Last Saturday afternoon, at the first three-day event at Metropolitan Park and Wharf hosted by the Jacksonville Marine Association and hosted by the VyStar Credit Union, the dealer told the executive director Irene Johnson, “Even if they no longer sell one A boat, they "will be very happy. " 

Well, they did it. There are many of them. 

"Their sales are very good," Johnson said on Sunday. "They sold a lot of boats on Friday and a lot of boats on Saturday." 

People are fully aware that since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March last year, ship dealers are still facing inventory shortages due to production shutdowns and a surge in outdoor activities, and they are preparing to leave with one person.  

"When the door opened at 10 this morning, we had a long line," Johnson said. "And it's raining heavily. So, if you don't really want to buy a boat, you won't go to the boat show in the downpour. 

Johnson said: "We think we have more serious buyers here this weekend than in the past few years (at the Jacksonville Boat Show)." 

Although it was almost all rainy on Sunday, dealers and suppliers were rested on Saturday. 

"It rained in the morning, but it stopped before 9 o'clock," Johnson said. "So, when the show opens at 10 o'clock, the whole day is sunny; it is absolutely gorgeous." 

Boating and fishing enthusiasts of all ages responded with record-breaking turnout. They also liked the seminar hosted by Rick Murphy and Captain Brie Gabriel of the Florida Internal Fishing Report. Nearby, Donna Frantz is hosting a five-stop "Fishing 101" children's clinic. Those who complete the 3-hour course will receive a free fishing rod and reel provided by the Barracuda battery provided by Continental.  

Unfortunately, due to rain in the morning and forecast in the afternoon, the children’s clinic on Sunday was cancelled as a safety precaution. However, those young people who arrived early to receive free life jackets at the Jacksonville Sailing and Power Squadron booth were praised by VyStar. Also got free fishing rod and reel. 

Like Johnson, JMA President Rodney Olney, and the owner of Big Boys Play Toys in East Palatka, are happy that things are going to their advantage on Saturday. 

"We have two-thirds of our time to have a great day. So, with this, we have a lot of good customers," said Ollie, who sold five of his ships early on Sunday afternoon. . "I think all dealers are selling. 

"Customers are becoming more and more aware of the fact that the product is not available, so if they want the ship this summer, they will be more excited to continue buying," Olney said. 

This is also true for those who want to enjoy smaller things on the water. 

Andy Fraden, the president of all wet sports on Beach Boulevard, saw his share of the activity at his booth on the sidewalk by the pier.  

"Considering the weather, the weather is very good," said Vladen, wearing a white "Floatologist" lab coat. Since 2002, he has been selling kayaks, paddle boards, water skis, windsurf boards-"all interesting water toys" -.  

Like ship dealers, Fladen has seen a surge in business as people seek ostensibly normal conditions during the pandemic.  

"Last year was crazy," he said. "Kayaks and paddle boards, we don't have stock." 

However, Fraden has a special paddle board that is still on sale.  

"This is my COVID project," Fladen said, slapping his hands on an eye-catching paddle board made of 85% cedar, 12% cypress, and 3% mahogany.  

"When we went through the lockdown, I said,'What am I going to do?'" Fladen said. "So, I started to do this, and it turned out to be a five-month project."  

Fraden is priced at US$2,998. For more information, please visit AllWetSports.net/. 

With the first Spring Show in the book, Johnson and JMA now turn their attention to future events. 

Johnson said on Sunday that JMA is not sure whether it will hold a fall show, citing a shortage of inventory. However, the Prime Osborn Convention Center has booked the return of the Jacksonville Boat Show in 2022. Due to the pandemic and inventory crisis, the 74th annual event originally scheduled to be held in January this year was cancelled. 

As for next spring, Olney said that last weekend's performance will be a valuable benchmark for planning it. Will it be held in Metro Park and Marina? 

Olney said: "It will depend on the city and how they will deal with the property." "If the city changes the site, then we obviously can't use it. 

"If it goes on the market next year, you might see us here," he said. "We have a great boating community in northeastern Florida. People love these activities and need them." 

For more information about the Jacksonville Marine Society, please visit BoatJax.com. 

Joe DeSalvo is the former editor-in-chief of the Specialty Audience and Drive editors of Times-Union.