It was on the week-end of September 10th that the Salon du Bateau à Flot de Montreal took place at the Old Port in Montreal, an event regrouping several dealers from Quebec and allowing water sports adepts to find a great choice of watercrafts all in one place. Presented for the first time this year, the Salon du Bateau à Flot de Montreal, organized by the Association Maritime du Québec(AMQ), stands out for its picturesque site but also for its practical aspect.
Not only can you compare several models of all kinds on site, but you can try them out, which is normally impossible in the course of a traditional nautical show such as the Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show presented in January at Place Bonaventure. Unfortunately, a test on water of a new watercraft is always harder to realize considering all factors involved for dealers. Apart from the style , the configuration or the price, a tryout on water allows for a better evaluation of your choices and for the discovery of the dynamics of a given model, notably the performances of its motorization or its general behaviour. This is often a very neglected element in the purchasing process.
Furthermore, it is very pleasant to be present on the wharves in a typical nautical environment. It increases the intensity of the experience of going on board and gets you dreaming. Certain people would have liked to see this event happen at the beginning of summer, but since the nautical industry seems to be more oriented towards the needs of their dealers much more than to those of the buyers, those responsible have preferred holding this show in the fall, a time when dealers are much less busy. On the other hand, many prime 2011 models could be seen and one could take advantage of end of season rebates. Notice is given to those who know what they want!
In any case, this an event that should not be missed, if only to feast your eyes, to talk to some industry people or simply prolong the pleasure.