Plan Now for a Weekend of Expo Fun!

The 2013 On Water Expo is only a month away - and we couldn't be more excited! We've got our plane tickets, we're packing our gear, and we're preparing for an Expo like no other!

There's not a lot of time left, so if you're planning to make the trip, keep the following things in mind to make your Expo Adventure one to remember:

1. This is the On Water Expo! One of the best ways to fully enjoy the houseboating lifestyle is by staying on Houseboat Row! Meet new neighbors, play great games, enjoy dock parties and eat great food - within walking distance of the Expo! Check out our accommodations page for boatel rates. And make sure to mention the Houseboat Expo when you call - they'll give you our special rate!

2. If you haven't gotten your sea legs yet - don't fret! There are plenty of other land-based places to stay. Stay at the lodge or in a cabin at Jamestown Marina just across the water from State Dock, or book a room through Kentucky State Parks. Information on all these in listed on our accommodations page. 

3. Take it all in! However you get there, make sure to take the time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. But make sure you have directions and plan your trip to arrive in time on Friday. We have great things planned and you don't want to miss any of them. Click here to access personalized driving directions. 

4. Check out the weather! Jamestown is beautiful this time of year and we don't want you to get burned. It's so much fun walking around, checking out all the new boats and vendors, that it's easy to forget how much sun you're getting. Pack the sunscreen, grab a hat, or get in the water. Interested in the current temp over in Jamestown? Scroll down to the bottom of our homepage, where you can see the weather in Jamestown 24/7.

5. We have a LOT of new exhibitors this year - and we can't wait to stop by and welcome them to the show. So make sure to review the complete Exhibitors List before you go. That way you can make sure to see everyone you're interested in. But don't stop there - cruise by all of our vendors. You might find something you didn't even know you were looking for!

Got any other suggestions? Let us know!

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You Don't See This Every Day

1939 Century Sedan Deluxe

The last 18' century sedan known to exist.

12 time 1st place winner at ACBS.

Featured on the cover of Thoroughbred magazine in 2011. 

And now it's coming to the On Water Expo!

Brought to us by the incredible folks at Custom Canvas/Woodies Restoration.

Don't miss out on the chance to see this truly unique boat. Buy your tickets today!

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Poker Run Prizes!!!

Win Great Prizes:
Item	Retail		Quantity
53-1890 Super Cube	$299.99		2
AHUT-1 U-Tube	$179.99		2
52-3150 Wake Yak2	$349.99		1
52-3155 Wake Yak Solo	$259.99		1
AHRE-2 Revolution	$379.99		1
AHWS-2 Wake Surf2	$189.99		1
AHWS-3 Wake Surf3	$259.99		1
AHW-4 Horns Up Wakeboard	$142.99		1
10026-08-A-RD Mens Pro S Red	$44.99		1
10026-09-A-BL Mens Pro M Blue	$44.99		1
10026-10-A-BL Mens Pro L Blue	$44.99		1
10026-11-A-RD Mens Pro XL Red	$44.99		1
10026-12-A-RD Mens Pro 2XL Red	$44.99		1
10026-13-A_BL Mens Pro 3XL Blue	$44.99		1
Brought to you by the amazing:

Don't miss out! Buy your expo tickets today and make sure to try your luck at the Poker Run!

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Discover Houseboating: Discover the On Water Expo - by Brady L. Kay

Read it here first! The "Discover Houseboating" column in the upcoming May/June issue of Houseboat Magazine features the On Water Expo!:

In this recurring column, we highlight the different ways to experience and enjoy the lifestyle that is only possible through houseboating. But this time around we’re going to let you in on a little secret that will allow you to experience everything at one time and in one location: The National Houseboat Expo.  

Whether you’re a regular at these annual events or planning your first trip, the On Water Expo promises to be a great time. And thanks to houseboat manufacturing giants such as Stardust, Sumerset and Thoroughbred, there will be at least a half dozen new houseboats to tour and experience that have never been on display before.

So how do you get yourself invited to such an event? Well that’s simple. Consider yourself party-approved for the best three-day weekend of the summer. It all kicks off Friday, June 7 at the State Dock Marina on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky.   

