Sea-Doo Switch
Sea-Doo has introduced the Switch, a value-priced hybrid between a personal watercraft and a pontoon boat. Big #1 Motorsports in Homewood will have this unique
Alabama Boat Show 2022 Preview
The future of boating is here!
It’s no surprise that as more people turned to outdoor recreational activities over the past two years, many of those turned their attention to Logan Martin and Neely Henry lakes.
A day out cruising the Coosa on a pontoon boat, casting bait into waters known worldwide for their fishing, whipping along behind a custom boat on a wakeboard, or feeling the thrill of speed on a personal watercraft – fun in the sun on the water knows no limit.
And boat dealers all across the area, from Sylacauga to Birmingham to Gadsden, have all stepped up their game to make sure their customers can find exactly what they are looking for.
These are some of what you can look forward to seeing in marinas and boat dealers in 2022.
Yamaha WaveRunner
SpeedZone Motorsports has stores in Gadsden and Oxford. Alongside their OHV vehicles, they also sell personal watercraft, and the Yamaha WaveRunner is always a popular
Avalon Waketoon Pontoon Boat
Poor House Branch Marina on Logan Martin Lake has been one of the top Avalon boat dealers for years. And in an age where people
Barletta Pontoon Boats
Rambo Marine also carries the Barletta line of pontoon boats. Designed with you and your on-water experience, in mind, the Barletta Lusso models offer something
Malibu Wakesetter
Malibu Wakesetter boats are some of the best. Rambo Marine in Birmingham has a variety to choose from. And some of the Malibu line can
MasterCraft
Skier’s Marine in Westover looks to their MasterCraft line of boats to top their 2022 list. MasterCraft is synonymous with every form of wakesports. And
Bennington Pontoon Boats
Woods Surfside Marina has long specialized in some of the top-of-the-line pontoon boats. And at the very top of that list is the Bennington Q
Ranger Bass Boats
Sylacauga Marine also carries a wide range of fishing boats, with Ranger being one of their top sellers. Ranger Boats are factory-tuned for maximum all-around
Heyday Wake Boats
Sylacauga Marine and ATV has added Heyday wake boats to their lineup. These boats are known for giving you some of the best wakeboarding and
SilverWave Pontoon Boats
Rodney’s Marine on Logan Martin carries the stunning SilverWave line of boats. SilverWave’s semi-custom line of pontoon boats make finding your perfect boat a breeze.
Manitou Pontoon Boats
University Marine is expecting their Manitou line to be a hit this year. The Manitou XT is their luxury line of boats. The XT’s bold,
Avid Bass Boats
You can also find Avid fishing boats at Buck’s Island this year. An Avid bass boat is the epitome of where form meets function. With
Bentley Pontoons
Buck’s Island in Southside on Neely Henry points to Bentley as one of their big sellers this year. Bentley series boats combine quality and craftsmanship
Upcoming Alabama boat shows 2022
For the 50th year, Birmingham will welcome its annual boat show at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Jan. 20-23.
The 2022 Birmingham Boat Show hours are:
Jan. 20 – Noon to 9 p.m.
- Jan. 21 – Noon to 9 p.m.
- Jan. 22 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Jan. 23 – Noon to 5 p.m.
Check out more on the Birmingham Boat Show website
New to the boat-show scene, now in its second year, is the Alabama Boat Show and Expo at Barber Motorsports Park. Proceeds benefit the AmFirst Foundation.
Boat Show and Expo hours are:
- March 4-5 – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- March 6 – Noon to 5 p.m.
Beyond Boats: Lake Toys
Spending time out on the lake is not just about boats – there are almost unlimited ways to have fun on Logan Martin and Neely Henry lakes, whether it is competition-level wakeboards or a simple float for the kids to play on while anchored off one of the islands in the Coosa River.
About every boat dealer in the area also sell other water toys, some, like Ski World in Gadsden, specialize in wakesports and others, like Buck’s Island, carry kayaks and paddle accessories.
Wakesurfing
Wakesurfing is the latest thing in wakesports – growing in popularity every year. As the sport fan base has grown and the advent of boats designed specifically to throw those big, surfable wakes have become more available, so have the variety of boards.
According to local retailers, one of the big draws of wakesurfing is it is much easier on your body than wakeboarding. In wakesurfing, you drop the rope once you are up, then simply surf. The speeds are a fraction of what they are for other wakesports.
Wakesurf boards are not one-size-fits-all items. Different lengths, widths, body shapes, fins and more vary widely to fit different surfing styles. So, talking to the dealer to get the board that custom fits your needs is best.
Wakeboarding
While wakesurfing is growing in popularity, more traditional wakeboarding is still one of the top wakesports out there. And the same rules apply for purchasing a wakeboard as they do for the surfboards. There is an endless variety of styles and options to fit your riding needs.
Talk to your dealer to find the board that fits you best.
Tow-behind inflatables
For those people who are looking for a less competitive way to enjoy the water, inflatable tow-behinds are always fun. What’s even better, many of them can accommodate multiple riders at a time. That is a particularly good option for families with children where it might be a good idea to have an adult along for the ride.
Airhead’s Big Mable is one of the most popular inflatables. It has a seat style that can be ridden almost like a recliner or flipped around and be ridden chariot style.
Sportstuff’s Big Bertha is another hugely popular tow-behind. This one is a more traditional inner-tube style with multiple hand grips so riders can hold on as they go skipping across the wake.
Wake-riding gear
Regardless of what kind of wakesport you are taking part in, always make sure you have the right equipment for the job.
First off is your flotation vests – everyone on the water should have one that is in good condition and proper fit. Your retailer can help you get the right vests for your needs.
Ski ropes are another must have, and every sport has different ropes. It’s a good idea to inspect your gear before the beginning of boating season to make sure it is in good condition. Vests and ropes wear out and should be replaced with new ones fairly regularly.
Just floating around
For just floating around your dock or while anchored in your favorite part of the Coosa River – even for just a lazy day around the pool – floating mats are great for children and families to play on. Or you can lay back and relax in the sun while sipping your favorite drink.
These mats come in all shapes and sizes that have room for just one or a whole crowd. Airhead makes a great water mattress that is just layers of foam and does not even require inflating.
At the large end of the spectrum are floating swim platforms, the largest of which have room for specially designed inflatable chairs and tables and can tie up to boats.
Paddle power
Not all water toys are meant for lazing around. Kayaks and paddle boards have continued to grow in popularity, a trend that is expected to continue, especially on the Coosa as competitive fishing and paddling events like the Great Alabama 650 paddle race calling it home.
Kayaks come in a wide variety of designs for different needs – traditional enclosed kayaks are still popular, but more and more, open-top kayaks, specially designed, are gaining in popularity.
Buck’s Island Marina in Gadsden says Jackson and Hobie are particularly popular with their customers. And just like wakesports, it is important that you have the right gear, from paddles and oars to safety equipment, to go with your new paddle-powered watercraft.