Take a look at our short video showing the boats, planes, helicopters and ambiance of the world’s only "Invitation-Only” boat show.
The Steelpointe Yacht & Charter Show had a relaxed atmosphere with show-goers able to see charter aircraft and helicopters as well as new boats for sale – along with complimentary beverages served on the docks.
The Steelpointe Yacht & Charter Show was attended by 3,000 invitation-only guests spread over three days last weekend in Bridgeport, CT. The show exhibited $68 million worth of yachts, $50 million in three helicopters, $10 million in automobiles, and $7 million in sea planes.
What struck us about the show as important – since it was the end of June – was that dealers were anxious to move their unsold inventory, as well as to move demo boats at significant discounts.
So, if you didn’t have a chance to visit the show, here is a little “After-the-Show Boat Show” –
The "After-the-Show" Boat Show
A Sunseeker Manhattan 66 was the queen of the show. Because Sunseeker in the UK was shut down for over two months thanks to COVID-19, Sunseekers are in short supply, we're told. For more information, contact Nicole Evers at [email protected] | (631) 807-6635.
A 2020 Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius uses its transom for a BBQ, making use of the swim platform for added utility, for little added cost. Note the aft bulkhead has been completely replaced by glass that can be folded out of the way, maximizing airy space. For more information, contact Nicole Evers at [email protected] | (631) 807-6635.
Strong’s Marine on Long Island tells us that it has sold four Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS since the boat was introduced early this year. It is a crossover bowrider for entertaining crowds of friends on deck as a dayboat, then sleeping four people below when cruising overnight. For more information, contact Nicole Evers at [email protected] | (631) 807-6635.
An Absolute Navetta 48 that is represented by Staten Island Yacht Sales, which is one of the largest boat dealerships in the Northeast. The Navetta 48 is intended for luxurious entertaining and comfortable cruising because it has maximized the boat’s footprint to create more interior living area. For more information, contact Jay Hendrix at [email protected] | (561) 847-6169.
The show was held in Bridgeport, CT., which has 8-foot tides, something that doesn’t bother the 16’ to 20’ concrete floating docks, giving people plenty of room to social distance.
A view of the helm and guest seating for the HCB 39 that is being offered by Staten Island Yachts Sales. With a SIYS branch office in Montauk, this huge center console is within easy striking distance of the canyons. For more information contact Jay Hendrix at [email protected] | (561) 847-6169.
A Fairline Squadron 65 was one of a number of large motoryachts at the show. Note that the design maximizes the entertaining area on the flying bridge and the aft deck can be wrapped in isinglass for three-season boating. She is at Total Marine in Norwalk, CT. For more information contact Tom Caruso at [email protected] | (914) 403-5896.
A Fairline 65 Targa GT express with a stern made for watersports and entertaining. Her blue hull and stern-mounted tender mean that she is intended to cut a stunning scene when cruising to new locales. She is at Total Marine in Norwalk, CT. For more information contact Tom Caruso at [email protected] | (914) 403-5896.
A Fountain 38 CC made for both offshore fishing and family cruising was brought to the show by Total Marine in Norwalk, CT. For more information, contact Tom Caruso at [email protected] | (914) 403-5896.
Over a dozen antique and exotic cars were exhibited at the show, including the race car seen above is vintage 1910s, as well as a 1920 Model A Ford, a 1954 Jaguar XE140, and many other heartthrobs.
A Fountain 34TE center console powered by Twin Mercurys is ready for serious offshore fishing. She is at Total Marine in Norwalk, CT. For more information, contact Tom Caruso at [email protected] | (914) 403-5896.
There were four thirst-quenching stations spotted around the show with complimentary cocktails, beer, and White Claw.
This Fairline F Line 33 is one of the new breeds of day boats that can sleep four for a long weekend and entertain a dozen people on deck all day. She is sold by Total Marine in Norwalk, CT. For information, contact Tom Caruso at [email protected] | (914) 403-5896.
The pre-owned Zeelander Z44 is one of the most exquisite designs on the water in her size range. She is powered by twin IPS Volvos with 500 hours on them and is strictly for 5-star entertaining hosted by one of the brand’s few lucky owners. For more information, contact Charles Jenkins of Zeelander of North America at [email protected] | (410) 599-1882.
The Pioneer islander 202, at 19’10,” was the smallest boat in the show. She was also the least expensive and offers good value in this size center console. For information, contact Tim Bassett of Bassett Marine at [email protected] | (860) 669-0100.
Two aircraft charter companies were represented at the show, offering a wonderful commuting service for people who keep their boats in the Hamptons, Martha’s, or Nantucket.
The business end of the Cutwater C-28, a well-built Downeast design with good glasswork and well-finished details. For more information, contact Tim Bassett of Bassett Marine at [email protected] | (860) 669-0100.
This new Beneteau Monte Carlo 52 just arrived in the U.S. four days before the show. Nevertheless, she was in immaculate condition. The dealer is Castaways in New Rochelle, NY. For information, contact Mark Rossetti at [email protected] | (914) 636-8444.
The Steelpointe boat show grounds also covers more than enough real estate for three very powerful jet helicopters to land. Because the Bridgeport Harbor Marina has its own heliport, it is handy to those choppering up to their boat from Manhattan.
The Beneteau Gran Turismo 46 was popular at the show. As can be seen in the picture above, her main cabin can be completely opened up to her aft deck. The dealer is Castaways in New Rochelle, NY. For more information, contact Mark Rossetti at [email protected] | (914) 636-8444.
Live bands played continuously throughout the show for three days. The musical fare ranged from opera to jazz to popular music of all kinds.
The largest luxury center console at the show was the Everglades 435CC, which features an expansive entertaining area with a table for six forward and two chaise lounges. Aft, there is a fish-fighting cockpit and two rows of seating. And below, she has a cozy banquette with a table, head, and shower stall. She is a 2020 demo being sold at discount. For more information, contact Brittany Friel at [email protected] | (516) 547-2063.
The 24’ Rosborough RF-246 Halifax is touted by its builder as being an economical way to do the Great Loop and we would agree. Depending on options, this single outboard-powered vessel sells in the mid to upper 100s, depending on options. She is a pocket cruiser with an 8’6” beam, so she is trailerable in all of North America. The boat is sold factory-direct, which makes her even more economical. For more information, contact Kevin McCarthy at [email protected] | (603) 387-4444.
The Eastern Boats 248 Islander is powered by a single outboard and is a lobster boat design with a surprising amount of room on deck. At $135,000 factory-direct, she has a lot of utility for the money. While somewhat Spartan, she can get the job done at an affordable price. Three were sold during the Steelpointe Show. For more information, call Kevin McCarthy at [email protected] | (603) 387-4444.
BoatTEST was a sponsor of the Steelpointe boat show. Here we see our BoattestLEASING team ready to answer questions and explain the newest thing to hit boating – boat leasing, very much like car and airplane leasing. If you have a late model boat, and she is just sitting for much of the year, you are a prime candidate for our leasing program. Those who would like to use a premium boat for a guaranteed number of days a year, but don’t want to take on the financial burden of a new boat, you should be thinking about leasing. For more information, contact general manager Greg Sweeney at [email protected] | (727) 200-3474.
