Progressive Cleveland Boat Show 2023

How do you get on the water?

Great Lakes to Grand Rivers, there are so many ways to make your life a water life. Our focus is on water education, inspiration, and access to Ohio’s Waterways. We seek to share this knowledge and connect with programs and places on the water throughout the heartland.

WELCOME TO OUR EXPERIENCE!

OUR SOLE OBJECTIVE THIS YEAR is to immerse you in a totally redesigned experience in the newly opened I-X Center showplace.

Yes, the boat show may be opening for our 66th annual cruise, but you won’t recognize it. From the moment you enter the new east grand lobby and become focused on a totally new floor layout, we intend for you to be submerged in an atmosphere of summer fun on the water.

In addition to hundreds of new boats waiting for you to board, you’ll see more than 300 displays of boating and fishing accessories, marinas and clubs, service firms, nautical fashions, boating destinations and much more.

You can also engross yourself in our expanded opportunities, such as learning to kayak and paddleboard in the Paddling Pool; catching expert fishing clinics on two fishing seminar stages; casting for live trout in the Trout Pond; playing in the Kids Zone; kicking back on the Great Lawn with family lawn games; listening to live music on the Main Stage; sailing a match-race

aboard two sailing simulators; and docking a powerboat in a docking simulator, just to name a few.

Still the oldest and largest boat and fishing show in Ohio, the lucrative manufacturer winter incentives are back, making buying very attractive right now.

More than 3 million Ohioans will go boating this summer.

I’m delighted my family will be among them. We hope we’ll see you out there, too. Meanwhile, have a great day at the show.

MICHELLE BURKE, PRESIDENT Lake Erie Marine Trades Association

SHOW AT A GLANCE

Jan. 12-15, 2023

I-X Center • 1 I-X Center Drive, Cleveland, OH 44135

TICKETS:

General Admission (ONLINE & AT THE GATE) ....................... $20 Children 6 and younger FREE Senior and military discount tickets $15** **Available for purchase onsite at the box office ONLY

HOURS:

Thurs., Jan. 12 Noon–9 p.m. Fri., Jan. 13 .......................... Noon–9 p.m. Sat., Jan. 14 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun., Jan. 15 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

BUY YOUR ONLINE TICKETS AT CLEVELANDBOATSHOW.COM. Use promo code CLEMAG for a discount.

Tickets also are available to purchase at the I-X Center box office.

Boat Ambassadors Help Non-Boaters Enter the Boating Lifestyle

Ohio has some of the best boating north of the Caribbean, but non-boaters may not know where to get started. To answer your questions and provide you with a continuing source for boating information, this year’s boat show will feature boat ambassadors — experienced boaters from the U.S. Power Squadrons, who can talk with you about the various types of boating, regional venues, legal and insurance requirements, training, purchase, maintenance, storage and any other boating questions you may have. Whether you are interested in power or sail boating, kayaking our rivers or cruising the Great Lakes, our boat ambassadors can help you make informed decisions about entering the boating lifestyle. They will be available throughout the boat show and accessible during the year at no cost.

SENDING SUMMERTIME

VIBES

BY RUTH CORRADI BEACH

Summertime is in full force from Jan. 12 to 15, 2023. That’s when the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show drops anchor at the I-X Center. There are exhibits, activities, events and seminars to attract anyone with even a passing interest in boating, let alone all of the lifelong lake lovers who look forward to the show year after year. Here, we showcase the top 10 reasons to attend this year’s on the water extravaganza.

1CURE YOUR WINTER BLUES

January in Cleveland can be a tough slog. But for four days smack in the middle of the month, summer is at the I-X Center. Not only are visitors surrounded by boats and other outdoor watercrafts such as kayaks and jet skis, but the entire vibe is summertime. On Thursday, Put-in-Bay day, visitors can sample some famous Boardwalk lobster bisque and groove along to Westside Steve Simmons, Ray Fogg, Mike “Mad Dog” Adams and Pat Shepard. Friday is First Mate Night, featuring Tricky Dick & the Cover-Ups and The Island Doctor, who returns for Saturday and Sunday as well. Saturday’s Mid-Winter Rendezvous welcomes The Jimmy Jack Band and Nashville Crush. Sunday Funday is billed as Family Fun Day.

