Boat and recreational-vehicle dealers are optimistic and pessimistic as they prepare for the annual Utah Sportsmen's Vacation and RV Show and Utah Boat Show and Watersports Expo scheduled at the South Towne Expo Center.

Their optimism has to do with Utah's above-normal snowpack in Utah, which should fill reservoirs next summer, giving boaters more of a reason to go out.

"The lakes are going to be full and Lake Powell will be higher," said Debra Greenband of Greenband Enterprises, which has organized the two shows for 43 years. "Things are back to normal or above normal."

Pessimism, though, may stem from the high price of gasoline, which could cause some buyers to think twice about purchasing a gas-guzzling boat or recreation vehicle. On the other hand, expensive gasoline may encourage closer-to-home camping as travelers tighten vacation budgets.

Greenband isn't concerned that the high cost of gasoline will hurt sales.

"People who buy these things have disposable income," she said. "They are not driving less, and there are more SUVs on the road than ever before. You will spend more money on a bottle of water than a gallon of gas."

The RV show is scheduled Feb. 7-10, followed by the boat expo Feb. 20-24. Both shows are hugely popular, as boaters and campers, perhaps suffering from wintertime cabin fever, flock to them to see the latest equipment and talk to outfitters and tourism officials from around the West.

Greenband said there will be 45-foot-long luxury motor homes at the RV show equipped with granite countertops, full walk-in bathrooms with stone showers and appliances that are all electronically operated.

Another popular RV and fifth-wheel trailer feature is space separate from the living area that can haul all-terrain vehicles or snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles. Such vehicles also will be on display.

In addition, a number of guides, outfitters, lodges and wilderness resorts from around the U.S. and Canada will offer information on trips.

Both shows always feature seminars. The RV show will include Dutch oven exhibitions, survival seminars with an emphasis on avalanches and fly-tying seminars.

The boat show will feature more than 500 crafts including houseboats, personal watercraft, ski boats, wakeboard boats, cruisers and fishing boats. Only sailboats will not be represented.

One of the highlights of the boat show is the wake park, a 170-foot lake inside the Expo Center that has been redesigned this year. Pro riders demonstrate the latest gear and tricks as part of the show.

The key to enjoying both annual shows is to do some dreaming of spring and summer camping and boating trips, perhaps with a new boat or RV.

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* TOM WHARTON can be reached at wharton@sltrib.com or 801-257-8909. Send comments about this story to livingeditor@sltrib.com.