Bond boats and gadgets add fun to Detroit show
09-Feb-2009 • Event
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In addition to hundreds of new models on display at Cobo Center Saturday through Sunday, Feb. 22, there will also be two vessels used in the Bond films The World is Not Enough and Diamonds are Forever.
In 1999, the Q Boat was designed specifically for the film and features a 350-horsepower jet drive Chevrolet V-8 engine.
The other Bond-inspired vessel is the Bath-O-Sub, which arch villain Blofeld attempted to use to make his escape. An identical Bath-O-Sub, made of concrete for maximum damage, was later used to destroy Blofeld's satellite control room.
Nicki Polan, director of communications for the Michigan Boating Industries Association, said the display of Bond artifacts was inspired by the release of the latest Bond film in late 2008.
"Bond fans can really be fanatics about the movies, so we thought we'd have some fun," said Polan. "Bond films are high tech and so are many of our boats and displays."
In addition to the boat and sub, a variety of Bond movie props will also be on display, including an Omega gadget watch from The World is Not Enough, an Aston Martin model, ninja stars from You Only Live Twice, a TV gadget watch from Octopussy, original Dr. No prop photos and pairs of James Bond shoes.
On the practical side, the boating industry is facing many of the same economic issues as its Michigan-based, dry-land counterparts in the auto industry.
As a result, organizers have loaded up the show with displays, presentations and seminars outlining the affordability of boat ownership, the therapeutic effects of the open water, and the value of spending time with family, developing new hobbies and making new friends.
The show also features an interactive spousal conversion kit which helps boating enthusiasts convince their spouses that the time has come to buy a boat.
Boating industry surveys indicate that the perks of boating extend well beyond the docks.
These include fitness, health, well-being and an active lifestyle.
"Spending time with your family and friends aboard a boat is one of life's pleasurable pursuits and now there's data that indicates boating's benefits stay with you long after the experience is over," said Pepper Schwartz, a sociologist and relationship expert.
But there's still a financial hurdle to overcome, so other displays at the show include experts on financing, cost analysis, budget planning and insurance, as well as boating safety.
According to MBIA president and show manager Van Snider, there's no better time to buy a boat.
"Placing an order in February allows you to personalize your boat and get great deals with first-quarter pricing on a 2009 product," said Snider.
Among the boats on display are those used for fishing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, pontooning and cruising. There are also fishing and boating gear, nautical gifts and accessories, artwork, motors, docking systems, electronics and water toys.
WHAT: 51st annual Detroit Boat Show
WHEN: Saturday to Feb. 22
WHERE: Cobo Center
HOURS: Saturdays, Monday and Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 3 to 9 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
TICKETS: Adults $12, seniors $12 but free on Monday, Feb. 16; children under 12 free with adult.
PARKING: At Cobo Center
More information: www.detroitboatshow.net
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