“The winter holidays are fun, with family and friends and all, then after there’s that quiet part of winter where spring can’t come fast enough,” says Tom Mack, founder of South Shore Marine. “The boat show offers the energy of anticipation of springtime and boating on the water. You can see by the grins on people’s faces, ‘I’m in my happy place with all of these boats around me, I can’t wait till spring.’ There’s nothing better than boating if you’re a boater, but the anticipation, that’s fun, too. The boat show turns into a communal event.”

The live island music, marine products and family games on the Great Lawn are just the beginning.

“It’s an immersive experience,” says Norm Schultz, presidentemeritus of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA). “The show gives all attendees the perception of being surrounded by summer on Ohio’s waterways.”

2CONNECT WITH BOATERS FROM OHIO AND BEYOND

When your beloved activity depends in large part on warmer weather (or at least unfrozen lakes and rivers), it’s hard to stay connected to friends when the weather turns cold. The Progressive Cleveland Boat Show offers a chance for fellow boaters to touch base off of the water.

Ken Alvey, past-president of LEMTA and legislative liaison for the Boating Association of Ohio, notes that the boat show is a “very social event. A lot of people are there to reconnect with their love of the water, boats and fishing. It’s an opportunity to catch up and see people, whether it’s marina owners, boat dealers, friends from the yacht club or boat club — boating friends have the chance to come together.”

In fact, Catawba Island Club has a party for its members on Saturday evening at the show, and many other clubs and marinas

congregate there to see each other during the winter. If you’re not a member of a specific club or are new to boating and looking to make some social connections, this weekend is an optimal time for that too, says LEMTA President Michelle Burke.

“Many yacht clubs at the boat show are there specifically to gain new members,” she says. “People can come learn about different marinas and yacht clubs in Ohio. It’s a winter rendezvous for a lot of boaters. People drive in three or four hours to come to the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show. It’s the largest marine-related event in the state of Ohio.”

3GET A BOAT BY SPRING

“We’re still in a very short inventory supply situation,” says Mack. That’s because a disrupted supply chain over the last couple of years has resulted in a backlog of new boats. And, in turn, people who might have wanted to buy a new boat have instead hung on to the one they already have, resulting in fewer used boats on the market.

“Waiting lists can be six to 12 months on certain models,” says Mack. “So at the boat show this year, it’s about timing and availability. We’ve keyed in on available inventory, and if you want to be boating in the spring, it will be tough to buy a boat in the spring. There are more used boats available now than in the last couple of years. Those will be gone by spring. There may even be some incentives and additional savings [at the show], which is always nice. Everyone wants the best deal.”

4COMPARE DIFFERENT BOAT MODELS UNDER ONE ROOF

“Like at a car show, you can compare all sorts of makes and models at the boat show,” explains Burke. “But unlike a car show, at our boat show you can buy what’s there. You can get financing right there. And getting in and experiencing the physical boat can help answer a lot of your questions. Layout of seating, for example, is important. Getting in the boat gives you a feel.”

Mack points out that the sheer volume of models and watercraft offer consumers an advantage when comparison shopping.

“For someone on the early end of exploring boating and wanting to figure out what fits their lifestyle and is the best investment,

COURTESY LEMTA

seeing more products helps them sort out important considerations, like ‘we like cruising, or small fishing,’ a lot of times you need to see, touch, feel it in person — sit in it, stand on it. Nowhere else are you going to see that many in one place in Ohio.”

And be sure to take advantage of independent experts who aren’t connected to any specific dealer, notes Burke. “Visit our On the Water Ohio Education Center and talk to independent captains who can offer opinions and help answer questions.”

5MEET BOAT DEALERS AND EXPERTS

If you’re buying a boat, there are many questions you’ll want to have answered. But good dealers have a ton of questions for you, too.

“Any great dealership will ask you questions on how you intend to use your boat, on what body of water, how many people you’ll typically take out — they’ll help pinpoint the best boat for you,” says Capt. Jeannette Lloyd with LEMTA.

