The Road to LA

[Boat Bling]

There have been several threads over the past few weeks about the upcoming LA Boat Show. Lots of talk about declining participation, attendance, etc. IMO one of the best contributions was John West (Ultra 28) sharing his experiences as a vendor which offered a unique behind the scenes perspective.

This thread will be my attempt to do the same albeit at a much smaller level.

Finished up at the shop about 8 PM yesterday after packing the latest batch of dealer display racks. There's a reason most displays are inexpensive cardboard or plastic LOL. These custom fabricated and powdercoated metal deals are a PITA but dealers seem to like them.


Left Phoenix at 6:30. Stopped in Blythe to top off with a AZ fuel. No offense California but I'll keep my fuel taxes in a state that lets me tow 75..


Next stop Long Beach...

-Zack

 

[Wakebrdr94]

Feel free to stop by the Norco store and fill us up

 

[Scott E]

Drive safe and see you Thursday night.

 

[Boat Bling]

Feel free to stop by the Norco store and fill us up

with a big enough check in hand you can have the whole rig and I'll fly home.

Drive safe and see you Thursday night.

see you soon Scott. Counting down to margaritas at the Mexican joint.

 

[Boat Bling]

Met with our production manager while the crew loaded up the trailer. Sorry no pics of the facility, super double top secret project underway inside.

Hopefully the show deals will be good enough that we go home empty




Onward to the convention center...

-Zack

 

[Backlash]

Safe travels and good luck with the show. I miss the good old days. I went last year and was disappointed to say the least. Hopefully one day soon it can be returned to its former glory.

Drive safely!!!

 

[Boat Bling]

Made it to the convention center & dropped the trailer. Unfortunately us little guys aren't allowed to set up today. But I made a quick lap to connect with some familiar faces. This can be extremely dangerous, inevitably you will get roped into booth assembly duty (If a Nautique flag drops on your head it wasn't my fault)

Missed lunch so the roach coach was a win


Steered clear of the Meata ball sandwiched to be safe


A few trailers


Hallett with twins



-Zack

 

[Boat Bling]

This M29 was looking sharp, can't wait to see her topless


Lickity Split is always a stunner. Photos do not do the paint on this boat justice. If you get the chance you've got to check out the detail up close.



Fun to see product in use prepping boats in the Bass Pro booth


Craning boats is a sight to behold. Equal parts scary and awesome.


Last time I'll ever trust WAZE in downtown LA. Felt like I was riding shotgun with Denzel in training day.


-Zack

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Last time I'll ever trust WAZE in downtown LA. Felt like I was riding shotgun with Denzel in training day.
View attachment 468242

-Zack

That's all of downtown no matter where you go. Lol!

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Thanks for the pics Zack, hopefully it is a successful weekend for you guys!

 

[Boat Bling]

Was headed up the 5 fwy to visit family and remembered that Teague Custom Marine was just up the road. Teague was one of the very 1st dealers who took a chance with us 10 years ago. Anybody in the area who has not already visited Teague is missing out. 1st class operation to say the least.

Who can guess what's under the cover?


Classic deck 36' Skater in for full motor rebuilds and drive service


Whipple porn



-Zack

 

[Cole Trickle]

34 advantage[emoji12][emoji41][emoji631]

 

[Boat Bling]

34 advantage[emoji12][emoji41][emoji631]

He shoots he scores! This thing is badass, apparently owned by a Hollywood big shot.

-Zack

 

[Boat Bling]

Somehow this mess will become a booth. 10lbs of shit in a 5lb bag comes to mind...



-Zack

 

[cicchetti_24]

Oh those were the days doing setup and tear down at the show many moons ago. Floor Jacks and Dolly's when the cranes were all in use. We did some hairy shit when the show was huge back in the early 00's trailers pointing up in the air wenches at the max! [emoji1303]

 

[TrojanDan]

He shoots he scores! This thing is badass, apparently owned by a Hollywood big shot.

-Zack

Andy Meyers from Shangri La? He runs Steven Bing's production and construction company under the same name. Ex-UCLA football and short time Buffalo Bill. Pretty cool guy. Owns a house and lot in the Keys in Parker.

 

[Boat Bling]

Andy Meyers from Shangri La? He runs Steven Bing's production and construction company under the same name. Ex-UCLA football and short time Buffalo Bill. Pretty cool guy. Owns a house and lot in the Keys in Parker.

Very cool, I don't know the details just what Teague shared with me. Always been a fan of the 34' Advantage.

-Zack

 

[Boat Bling]

While setting up yesterday I decided to create the most phallic looking product display possible lol


No Eliminator, Howard or Nordic but Hot Sauce and the jerky guys are present and accounted for.


Downtown LA parking lots are not conducive to the trucks we drive.


Had to do a Vinyl Sauce demo on some Converse...whatever it takes.


-Zack

 

[RiverDave]

Andy Meyers from Shangri La? He runs Steven Bing's production and construction company under the same name. Ex-UCLA football and short time Buffalo Bill. Pretty cool guy. Owns a house and lot in the Keys in Parker.

Well to be techical about it he no owns 2 houses in the keys that look like one big ass house.. (He bought the one next door and they made them match and put a giant gate in between them on the street side)

He's always got bad ass shit.. He's about 5 doors down from me.

RD

 

[HitIt]

Cool thread, thanks!