DREAM BOATS
LOREN BENOIT/Press The inaugural Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo takes place Feb. 5 through 9 at the Hagadone Marine Center in Coeur d’Alene.
LOREN BENOIT/Press Hagadone Marine Group President Craig Brosenne showcases a Malibu 23MXZ boat. There will be 175 boats from top brands such as Malibu, Axis, Harris, Barletta, Chris Craft, Cobalt and Regal.
A couple Chris Craft boats will be on display at the Hagadone Marine Center in Coeur d’Alene. The boats feature eye-catching tan high density foam upholstery. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
COEUR d’ALENE — The best way to get through a long, cold winter is to do a little summer dreaming.
What better place to envision the lake life than at the inaugural Coeur d'Alene Boat Expo, taking place Feb. 5 through 9 at the Hagadone Marine Center in Coeur d'Alene.
"When you have the winter blues, you’re either skiing or you're waiting to go boating," Hagadone Marine Group President Craig Brosenne said Friday while giving a tour of expo halls filled with towboats, pontoons, cruisers and runabouts.
"I don't think consumers realize what we have to offer in these three buildings," he said. "This is an exciting opportunity to show them a different experience."
Coeur d'Alene Boat Expo guests will have access to 64,500 square feet of showroom space, where 175 boats from top brands such as Malibu, Axis, Harris, Barletta, Chris Craft, Cobalt and Regal will be on display, including 125 new boats and 50 pre-owned boats.
"It’s really the largest inventory of new and used boats in the Inland Northwest," Brosenne said.
In the past, Hagadone Marine Group has participated in the Spokane International Boat Show. This year, it will forgo that event in favor of hosting a local expo that will provide a new experience for boating enthusiasts while passing savings on to its customers.
“Boaters like to have fun,” Brosenne said. "We’re trying to change the buying experience and make it fun and engaging with more opportunity and bigger savings for them."
Hagadone Marine marketing and events coordinator James Fleming said hosting the expo at home in North Idaho is an awesome opportunity.
"It’s us in our element," Fleming said. "A lot of these people live in Coeur d’Alene and the Spokane area. It's important to show them what we can do in our home here."
Specials, promotions and on-site financing will be available to expo guests, as well as factory representatives to assist with questions and provide expert advice. Fun events are happening throughout the month as well, featuring Shop and Stay packages that include exclusive deals and rooms at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.
The Coeur d'Alene Boat Expo will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 5 through Feb. 8 and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 9.
This free, family-friendly event will also include an indoor kids surf competition.
"At the Expo, the entire family will enjoy choosing a boat for tubing, wake-boarding, cruising and creating lasting memories on the water," Brosenne said.
Hagadone Marine Center is at 1000 S. Marina Drive, Coeur d'Alene.
Info: www.cdaboatexpo.com