Suzy Fackrell, of Mountain Green, might have liked the styles of the University of Utah and Brigham Young University-themed MasterCraft boats well enough Thursday at the Utah Boat Show at South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy.

But she probably won't be buying either of the two boats that are selling for about $122,000 and were generating lots attention at the show.

"I'm not a Ute fan, but I like the boat," she said. "I wish I were a BYU fan. I like that boat. But we're Aggies, and there is no Aggie boat."

South Jordan-based MasterCraft salesman Tanner Dall said the two sports-themed boats, which came with a choice of Ute or Cougar wakeboards, were generating more than a little interest.

"Everyone puts their kids in there and takes their pictures," he laughed.

The boats served an important purpose: They brought potential customers to the company. Dall said the boat show might be the most important event of the season for his firm. He estimated that 80 percent of its sales are generated by the show.

One reason is because potential customers Marc and Nadine Nay were willing to make the three-hour drive from Richfield to the show.

"We're going to buy a boat, but I'm not sure if it will be here," said Marc Nay, who was actually most impressed with a Ford pickup truck he saw. "We want to get some ideas."

"Lake Powell is the only place we like to go," added Nadine Nay. "We have [a boat], but we are hoping to trade up."

A surprising number of showgoers came from beyond Salt Lake Valley.

In fact, it was difficult to find anyone from the area on Thursday.

"I bought a boat last year, so I'm looking for mostly accessories," said Sheldon Cox, of South Weber. "I am smart enough to not hit the heavy crowds. That's why we are here [Thursday]."

In addition to boats, the show offers a potpourri of booths and events such as Dutch-oven cooking, wakeboarding demonstrations and a bass fishing pond. Marine products, swimming suits, boat shoes, financial planners, leather goods, canvas companies, a local baker, shoe liners, fishing lodges, lawn-care people, candles, Utah State Parks boat experts, soup mixes, bedsheets and even daily newspapers were available.

"I like to look at the new styles of boats," said Chris Hale, of Clinton. "I own a boat and have aspirations for a new, bigger one." —

Utah Boat Show

P When • Noon to 10 p.m., Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday

Tickets • $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and free for children 12 and under with an adult.