The Boats

The wide range of brand new houseboats is always the biggest draw and you wouldn’t believe what the top builders in our industry have been up to. Not since the days of the Expo held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville has there been this kind of excitement in anticipation of what will be on display. If you truly want to discover houseboating, it starts with these new models. Plus other houseboat manufacturers will be on site to answer your questions as well. 

They’re called dream boats for a reason, and even if you’re not in the market for a brand new custom houseboat, it’s still fun to look around. But also included at the On Water Expo is a wide range of used houseboats, at various price points. Plus the ever-expanding exhibitor list of vendors ranges from houseboat-specific products to valuable resources and services. And unlike regular boat shows, these vendors are specific to our industry and will be on location to help educate houseboaters and potential houseboaters on ways to make your experience that much better.

Seminars   

Speaking of education, the ongoing seminars being held throughout the weekend are always a good way to learn as well as have your questions answered. In the past, presentations on fishing, maintenance, decorating, financing, as well as tips to watch for from a respected marine surveyor, have been some of the most popular. And the qualified presenters at this year’s show are sure to include some of your favorites, as well as new topics that will be covered.

But one popular presentation that continues to get better each year is the Captain’s Course, taught by Don and Janet Hevener. The Heveners own Dreams In Motion, a boat transport company, and have been transporting houseboats nationwide and to ports for overseas delivery for over 20 years. This Captain’s Course seminar is for those who want to get more comfortable operating their own houseboat or to just spend some time with a 100-ton master captain who can provide tips to newbies as well as seasoned veterans.

Games

State Dock will once again offer “botels” or rental houseboats. The houseboats not only provide accommodations for the duration of the Expo, but also allow you to stay close to the show and enjoy the live entertainment at night. To reserve a boatel or find out more about State Dock, visit www.statedock.com or call 888-STATEDOCK.

But besides the impromptu games of corn hole that seem to break out at night on the docks after the show, the All Hands On Deck Poker Run also receives plenty of attention. Where else can you find a game like this where the winner with the five best randomly selected poker cards walks away with keys to a 2013 Qwest LS Splash Pad pontoon boat? Complete with trailer and motor, the top prize for the poker run from Apex Marine is just one of the great prizes available for those who choose to participate. 

The first annual Two Brothers Grillin' Chicken Wing Cook-Off is another good reason to attend. Come for the food, the fun, or for the houseboats. Whatever your reason to attend, this year is sure to lead to a good time. Kick off your summer with a three-day party centered around the houseboating lifestyle. Visit www.houseboatexpo.com for more information and for updates as the On Water Expo gets closer. You can also go to the website to see how you can receive a free Expo t-shirt just for buying your tickets online. Discover houseboating by planning to attend the On Water Expo in June.  

“Discover Houseboating” is a recurring column that focuses on the advantages of houseboating as well as the benefits of this unique lifestyle.

Can't get enough houseboating? Click here to subscribe to Houseboat Magazine today!

Get your Tickets Now and get a Free T-Shirt with your 3-Day Pass (while supplies last!) Click Here! 

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Top 10 Reasons to Go to the On Water Expo!

1. Brand New, 2013 houseboats from Stardust, Sumerset and Thoroughbred!
2. You get to play poker for a chance to win big: a Qwest Splash Pad from Apex Marine!
3. Spicy Wings, BBQ wings, sweet wings, hot wings….Two Brothers Grillin’ Chicken Wing Cook – Off!
4. Seminars where you can learn the great tips, tricks, and all the things you didn't know you needed to know from the industry's best!
5. New boats, used boats, big boats, small boats, boats, boats, boats!
6. Meeting other houseboaters from all across the country! Can you say "Dock Party!!!"?
7. Three days away is great anyway, but three days surrounded by houseboats, water, food, games, entertainment, shopping and friends? It doesn't get much better than that. 
8. Aftermarket products to meet your every need (and a lot of your "wants" too!)
9. Boatel Row - Make new neighbors and take home memories to last a lifetime!
10. Meet the Houseboat Magazine Staff. They're a little wild, a lot crazy, but mostly about houseboating. Stop by and chat with the people who are just as passionate about houseboating as you are!

What are some of your top ten? Tell us about it! Leave a comment below!

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