Chicago or Indianapolis Boat Show

[Doug]

I am planning on going to the Chicago or Indianapolis boat show. I am wanting to look at boats from a 18 ft Lund Fisherman to 26 ft sport craft fishing boats. wich one of these shows is better for the larger style fishing boats. Does anybody have or know how to get a list of all the different boat manufactures that will be there. Does anybody know of a show that they would recomend over either one of these two for that style of boat. I am from Ft wayne IN. and I dont want to drive over 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

[P.K. Wright]

You might try Pearson's Marina before you go to any show. Ask for "Rock" or "Katrina". Their number is 1-877-614-4420. They are located in Monticello, IN and that's only an hour or so away from you. These are great people to deal with. Tell'em I sent you.

[MK]

I've never been to the Chicago show but I can tell you what you'll find at the Indy show. There are literally hundreds and it seem like thousands of boats but most will be runabouts, cruisers up to about 50', and lots of bass boats. There will be one or two Lund dealers with some models but if your'e looking for a large selection of "Lund type" boats, that is big water fishing, etc. you'll not find a great selection in Indy.

Having said this, this is a huge show with lots of fishing, 4-whlrs, campers, motorhomes, general sports stuff, outfitters, etc. If your'e only looking for boats, I wouldn't make the trip. It would be about 2-2.5 hours to the state fairgrounds from Ft. Wayne. If you want a good overall sports show, you could do worse. I've gone every year for about the last 20 and I keep going back. It keeps getting bigger and takes up about 6-7 of the largest buildings all connected by tent-type walkways. There's one big building of nothing but fishing tackle dealers and sometimes you can get some good buys.

Maybe somebody else can give you some info about Chicago. Hope this helps.

[SJW]

I would contact dealers that you think might be at each show and ask them what models they wil be brining. Each show should have a web site. I do not know what they are but I have seen them in magazines.

Chicago seems to me more of a cruiser/runabout show with some fishing boats. You might want to try Milwaukee, too. Their show runs 1/18 thru 1/27, Chicago is 1/23 thru 1/27. Good luck.

[infishman]

Been to the Indy show for years - good show but mostly bass boats (from a fishing boat point of view). If you want to look at Lund Boats to start getting some ideas, go to Denny's at the 14/69 Auto Mall there in Ft. Wayne. Talk to Dave Riley - good guy.