, three, even four, outboards, the other hot boating item is powered by man.

Kayaks, for fishing or sightseeing, have become extremely popular in both freshwater and saltwater settings.

Renowned kayak angler Mike Eady, a native of Pawleys Island, will be on hand to conduct a kayak fishing seminar on Saturday and Sunday.

A total of 45 vendors will display their wares and services at the show, including a relative newcomer.

“We’ve got dock builders as vendors, we’re kind of getting into that,” said Bennett. “They’re bringing really elaborate displays with the options you can get, which is kind of neat.

“We’ve got the typical gamut (of vendors), fishing tackle, sporting gear, boating supplies, guides.”

The seminars offered are always a popular feature of the show. Aside from Eady and his kayak seminars, other seminar instructors have a local flair including Capt. Jason Burton, Capt. Lin Fore and Capt. Mike McDonald.

Aside from fishing seminars, sessions on boating safety, cast-net throwing techniques and proper trailering will be staged.

“I'm big on safety seminars,” Bennett said. “(The U.S. Power Squadron offers) a good service, it gets people feeling a little better about boating. It’s a good starting spot for people that may be thinking about getting into boating. Most of the boat dealers want their customers to have that, it’s a good idea.”

In Bennett's estimation, there is not a better time to buy a boat than during the boat show.

“It’s a one-stop shop to buy a boat — you can get everything,” he said. “The vendors will have more incentive just for the boat show to buy. We’ve got financing available, insurance available and the boats are there.

“A boat show is really the best time to buy a boat because that's when all the deals come together under one roof.”

Bennett has been associated with the boat show for 15 years, is in his third year coordinating the show and feels like a top-notch show has been lined up.

“We're sold out,” Bennett said. “It's fuller this year than I've seen it. This one is really shaping up to be a good show.”

This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 3:30 PM with the headline "Annual Grand Strand Boat & Sportsman Expo set to cast off ."