RACINE - There was definitely some people dreaming about the day their ship comes in at the Racine Boat Show Saturday.

After all, some yachts are going for the price of what some homes cost.

But there were also some signatures being put on the dotted line, which is making dealers and show organizers alike happy.

Everything from the aforementioned yachts to canoes are on display and for sale at the 21st annual show, which concludes its four-day run today at Reefpoint Marina in Downtown Racine.

Even with the economy going through a tough time, attendance at this year's show was roughly on par with last year's, said Melanie Petrowitz, the show's coordinator.

"I was expecting attendance to take a dip, but it's been great. I'm pleasantly surprised," Petrowitz said. "Vendors have made several reports of boat sales. They, too, were surprised, so that's been great to hear."

Petrowitz said great weather, except for a brief scare of rain late Saturday afternoon, coupled with the show's strategic location between Chicago and Milwaukee helped to draw people to the show the past three days.

Todd Suchomel, a member of the Boat Show Committee, said the economic turndown has actually made it a good time to buy a boat due to manufacturer and dealer incentives and discounts.

Eric Slagh, a Hoffman Estates, Ill., resident who presently keeps a boat at Reefpoint, said he is considering an upgrade in the next couple of years. He bought a 33-foot yacht a few years ago and eventually would like to move up to a 40-foot boat. Slagh said for his family it's been less a case of high gas prices than lack of time that has caused them to cut back on some of their outings.

For Pete Mikolitis of Gurnee, Ill., a salesman by trade, the tough economy and a high sales quota have ruled out any thought of a purchase this year. Still, he has use of his parents' boat on the Chain of Lakes near Antioch, Ill.

"It beats going to the auto show," Mikolitis said of the boat show. "It was just something to do with the kids. It was cheap - a little family time to climb around and see some stuff. You're outside having a good time."

James and Kathy Lee of Mount Pleasant are kicking around some ideas for their retirement a few years down the road, like trading in their house for life on the water. James, who now works in construction supplies, served in the Coast Guard from 1983 until 1991. He is interested in sailboats, but that was about the only watercraft that could not be found at the boat show. Petrowitz said there is a separate show just for wind-powered craft.

There might not have been sailboats at the show, but there were a couple of Mazeratis on display. The Italian automobiles are part of an exhibitor area that includes vendors selling everything from marine supplies and insurance to salsa and chocolate. Petrowitz said that area brings a little variety to the show.

If You Go

WHAT: The 21st Racine Boat Show

WHERE: Reefpoint Marina, Christopher Columbus Causeway at the lakefront

WHEN: 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. today

COST: $7 for adults; $3 for kids