Area businesses take advantage of Stuart Boat Show

STUART, Fla. - It's the last day of the Stuart Boat Show rounding out a busy weekend at nearby restaurant called The Deck.

There has been a 35 to 45 minute wait at the restaurant all weekend, restaurant owner Hillary Gulden said.

She said cocktail station has been full, the bar has been full and the patio has been full.

Because of the show being in town the restaurant has longer hours, more tables and double the staff to handle the extra traffic.

"We simplified our menu too so it was easier for people to get in and get out and so it was easier for the service staff to get people in and out," Gulden said.

Big business nearby is due to record attendance at the Stuart Boat show.

All Sports Productions said there are more people buying boats this year too whereas in years past there have been a lot of people just looking at boats.

"We're hearing good things on the street of signs of things coming back in the marine industry," Skip Allen of All Sports Productions said.

Welcoming news for Allen who is running the Stuart Boat Show for the first time.

For the past 16 years his brother Rick has run the show.

In July, Rick died of cancer.

"It was his sole passion he was passionate about this and very close friends with many of the exhibitors here," Allen said.

A passion the family carried on this weekend and hopes to keep carrying on year after year.

"I'm just glad we pulled it off and certainly in the memory of my brother Rick," Allen said.