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Chicago Boat, Sports, and RV Show at McCormick Place

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

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January 9, 2013 -- It's that time of the winter when we can dream about summer weather and boating.

The 83rd annual Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, Sports, and RV show opens Wednesday at McCormick Place and runs through January 13.

Show Manager Keith Ogulnick talked to ABC7 Chicago about some of the offerings.

(RELEASE)

This special event will showcase everything outdoors with over 600 boats ranging from kayaks to $1-million yachts, over 100 RVs, interactive family/entertainment activities, marine accessories and outdoor exhibitors showcased; while attracting more than 40,000 attendees throughout the Midwest region.

-Go-Float, $1995 - $4995, B&E Marine

Recognized for their ergonomic appeal, Go-Float blends innovative styling with the latest state-of-the-art technologies.

For 2013, there is a full selection of one, two and three person models. Whether it is casual running, romantic cruises, fishing excursions or wildlife adventures, Go-Floats deliver hours of fun with each easy charge.

Go-Float boats run for up to 5 hours per charge and batteries can be changed out quickly for indefinite fun.

Convenient features like on-board stereo, single-handed steering, pushbutton controls, easy-access cooler and virtually no maintenance

Go-Float is easy to own. There's no fuel cost, no winterization, no engine maintenance, no expensive gear case damage risk and with Go-Floats that can stand vertically on their transom, storage is a snap.

Unlike traditional watercraft, Go-Float boats are extremely quiet.

CWB Surfboard - The Benz, $375 (Boat Show Giveaway Prize), Boat House Chicago

Skim style surf board (used for wakesurfing, surfing behind a boat)

Short fast design for spins

Style fins adjustable for beginner to expert levels

Starboard, Astro Touring Inflatable Standup Paddleboard (Approx. $1,499), Paddle & Trail

The Starboard Astro Touring is available in three colors, red, navy and sky blue. At 30" wide it is very stable and can accommodate any size and ability of paddler. Its length and shape make it track straight and glide smoothly through the water. It deflates and rolls up into a backpack for easy storage and transport. It takes under 10 minutes to inflate with the included pump.

Inflatable SUP

Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFgbBeHZ7tY

Long Haul Folding Kayak ( Approx. $3350), Paddle & Trail

This isn't your father's folding kayak! Lighter and slightly shorter than the Mark II, the Mark I single is a totally different boat to paddle. The sleek, elegant lines of the Mark I are a testament to the speed and maneuverability available in this boat. Combining these qualities with Long Haul's legendary strength and reliability give you the ultimate in confidence whether you're at the local lake or on the Mackenzie River headed for the Arctic Circle. Simply put, single folding kayaks don't get any better than this.

Folding kayak

Video: www.longhaulfoldingkayaks.com/index.php

GoPro HD Camera, $199, Paddle & Trail

The HERO3: White Edition boasts the same high performance specs as the Original HD HERO camera it replaces, yet it has built-in Wi-Fi, new UI and is 30% smaller and 25% lighter. The HERO3: White Edition is wearable and gear mountable, waterproof to 197' (60m), and is capable of capturing 1080p 30 fps and 720p 60 fps video plus 5MP photos at a rate of 3 photos per second.

HOURS:
Wednesday through Sunday, January 9-13, 2013
Wednesday, January 9: 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday, January 10: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, January 11: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, January 12: 10 a.m. -9 p.m.
Sunday, January 13: 10 a.m. 5 p.m.

Admission:
$12 - Adults (16 years & older)
FREE - Children (15 years & under)

About the Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show: The Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world's largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit www.nmma.org

Boating in Chicago

Chicago is a community of boaters -- with more than 5,000 slips or moorings in nine harbors this is truly a boater's town.

It doesn't matter what type of boating you like to do -- power boating, sailing, kayaking -- Lake Michigan and the Chicago River are some of our nation's most valuable recreational resources.

Boating season in Chicago runs May through October 15.

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