TOMS RIVER – The Huddy Park In-Water Boat Show has been operating in downtown Toms River for nine years.
A family business, New Jersey Outboards, runs the boat show. Paul Gioe is the owner of the business and his son, Glenn Gioe, handles the sales, marketing and online presence for the boat dealership.
The boat show showcases regular, luxury boats, performance boats, deck boats, fishing boats, dual console fishing boats and pilot fishing boats. This year’s event took place from Sept. 28-30.
The number of boats at the show has increased from 15 to 30. According to Glenn Gioe, the show’s organizers used a second pier at the park to accommodate all the boats.
“We just have grown so much,” Glenn Gioe said, adding that the event is well received by the community. “The boat show is a tool to get sales. We started off by giving free sea trials. Sometimes that is the last part of making a boat deal. I have told people to come check out more than one boat, see what you like to ride.”
Phil Antoine was one of the people to check out the many boats on display at the show.
“I just wanted to see what these guys have for sale and get a feel for doing something different for next season. It has been a few years since I have been down to this show,” Antoine said.
Antoine said what he loves most about being on the water is the relaxation. He said he has had a boat since 2006.
“You are always looking for the next good boat. Maybe you make the switch and maybe you do not. I just have always loved the water,” Antoine said.
“It is my first time being here. I am a first-time boat owner. I am getting a lot of ideas and doing comparisons with the boats on display at the show,” said another attendee, Don Benanti.
Benanti said he has a house on the water, but is the only person in his neighborhood without a boat.
“I have always been in love with being on the water and going to the Jersey Shore. I want to narrow some of my choices of boats down after being at the show,” Benanti said.
The next show will be held over the weekend of April 26-28, 2019.
