PORTLAND, OREGON—Oregon boaters can find the boat of their dreams while discovering the wonderful world of boating at the Eignooonhth Annual Portland Dealers Boat Show Friday through Sunday, March 17-19, 2006 at the Portland Expo Center.

“This year, you’ll find more than four acres of runabouts, competition ski boats, fishing boats, family boats and cruisers under one roof,” said show director Greg Johnson. “Plus, you’ll be able to see a full display of used boats, peruse a selection of reasonably-priced new boats and find unbiased answers to your boating questions at the Discover Boating Center.”

The Portland Dealers Boat Show happens just in time for spring fishing and summer fun boating. It is the only Portland area boat show to offer both a selection of used boats as well as new models of recreation watercraft.

The Discover Boating Center sponsored by Mercury Marine provides potential first-timers with reliable, unbiased, personalized answers to their boating questions in a friendly, non-sales-directed manner. A “boating expert” chats one-on-one with interested first-time boaters, helping them determine the type of boat that might best fit their needs.

The Discover Boating Center also features a no-sales, no-hassle boating display that allows show visitors to learn about the fun of recreational boating. It will feature a variety of boats 20’ and under that can be purchased for $199 a month or less. Show guests are free to check-out the boats and read the available information without the pressure from a salesperson.

Well-known Portland fishing guide and radio show host Jack Glass will present Focus on Fishing spring salmon seminars in the Discover Boating Center. Jack, who will also display his “ultimate” fishing boat, will present two salmon fishing seminars on Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19.

For the second year in a row, participating dealers will give a $200 G.I. Joe’s gift certificate to attendees who purchase a new boat at the show. The gift certificate will be awarded upon delivery of the new boat to the buyer.

A special ongoing promotion will allow boat show attendees to take a test to comply with Oregon’s mandatory boater certification law. The law, passed by the 1999 Oregon legislature, requires powerboat operators in Oregon to take a course on basic boating skills, and/or pass a test to demonstrate basic boating knowledge.

Show admission prices are $7 for adults and $4 for kids 13 to 16. Children 12 and under are admitted free. A special Seniors Day on Friday allows those 62 and older to attend at the two for one price of $7. Discount coupons for $2 off will be available at all participating marine dealer locations and through www.pmda.org. Show hours are noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The Portland Marine Dealers Association sponsors the Portland Dealers Boat Show. A portion of show proceeds benefit the Oregon non-profit SOLV.

For further information, log onto www.pmda.org

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