World of Boating had the pleasure of attending the 7th annual Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS) in the Las Vegas Convention Center. MAATS is much more than a typical tradeshow – it's a highly productive business-building event that offers marine accessory manufacturers and buyers the opportunity to connect one-on-one through a combination of trade show exhibits, private buyer-supplier meetings, new product introductions and awards programs, and great networking opportunities. MAATS is the only U.S. event dedicated to the marine aftermarket. Capt. Steve and your 1st mate Greg had a blast working the floor, and meeting the representatives of the many companies attending this years event.
Many of the products are new to market and are unique to the boating community. MAATS has become the premier event for launching new products in the marine aftermarket. Just some of the WOB favorites:
Queasy Drops (www.queasydrops.com) Jim McGee was kind enough to give the crew of WOB some samples of his wares. If you're prone to seasickness, just pop one in your mouth before leaving the dock, and every half hour or so throughout the day and you'll be able to enjoy your time on the water. Because they're inexpensive you can keep them on your boat in case guests feel sick, and we even have Queasy Pop Kids, lolly pops with the same ingredients that will keep the little guys on your boat feeling happy. Any for those big kids we have Queasy Pops, lolly pops for adults in the same variety of flavors.
Seasucker (www.seasucker.com) Brian Wells of SeaSucker stopped by the WOB booth and we took a walk over to sample his goods. SeaSuckers are powerful vacuum-cup mounts that enable you to safely and securely attach an array of accessories to your boat without using screws or drilling holes. Let us repeat: NO drills! NO screws! NO holes! Make no mistake – these are vacuum cups, not suction cups. There's a big difference between the two. The vast superiority of SeaSucker vacuum cups comes from their integrated pumps. Once mounted, these babies really hold – a 4.5″ SeaSucker can support more than 100 pounds; a 6″ SeaSucker can support more than 200 pounds.
Babes Boat Care Products (www.babesboats.com) Great products�you have to love a company that is run by a �Chief Babe in Charge�, Debbie Fletcher. BABES Boat Care Products is dedicated to developing quality, commercial grade maintenance products that set the standard for performance and convenience. All of their products are formulated to meet the demands of extreme conditions yet keep maintenance an easy task. And, all BABE�S products are environmentally safe. Founded in 2003, BABE�S is part of a family business that has been developing and manufacturing industrial chemical products for over 45 years. Together, they combined their talents and energy to create a unique product line specifically for boat and water enthusiasts.
Star brite (www.starbrite.com) Star brite was founded in 1973 based on a line of four automotive maintenance items. The companys key product was a revolutionary car polish formulated with special cleaners that restored dull, oxidized paint and space-age polymers that provided a dazzling shine together with extremely long-lasting protection. This product, simply named Star brite Car Polish took the market by storm because it was so superior to any competitive auto polish or wax. In the following years Star brite added many new car care products and also expanded into the boat care field. It was in the marine marketplace that the company experienced phenomenal growth and began to have a loyal consumer following.
Paws Aboard (www.pawsaboard.com) Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jacket and Designer Doggy Life Jackets Keep Pets Safe on the Water � The Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jackets provide ultimate buoyancy and high visibility to keep pets safe on the water. Constructed to provide buoyancy, along with a cozy secure fit, the Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jackets features an advanced breathable mesh underbelly for proper draining and drying, which provides your dog more comfort and healthier conditions than traditional pet life jackets made with neoprene, which can cause heat exhaustion and chafing.
EZ Towel (www.EZTowel.com) EZ Towels are durable, full-sized towels made of 100% Rayon. EZ Towels come compacted in a convenient tablet size, all you need to do is add water and watch it grow! Once the EZ Towel is activated, simply unroll and unfold and it becomes an 8 1/2 in. X 9 1/2 in. towel that is ready for use. EZ Towels are soft, durable, and bio-degradable. Great for home, office, restaurants, school, daycare, camping, fishing, and more! We are already looking forward to next years show…