Detroit Boat Show
Each winter, the Detroit Boat Show transforms Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Center) into a sprawling marine marketplace, drawing thousands of boating enthusiasts, industry professionals, and curious newcomers. As one of the Midwest’s largest and most influential boat shows, it offers a dynamic blend of cutting-edge technology, lifestyle exhibits, and regional maritime culture—all set against the backdrop of Michigan’s iconic Great Lakes.
Detroit Boat Show
Detroit’s rich maritime heritage makes it a fitting host for this annual event. With over 11,000 inland lakes and access to four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan boasts one of the highest per capita boat ownership rates in the U.S. The Detroit Boat Show, organized by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), has been a cornerstone of the region’s boating community for over 60 years. It typically takes place in February, offering a welcome escape from winter and a chance to plan for the upcoming boating season.
Detroit Boat Show
The Detroit Boat Show features hundreds of boats on display, ranging from sleek luxury yachts to rugged fishing vessels and family-friendly pontoons. Visitors can explore:
Luxury Cruisers and Yachts: Outfitted with state-of-the-art navigation, energy-efficient propulsion, and upscale amenities for extended cruising.
Pontoon Boats: Ideal for inland lakes and social outings, with customizable layouts and entertainment features.
Fishing Boats: Designed for both freshwater and Great Lakes anglers, featuring advanced sonar, live wells, and trolling setups.
Wake and Ski Boats: Built for performance, these vessels cater to watersports enthusiasts with ballast systems and surf-enhancing technologies.
Personal Watercraft (PWCs): Agile and compact, perfect for solo adventures or family fun.
For prospective buyers, the show offers exclusive pricing, financing options, and direct access to dealers and manufacturers — making it one of the best places to compare models and make informed decisions.
Detroit Boat Show
There is a focus on technical upgrades and operational benchmarking, the Detroit Boat Show is a prime venue to explore the latest marine technologies. Exhibitors showcase innovations across propulsion, energy management, and onboard systems, including:
Electric and Hybrid Drives: With sustainability gaining momentum, manufacturers present electric outboards, hybrid propulsion systems, and solar-integrated solutions.
Advanced Navigation and Safety Gear: Multifunction displays, radar overlays, AIS integration, and real-time weather routing systems.
Smart Boat Technology: IoT-enabled systems for remote monitoring of bilge pumps, battery health, and onboard security.
Energy Storage and Management: Lithium-ion battery banks, inverter/charger combos, and solar panel arrays tailored for off-grid cruising.
These systems not only enhance performance and safety but also align with evolving insurance protocols and compliance standards
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Detroit Boat Show
The Detroit Boat Show isn’t just about browsing—it’s about learning. A robust lineup of seminars and workshops offers visitors the chance to deepen their knowledge and refine their skills. Topics often include:
Boating Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Updates on U.S. Coast Guard regulations, insurance requirements, and risk mitigation strategies.
Technical Maintenance: Stepwise guides on engine diagnostics, electrical troubleshooting, and hull care.
Provisioning and Galley Optimization: Tips on sourcing regional ingredients, managing cold storage, and planning for extended voyages.
These sessions are led by seasoned professionals—marine surveyors, technical consultants, and experienced captains—offering actionable insights and real-world validation.
Detroit Boat Show
While the show caters to serious boaters and professionals, it also offers plenty for families and casual visitors. Interactive exhibits, live entertainment, and kid-friendly activities create a festive atmosphere. Lifestyle vendors showcase everything from dockside décor and outdoor kitchens to fishing gear and watersports apparel.
For culinary enthusiasts, local chefs often host cooking demos featuring Great Lakes seafood and provisioning tips. It’s a great opportunity to explore how authentic regional cuisine can be integrated into your onboard lifestyle.
Detroit Boat Show
One of the most valuable aspects of the Detroit Boat Show is the opportunity to connect with regional suppliers and service providers. Whether you’re vetting vendors for technical upgrades, provisioning logistics, or insurance solutions, the show offers direct access to:
Marine Hardware Suppliers: Benchmarking reliability and operational fit for systems and components.
Insurance and Compliance Experts: Navigating policy options, accident prevention strategies, and regulatory frameworks.
Local Provisioning Specialists: Sourcing fresh, regional ingredients for onboard culinary planning.
Detroit Boat Show
The next Detroit Boat Show will take place from February 12 to 15, 2026, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.
This marks a notable change in venue from its traditional location at Huntington Place in Detroit. The shift was prompted by scheduling conflicts with the North American International Auto Show and Super Bowl Sunday.
New Location, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48374
Show Dates and Hours; Thursday, February 12, 2026: 2 PM – 9 PM; Friday, February 13, 2026: 2 PM – 9 PM; Saturday, February 14, 2026: 11 AM – 8 PM; Sunday, February 15, 2026: 11 AM – 5 PM
The 2026 show will feature hundreds of new and non-current model boats, motors, trailers, and marine accessories, making it a must-visit for Great Lakes boaters and marine professionals.
For more information on the Detroit Boat Show.
Detroit Boat Show
More than 60,000 Michigan residents visited the last show with more than 200 exhibitors and a 1000 new model boats of all types and sizes. The Detroit Boat Show is more than an exhibition—it’s a convergence of innovation, lifestyle, and regional pride. Whether you’re benchmarking technical systems, exploring provisioning strategies, or simply immersing yourself in Great Lakes culture, the show offers a rich, multifaceted experience. If you’re planning to attend, consider bringing a checklist tailored to your goals—be it supplier vetting, compliance insights, or culinary sourcing. And don’t forget to engage with the community. After all, the true spirit of boating lies not just in the vessels, but in the people who bring them to life.
Check out all the best boat shows. Serious buyers can shop more than 200 exhibitors, seeing ski boats, fishing boats, cabin cruisers, bow riders, pontoons and personal watercraft at the Detroit Boat Show.