Boat sellers lure buyers hook, line and sinker

WEST PALM BEACH -- The goal at the Palm Beach International Boat Show is to put a "Sold" sign on every boat.

But when you are trying to sell a $15.5 million monstrosity like the 155-foot long Silver Lining--- which has more gold than silver--- how realistic is a sale in this economy?

"It's extremely realistic. We are going to do well this show. We have four (yachts) for sale and we are hoping for the best," said Chelsea Doole with Fort Lauderdale based Moran Yacht and Ship.

Those who are selling more affordable boats are going all out to try to get customers. They are using incentives in their sales pitch to convince people to buy on the spot.

The hook: signing bonuses.

The line: free upgrades.

And sinker: a free place to park it. 

"We are offering six months free boat storage to a lucky winner at the end of the boat show. It's a $4,000 value," said Chris Ciagulli with Gateway Marina in Hypoluxo.

There are boat builders who are really thinking out of the box -- and those that are in it.

One box-looking building in the boat show is the floating showroom for Fort Lauderdale based Lazzara Yachts.

Lazzara built a 40 foot by 90 foot fiberglass barge and put a boat dealership on top of it. It's the first of its kind in the world.

"It's three stories high with two stories of glass. It's self contained with generators, galleys and bathrooms," said President of Sales Rich Lazzara.

Lazarra added his business had taken a dip in the bad economy so he felt compelled to invest in it.

The floating showroom, which went up the Intracoastal for the boat show, was launched in October after 6 years of planning.

Numerous waterfalls led into various displays for customers.

There is a movie theater, a virtual simulator for their new Volvo joystick control steering system and a "Microsoft Surface" kiosk where customers can design their new boats by touch.

"At the Fort Lauderdale boat show we sold six boats when we launched the showcase. Normally we sell three. In this down economy I can attribute it to this and the presentation of the product," said Lazarra.