The Coastal Bend Marine Dealers annual Boat Show and Sale started 51 years
ago with only four boat dealers, in Parkdale Plaza's parking lot. The show
rapidly grew and within a few years was moved into the Memorial Coliseum.
After yet more growth, the show became the first organization to move into
the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center (now known as the American Bank
Convention Center).
Do you remember what you were doing in 1957?
A.C. Huff with Huff Marine and William Holmes Sr. of Gulf Coast Marine
remember it like it was yesterday. They both participated in that first show.
Mr. A.C. Huff is retired and his daughter and son-in-law now own and operate
Huff Marine. But he never missed working the boat show. In fact, at age 93,
he looks forward to it all year.
You will still find Mr. William Holmes Sr. at the helm of his dealership daily. He
too can say he has made all 51 shows. His wife and son are also greatly
involved in the family business.
Mr. Ken Gunderland of Gunderland Marine came on board with the Boat Show
a couple of years after it started. He is currently in the process of retiring from
the boat business but his daughter and son-in law will continue the business
at a new location next year. And yes, he works the boat show each year.
These three men have seen the ups and downs of the boating industry. They
have seen the outboard engine evolve from the carborated engines of
yesterday to the High Tec engines of today. The boats they sold in 1957 are
also a far cry from the boats we see today. And the accessories available for
the boats today, from GPS', Troll Motors, Power Poles, Hydraulic Steering and
Jackplates, Stereos to Remote controls would have seemed like sci-fi in 1957.
There are some newcomers to the Boat Show. This is the 28th year Portland
Marine will participate. South Texas Marine can boast 24 years and this is the
third show for Rockport Marine.
The ideals of the show have been the same for the last 51 years, to promote
boating for great quality family fun and recreation.
Come join us as we celebrate the Coastal Bend Marine Dealers 51st Annual
Boat Show and Sale! Which will be back home at the American Bank
Convention Center.
ago with only four boat dealers, in Parkdale Plaza's parking lot. The show
rapidly grew and within a few years was moved into the Memorial Coliseum.
After yet more growth, the show became the first organization to move into
the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center (now known as the American Bank
Convention Center).
Do you remember what you were doing in 1957?
A.C. Huff with Huff Marine and William Holmes Sr. of Gulf Coast Marine
remember it like it was yesterday. They both participated in that first show.
Mr. A.C. Huff is retired and his daughter and son-in-law now own and operate
Huff Marine. But he never missed working the boat show. In fact, at age 93,
he looks forward to it all year.
You will still find Mr. William Holmes Sr. at the helm of his dealership daily. He
too can say he has made all 51 shows. His wife and son are also greatly
involved in the family business.
Mr. Ken Gunderland of Gunderland Marine came on board with the Boat Show
a couple of years after it started. He is currently in the process of retiring from
the boat business but his daughter and son-in law will continue the business
at a new location next year. And yes, he works the boat show each year.
These three men have seen the ups and downs of the boating industry. They
have seen the outboard engine evolve from the carborated engines of
yesterday to the High Tec engines of today. The boats they sold in 1957 are
also a far cry from the boats we see today. And the accessories available for
the boats today, from GPS', Troll Motors, Power Poles, Hydraulic Steering and
Jackplates, Stereos to Remote controls would have seemed like sci-fi in 1957.
There are some newcomers to the Boat Show. This is the 28th year Portland
Marine will participate. South Texas Marine can boast 24 years and this is the
third show for Rockport Marine.
The ideals of the show have been the same for the last 51 years, to promote
boating for great quality family fun and recreation.
Come join us as we celebrate the Coastal Bend Marine Dealers 51st Annual
Boat Show and Sale! Which will be back home at the American Bank
Convention Center.
| About Us |
| January 17-20, 2008 |
| Email ccboatshow@aol.com |
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