Once you’re an owner, there’s a lot to learn about your vessel. The boat show has myriad resources for you, explains Lloyd.

“It is important that boat owners take the time to understand the needs of their vessel, particularly the routine maintenance that will help it retain its value and more importantly, keep you safe while underway,” she says. “The boat show is a great place to meet the individuals who work in the marine service sector.”

A new area this year is the Ohio Marine Training Center (OMTC).

“We’ll have hands-on training for people who want to work on their own boats — inboard and outboard engines to learn engine repair, fiberglass to learn care and repair, a shrink-wrapping seminar and general maintenance,” Burke explains. “It’s a great opportunity for boaters to learn more about the care and keeping of their boat.”

6CHECK OUT SEMINARS AND JOB BOARDS

“The boat show is great for exploration and research,” says Alvey. The seminars offered during the show’s four days include something for everyone.

“Topics will range from Seamanship 101 and Deckhand Basics to fishing tutorials with live demonstrations,” says Lloyd. “The seminars

COURTESY LEMTA

provided at the boat show are a great way to bridge the gaps in your understanding, whether you’re a new or lifetime boater.”

Seminars will take place in multiple areas of the show, with some overlapping so there’s nearly always one going on, including Navigating the Great Loop and a ton of offerings on fishing (more on that in No. 8). In the OMTC, in addition to seminars and demonstrations about boat maintenance and repair, visitors can find information about careers in the marine industry, including job boards. Various open jobs will be listed, as well as information about positions and careers that exist in the industry, such as boat dealer sales and even accounting.

Alvey notes, “If you desire a second career or are looking to get into the workforce, this is a great place to look at the burgeoning recreation marine industry. If you like to work on jet skis or yachts, if you’re artistic with painting, there are opportunities in the boating field.”

7DISCOVER INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES

The many kids in Cleveland and beyond who look forward to a yearly visit with Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel will not be disappointed; Twiggy will be back at the 2023 boat show. There are lots of other activities and experiences for the youngest boaters and anglers, too. The all-new Kids’ Center is inspired by a children’s museum, explains Burke.

“There will be a boat, rods, fishing and education on watercraft safety,” she says. Kids can also learn about the different fish in Lake

Erie, actually seeing them in action in a tank the size of a semi-truck. Sunday is Family Fun Day, with a lot of seminars that are geared toward children and family and boating — kids’ fishing seminars and more seminars that have to do with boating with the family.”

Alvey adds that there’s live music experiences throughout the show too, and a lot of sensory and visual experiences.

“The Forever Lawn area gives children the opportunity to run around on a grass-like field and play everything from cornhole to ring toss,” he says. “It’s a day to experience summer in the middle of winter.”

OUT THE LATEST GEAR

The boat show is going big on fishing this year, with a variety of experts on hand to teach visitors about the latest gear and time-tested fishing tips. Jason Fischer, head of Lake Erie Walleye Trail (LEWT) and Lake Erie Fall Brawl owner and tournament director, notes that we’re in the ideal location for putting fishing skill to use.

“Fishing is great right now on Lake Erie,” he says. “There are more fish than ever, and anglers are able to enjoy limits almost every time they go. Catching walleyes is a blast anybody can enjoy.”

The Toyota Tundra Fishing Stage will host walleye fishing pros, including Capt. Ross Robertson and tournament pros Ed Stachowski and Ryan Buddie. Buddie will host a kids’ fishing seminar.

In addition, Fischer notes, “Grant Gallagher and Jeremy Reese will be talking smallmouth bass tactics, and Jason O’Brien will be

talking Musky 101,” offering specifics on a number of Lake Erie species. For informal information-sharing, LEWT Tournament anglers will host a Q&A roundtable every day of the show. To see all of the latest gear and those Lake Erie fish in action, don’t miss Vic’s Sports Center Berkley Tank.

“It’s an aquarium the size of a semi-truck filled with fish,” Burke explains. “Experts atop the tank will show how different fish respond to different lures and casting techniques. It’s a great way to see all that knowledge in action.”

