Yellowknife (May 05/04) - Force One held its eighth annual boat show this past weekend at the Yellowknife Community Arena.

"The herald of spring in Yellowknife is the boat show," said Doug Witty, owner of Force One.

On display were 40 boats and a variety of ATV's and dirt bikes.

"Everybody wants to look at the big stuff," Witty said of the larger watercraft.

Though several of the big boats have been sold, the most popular boats are much more humble.

"Aluminum boats are still number one," Witty said.

He attributes this to the rocky terrain in the North.

Not everyone was there to buy a boat though. Many people came just to hang out and talk boating.

"I prefer a sail boat," said Doug Irwin. "It's a moveable cottage."

Doug and his son Sean were there to "kill a lousy Sunday afternoon."

Of course there will always be a market for motor boats. How else could you go wake boarding?

"I love wake boarding," Witty said.

Wake boarding requires less speed than water skiing, and consequently is less stressful on the body.

"It's easier on us old guys," Witty said. Wake boards were on sale at the show along with a variety of other boating related products.

With so much on display, setting up the show can be an ordeal. Witty says some friendly Force One customers volunteered to help with the task.

"We get some real community spirit out of it," Witty said.