In an effort to help existing boaters and outdoor enthusiasts uncover budget-conscious ways to take to the water, the 47^th annual Atlanta Boat Show is debuting a new feature, the Affordability Pavilion. Located in the show lobby at the Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C, the Pavilion features several types of boats including runabouts, bowriders, pontoons and fishing boats that can be financed for $300 or less per month.

While recreational boating in the U.S. is perceived to be an activity for the affluent, the vast majority of boaters are middleclass participants. Approximately 75 percent of boat owners have a household income under $100,000, and an estimated 95 percent of boats on the water today are 26 feet or less. 

“The Atlanta Boat Show is pleased to highlight a wide range of boats that fit every budget and lifestyle. With the economy the way it is, we want to make sure people know that buying a boat is still within reach,” said Show Manager Larry Berryman.  “And the Atlanta Boat Show provides a great opportunity for visitors to get the best deals we’ve seen in years.”

The Affordability Pavilion features boats that can be financed for as little as $166 per month and includes:

• Glastron MX 175 from Marietta Marine ($250 per month) – The MX 175 is one of the best bowrider values in the industry, made in Minnesota with state-of-the-art VEC technology.
• NauticStar 1810 NauticBay from Wedowee Marine ($249 per month) – The NauticBay 1810 is loaded with features that will make any fishing trip a great success.
• Harris Flotebote Sunliner 200 from Cobalt Boats of Atlanta ($224 per month) – Featuring a sleek new fence and graphic design, the Sunliner provides impeccable craftsmanship, refined styling and absolute peace of mind – all in an affordable package that allows families and friends to enjoy the relaxing effects of boating.
• Sea Ray 185 Sport from Marine Max East ($249 per month) – The 185 Sport drives like a sports car, has impressive top speed and offers more standard features than any other boats in its class.
• Moomba Outback from Atlanta Marine ($300 per month) – The Moomba Outback is ideal for water sports enthusiasts and is fully accredited to pull at every professional competition, yet it costs thousands less than every other boat with similar credentials.

• Cobalt 210 Bowrider from Cobalt Boats of Atlanta ($199 per month) – The 210 Cobalt has the deep-down comfort for everyone that comes aboard, with big-time walk-around room in the cockpit complementing the high-back captain's chairs forward.

• 210 Bryant from Mark’s Marine ($250 per month) – For the family who's into everything, the 210 is the right choice. Whether it's skiing, cruising, or wakeboarding, the sporty 210 rips and zips through the water with maximum control and loads of power.
• Bayliner 175 Bowrider from Park Marine ($166 per month) – The most affordable stern drive package on the market is the ideal family fun package, with features of boats costing twice as much.
• Crownline SS from Watersports Central ($249 per month) – It's big fun and big value in a taut, compact package for a day on the lake. This agile bowrider really shines when pulling skiers and wakeboarders.

In addition to the Affordability Pavilion, the Atlanta Boat Show offers hundreds of the latest pleasure boats, ski boats, personal watercraft of all shapes and sizes, plus marine accessories at the best deals of the year.  Visitors can also find an array of fishing and boating seminars, kids’ activities, special attractions and prize giveaways.  More than 200 exhibitors are expected to participate in the 2009 Show.

The 2009 Atlanta Boat Show takes place:

Wednesday - Friday, Jan. 14-16:  11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 17:  10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 18:  10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Advance e-tickets are on sale at AtlantaBoatShow.com and include $2 off if purchased by Jan. 11.  Adult tickets are $9; youth tickets (ages 13-15) are $5; and children 12 and under are admitted FREE.  Opening day tickets are $5 all day.  Show tickets go on sale at the Georgia World Congress Center beginning Jan.14.  Use your Show ticket for a free hot dog at The Varsity (with purchase of fries and drink), or visit metro-Atlanta Subway® restaurants for $2-off coupons, good for Jan. 15-18.  For Show information, call (404) 222-5200 or visit AtlantaBoatShow.com.

Visitors to the Show should park in the blue and yellow lots at the Georgia World Congress Center or take MARTA to the Georgia Dome/Georgia World Congress Center/Philips Arena/CNN Center or Vine City stations.

The Atlanta Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows. NMMA is the leading association representing the $37.5 billion per year recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the U.S. For more information about the NMMA, visit www.NMMA.org.