The month of January is always the start of the Boat Show season across North America. To start off the boat show season, the 2011 Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show, happening January 27 - 31.

The show is located at the Place Bonaventure 800, De La Gauchetière West Metro Station: Bonaventure and Square-Victoria.

I recently caught up with Yves Paquette, General Manager of the Maritime Association with boat dealer Mississippi and I had an opportunity to ask a few questions about this year's show;

1. What would you say is a must "how-to seminar" to take in during this year's boat show?

Everyone can find a conference that meets his needs at the Boat and Water Sports Show. Though Louis Charbonneau's conference on Heavy Weather Sailing, as well as water skiing and wakeboard Canadian champion Guillaume Paré's one on Boat Driving Tips for Water Sports are definite must-see during this year's event, one must notice the number of great seminars that are not "how-to seminars".

Speakers with various backgrounds will address the visitors on topics enjoyed by crowds sharing different interests. Adventure lovers will enjoy the tale of Justin Bulota and his Kite surfing Expedition Following the St-Lawrence Water Trail or Mylène Paquette's account of Rowing across the Atlantic 2, 700 Nautical Miles solo from Quebec to France. Sailing-maniacs will seek to hear more from well known George Leblanc, while fishermen from all arrays will benefits from celebrity fisherman Patrick Campeau's tips on How to Get the Most Out of Fishing Time.

2. What has always been or will be the "most popular exhibit"?

New trends and products is what catch the attention of visitors. This year we expect the Triumph indestructible boat, which can float on as few as 2 foot of water, to raise a lot of interest. The LTS electric motor should also be a big favorite. With its capacity of reaching up to 50 km an hour, it is an important breakthrough in terms of electrical propulsion. Another good example would be the HRV Liberty pontoon from Southland, which literally consists in a 3-seasons Boat House featuring notably solar panels and a wind turbine.

3. In your opinion the "number 1 attraction" of this year's show.

As mentioned, the force of the Boat and Water Sports Show lies in its great amount of new products on display:

From the luxurious Prestige yacht from Jeanneau, to the incredibly all-inclusive HRV Liberty pontoon from Southland, visitors will be thrilled by all the exhibitors.

If there had to be a Top 5 of all the attractions, it would be:

Jeanneau's Prestige yacht

HRV Liberty pontoon

The new LTS electric motor

The wide selection of trawlers, among which Cape Island, Mainship, etc.

All the new pontoons on the market which are getting more comfortable by the years.

4. Answer to your most "frequently asked question" about this year's show.

The question we answer every year is whether we will have big boats on site. Big boat lovers will be happy to know that such brands as Doral, Mainship, Bayliner and Catalina will be part of the show this year again.

5. What is "new" at this year's show?

The indestructible boat by Triumph will draw lots of attention, especially fisherman. The speed of the LTS electric motor will be popular. Boat Show attendees will be blown away when they see the Southland HRV Liberty Pontoon Boat- HRV stands for Hybrid Recreational Vessel. It is one cool looking pontoon boat.

Sounds like another great show this year Yves, thanks for sharing some time with us.

The Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show, happening January 27 - 31. The show is located at the Place Bonaventure 800, De La Gauchetière West, Metro Station: Bonaventure and Square-Victoria.

For more information, please check out our boating resource box below....