9GAIN KNOWLEDGE ABOUT LAKE ERIE’S RICH PAST

The greatest Great Lake gave rise to a truly great wooden boat company, Lyman Boat Works. Progressive Cleveland Boat Show attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn more

about Lyman boats and even meet Doc Lyman himself — Tom Koroknay, keeper of the Lyman legacy. The show will include a Lyman Historical Museum, which Tom’s son, Ryan, describes as a “glimpse of the company’s history, production process and impact on the boating industry.”

Visitors also will be able to experience a perfect example of 20th century American manufacturing before the use of computers and robots. “The blueprints, patterns, jigs and tooling provided in our example just happen to be related to Lyman boat production,” says Ryan Koroknay. “But the overall engineering and assembly line process used to design and build Lyman boats was the same for automobiles and appliances of the era. It’s a piece of American manufacturing history.”

Don’t miss the 13-foot Lyman boat photo op to have your picture taken with a piece of Lake Erie — and boating — history.

10EXPLORE VENDORS OFFERING THE LATEST BOATING EQUIPMENT

Stop at the On the Water Ohio Pavilion to check out required boating gear, then purchase what you need from an expert. Or fall in love with a clever item such a floating bar for your days at the lake and bring it home with you. There are dozens of vendors at the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show.

“There will be beach glass jewelry, nautical jewelry and knickknacks for nautical decorators,” Alvey says. “For boating, there will be so many things you don’t know about, haven’t seen before

BIGGER AND BETTER BOAT SHOW

CHANGES AT THE I-X CENTER MEAN AN ENHANCED EXPERIENCE FOR ATTENDEES OF THIS YEAR’S SHOW.

Visitors returning to this year’s Progressive Cleveland Boat Show will notice some significant changes at the I-X Center, and all attendees will be able to enjoy an even larger event and a ton of space to gather.

“The thousands of boaters who annually attend the boat show won’t recognize it anymore,” says Norm Schultz, president-emeritus of LEMTA. “The I-X Center has been primarily repurposed and a newly designated exposition area has been set aside.”

The new east side entrance comes right into the center of the show, and the food court is now in the center. It provides easier access all around the show and gives attendees a central place to dine and relax.

Claire Anter, director of sales and marketing at the I-X Center, notes, “The most recognizable change will be two exhibit halls with more than a half-million square feet connected by a full-service food and beverage area offering I-X Center favorites, along with local food trucks ready to satisfy any appetite.”

Cozy Cabin Getaway

at Pleasant Hill lake Park

Snuggle around a blazing fireplace, enjoy the bubbling hot tub, and spend time together in a cabin at the lake. Your winter getaway awaits at Pleasant Hill Lake Park!

or can employ in your boating that you learn about during an educational seminar.”

Burke notes that visiting vendors at the boat show is a great way to support small, local businesses.

“We curate regional and local vendors who sell anything from boating accessories to clothing to jewelry that fill the aisles of the show,” she says.

Boating apparel, home goods for your lake house and all sorts of accessories for your boat, from canine life vests and weather radars to seat cushions and drink koozies — it’s all here in one place. See a list of vendors at clevelandboatshow.com.

Late last year, the boating community bid a heavy, heartfelt ‘Ahoy’ to Samuel E. Insalaco, who unexpectedly passed away on Nov. 19, 2022.

A dedicated contributor to the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show and various Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA) publications, Insalaco was passionate about sharing his wealth of water knowledge and boating education and safety. An environmental engineer for his entire career, Insalaco worked and taught meteorology classes at Arcadis International. He also was a member of the South Cuyahoga Sportman’s Association and U.S. Power Squadrons, where he received many merit marks and served as an educational instructor.

“We loved Sam so very much, and his passion and enthusiasm for boating and the boat show made us all better and made the marine community better,” says Michelle Burke, LEMTA president. “On behalf of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, Maritime Community and the Cleveland Boat Show, our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to his family.”

HONORING A LAKE ERIE LEGEND

Ken Alvey, LEMTA past-president, and Samuel E. Insalaco enjoying a winter day at the boat show.

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