The Best Boat Shows
Where are the best boat shows? Good question and hard to answer with appearing to biased. Unfortunately most of us are limited by where we live and some of us are fortunate to be able to fly about and visit some of the truly big and famous boat shows. My main interest is sailing yachts although I do like to look at fishing boats and fishing gear, and I enthusiastically attend shows which feature these. Another attraction is visiting the myriad of marine equipment manufacturers and checking out the latest technology and marine innovation. Why not visit the Newport International Boat Show, a really great boat show. This show is one of the largest in the nation and sprawls across 15 acres on Rhode Island.
The Best Boat Shows
There are some other great shows to visit and explore. One of my absolute favorite shows is in picturesque and historic Annapolis. Besides being a destination in itself the US sailboat show held at the Annapolis Boat Show is well worth the effort. In the past I did promote my books and attend this show, it was great to answer questions from boat owners, and talk about all things boating and it is still a great show. It is on very soon so check out the show offerings and try and beat the post Covid blues by looking boats and boating equipment, it’s very therapeutic. Right before the Sailboat Show is the National Powerboat Show. Spend days checking out everything from cruisers and deck boats, to center console boats to bowriders and pontoon boats There also power catamarans to cuddy cabins and every bit of marine electronics kit and fishing gear you could possibly want. If they don’t have enough shows in Annapolis in the Fall, they also have a Spring Sailboat Show.
The Best Boat Shows
Over in the Midwest is the St Louis Boat Show and this primarily a power and fishing boat show for obvious reasons. You can check out some of your favorites including Azimut, Bennington, Barletta, Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Cobalt, Chaparral, Crestliner Four Winns, Lowe, Lund, Malibu, Ranger, Skeeter, Sea Ray, Triton and Yamaha to name just a few.
On the East Coast is the Atlantic City Boat Show in New Jersey, always a popular show to visit. Down south in Texas I have visited the Houston Boat Show but well worth checking out if down that way is the Dallas Boat Show. Back up in the North East then you really have to visit the New England Boat Show and the Boston Boat Show.
The Best Boat Shows UK and Europe
The best boat shows in the UK and Europe are worth the effort to attend. For me the Southampton Boat Show is a great one for both sail and power and also with boats most of us could consider owning. The second big show which is the largest boat show on the plant is the Dusseldorf Boat Show or Boot Dusseldorf in Germany. The show is massive and takes a couple of days to take it all in. Big crowds attend and there is something for everyone. Some with limited times may need to target the key interest points. Have a look at the latest cruising yachts, or the extensive array of equipment, the latest marine electronics and more. For me it is also about information gathering, having conversations with people who will give insights into equipment and technology for my next edition of The Marine Electronics Bible. Buy a copy here.
The Best Boat Shows
Over in California the San Diego International Boat Show happens in summer and has around 150 boats with a really good laid back vibe. Which coincidently is what boating is all about. Back up North then visit the Detroit Boat Show. I also have visited and given some marine electrical talks in Seattle at the Seattle Boat Show, one I have really enjoyed going to. Besides that, this town surely has the best fresh seafood going, so many restaurants and so little time. Slip over the border to Canada and the Vancouver Boat Show is well worth a few days. Last but not least it’s down to sunny Florida are the incredible Miami Boat Show. One of the largest and most prestigious, featuring everything from luxury yachts to personal watercraft. Not far away is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and is known as the "Yachting Capital of the World," this event spans multiple locations and showcases high-end vessels. Visit the best boat shows in North America and try not to spend too much money. Leave your credit card at home, take the wife as a restraining voice when impulse buying clicks in. Above all have fun.