Tulsa Boat Show 2004 Miscellaneous Photos

Many of the big boats had beautiful, luxury interiors. Several had china, colorful towels and other items as accents. Some used balloons and few plants around the base of their boats. We even saw a couple creative palm trees. One sad point, the friendliest people we met were at the Hummer booth (not sad they were friendly, but sad many of the "boat people" weren't little more receptive to gawkers). One of the ladies showing the big boats was a little "uppity", especially to my wife (it really turned her off), but the lady at the Hummer booth was real down home. Yes we know their are a zillion "wanta see it, feel it, touch it, set in it" types for every serious customer, but you never know just which person that is, or who the others may influence. Our hats are off to the South Pointe Hummer squad, they let us and everybody else all over their Hummers. We encourage boat exhibitors to do the same, within reason. If you don't want to show them to us, leave them at home. I have already heard my wife tell several people of her experience (bad with the "big boat" lady and the related dealership by name and good with the Hummer lady), not exactly the experience boat builders want from a show. Plus how many articles have to be printed about the influence women have in boat purchases before sellers begin to listen? We'll sure be driving a Hummer long before we buy a boat from that firm.

	South Pointe Hummer displayed a red HV1 (commercial version of the military version) and a black HV2 (more "creature comforts" - read watered down version for city folks). These folks were real nice to us. Buy your Hummer here. .
	A shot of the interior of the HV1 (red) Hummer.
	An interior shot the big Carver 57 foot pilothouse yacht on display. The lower control station is on the other side of the cabinets. Stairs leading up can be seen on the right. At the center, near the top, you can see a live video feed of the rear swim platform, a handy tool for a boat this big. One little boy going through when we did, was fascinated to see his shoes in the video (we all took our shoes off to board).
	The Oklahoma Highway Patrol had their Panther Airboat on display. They use it for rescue and other operations. .
	George Braswell with Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits warmed the crowd up for Twiggy the water skiing squirrel's act by singing "My Baby is American Made" and "God Bless the USA" while carrying on a banter with the ladies setting up the act and a couple professional fishermen/bait folks. He did a great job. I really enjoyed him. I am betting he might be the only bait professional that can sing. If I had a boat show or other outdoor themed event, I would book him. .
	I thought the inflatable palm trees were a nice touch, but the trash can and the ubiquitous flyers for resort areas kind of distracted from the moment.
	No convention at the IPE Building is complete without a photo of the Driller, a popular landmark for as long as I can remember. Note several RV's parked outside. Dozens of large units and a zillion smaller ones were also on display inside.

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