The event, which took place at ExCeL between 22 July and 3 August, was run in glorious sunshine with crowds of visitors all eager to see the cars, the boats and the boating activities.

'Our reason for branching into this new market was to exploit the obvious links between motor and boating enthusiasts,' said NBS MD Andrew Williams. 'We were excited by the opportunity to introduce a high quality audience to our industry, and are thrilled at the positive comments our exhibitors have fed back to us.'

Over 35 boats were afloat in the Royal Victoria Dock, with on-water activity attracting the crowds down to the dock edge to see the Sunseeker Ultimate Fleet and watch some high speed action with Viper Jet Boats and Thundercats zipping around the marina.

'This really is an opportunity to monopolise the petrol heads,' said Paul Potguster, marketing consultant at Rib Eye. 'I’ve sold a boat to someone who made the visit to the show to buy a car. We want to do more next show, come back with more berths and a wider variety of vessels. We have had three sales, but mostly this has acted as an excellent PR activity. What a great idea, it’s just a shame it’s not on every year.'

'It's great to be talking to visitors who are completely new to boating – asking basic questions, and making relevant enquiries,' said Adrian Hart of Cranchi. 'We'll certainly look to come again in two year's time, enhancing our offering for visitors.'

Sunseeker London reported customers from the UK and abroad had purchased motor boats totalling in excess of £4m. 'We feel Sunseeker London’s presence has added value to the exhibition,' said David Lewis, 'and we are able to boast an impressive number of sales, prospective enquiries and high level leads.'

The Try-a-Boat incentive allowed the everyday Motor Show visitor to get afloat, whilst the RYA OnBoard scheme offered children aged 8 to16 the opportunity to get out on the dock in Laser Pico dinghies.

'The event has certainly surpassed our expectations and the quality is definitely out there,' said Darren Pilbeam of Essex Boatyards. 'We've had three sales and lots of promising leads.'

'We've really seen the benefit of exhibiting towards the end of the show,' said Iain Smallridge of Pearl Motor Yachts. 'We've booked several sea trials and got some good leads during traditionally quieter office months.'

Another trade-off for NBS was the opportunity to promote the PSP Southampton boat Show to the crowds.