Visit the January Boat Show Calendar to find out when these shows are offered and where:

Toronto International Boat Show

47th Atlanta Boat Show

Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show

Denver Boat Show

Austin Boat Show

According to an article in the Austin Business Journal, boat dealers in Austin, TX are expecting a decent turnout at the boat show January 15 - 18 despite economic woes and cuts in boat production. "Jennifer McKinney, event manager for the show, said local dealers experienced a decline in sales in October and November, but saw a resurgence in December. She said the just-finished Houston Boat Show was successful—and that bodes well for the local show."

For more information about the Austin Boat Show, or to find a boat show near you, see the Boat Show Calendar. Boat shows are a great way for boaters to shop for new boats, or just engage in the hobby they love from land.

Rope, or line as it called aboard a boat, is an essential boat supply. Not only do you need it to moor your boat and tie off the fenders, it has dozens of other boating applications. When outfitting your boat, you should have several different types and sizes of line on board. Curious to know which ones you need? Read on to learn about line types, construction, size and uses aboard your boat.

1. Rope or Line Used for Boat Supplies - How to Properly Outfit your Boat

2. Line Construction

3. Natural Line

4. Synthetic Line

5. Double Braided Nylon

6. Use of Line Types Aboard Your Boat

7. Size of Line to Use for Your Boat

Production on Sea Ray boats will slow this year in an effort to reduce expenses through up to 300 job eliminations at the Riverview facility near Knoxville, TN. Sea Ray, which is owned by Brunswick, will also stop production for one week each month through June in its Tennessee and Florida plants. "In addition to ending production at the Riverview plant, Brunswick plans to reduce up to 275 positions throughout its Sea Ray manufacturing and product development segment and at Sea Ray's Knoxville headquarters by Friday," according to a Business Week article.