In May 28 Issue
By Kim Graham
Times Journal Reporter

The State Dock kicked off the summer boating season with the In-Water Boat Show this Memorial Day weekend.

Admission was free and so was weekend long entertainment from a range of musicians including this year's Friday night blues singer, Bo Baker; the Campbellsville University Steel Pan Combo on Saturday and Frequency, a Rock-n-Roll cover band from Brasil, IN performed Saturday night at the dock.

 "It's been a good show for us," said Neil Castle, Manager of Unlimited Marine in Russell Springs. "It's always good to be able to sell boats on the water."

Unlimited Marine, owned by John and Kim Stivers, has participated in the State Dock's In-Water Boat Show since its beginning 3 years ago.

In all, 6 dealers brought in 45 power boats and 7 house boats for display at the in-water show.

An array of boats from personal watercraft to cigarette boats and cabin cruisers were available to come aboard, look around and take a test drive.

"The in water boat show is a chance for customers to ride in the boat they're interested in, to try it out before buying," said Castle.

Sunny, warm weather greeted boating enthusiasts as they browsed more than fifty boats in the show.

"There's been more looking than buying this year," said Jeremy McQueary, salesman for Boat N Stuff of Somerset.

Boat N Stuff specializes in boating supplies, power boards and power kayaks.

McQueary said small sales such as accessories are good but large sales are down. People are fixing boats they have rather than making new boat purchases he said.

Unlimited Marine has also seen an increase in boaters who choose to ready their existing boats for the summer season.

"Service is up tremendously," said Castle. "Last year gas prices were high so some people didn't use their boats at all. This year, they're ready to use their boats and they're bringing them in for service."Along with the boat dealers from the area, there were also vendors at the boat show who sold everything from sunglasses and floating key chains to EZ Hang hammock chair swings.

A spokesperson for The State Dock said they could have had more attendance but everyone seemed happy with the event and wants to come back next year.