OMTA Boat Show 2024

5 REASONS

YOU CAN’T MISS THIS YEAR’S CLEVELAND BOAT SHOW

JANUARY 18-21, 2024 IX-CENTER CLEVELAND

CLEVELANDBOATSHOW.COM

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Jump into summer fun.

Your next family adventure begins today.

Visit our member dealers to make your summer boating dreams come true!

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BOAT SHOW

WELCOME TO THE WATER! WELCOME TO THE PROGRESSIVE CLEVELAND BOAT SHOW PRESENTED BY TOYOTA TUNDRA, now in its 67th year of sailing into hearts and minds. While our commitment to showcasing the latest and greatest in boating remains steadfast, this year continues to offer an exciting experience and the best deals on boats.

As you step into the I-X Center, you will instantly sense the immersive atmosphere that has become our hallmark. Explore hundreds of pristine boats and over 300 exhibits featuring boating and fishing accessories, marinas, clubs, service providers, nautical fashion and enticing boating destinations.

Our show is not just about vessels and gear; it’s a hub of learning and entertainment. Dive into opportunities like kayak and paddleboard demonstrations in our Paddling Center, expert-led fishing clinics, family fun in the Kids Zone and relaxing moments on the Great Lawn with live music at the Main Stage.

For aspiring sailors, test your skills aboard two sailing simulators, or try your hand at docking a powerboat in our docking simulator.

There’s something for everyone, from seasoned boaters to those taking their first steps into this incredible world.

With the boat inventory shortage behind us and winter manufacturer incentives making a comeback, this is a prime time to make your boating dreams a reality. With over 3 million Ohioans set to embark on boating adventures this summer, we are confident you will find inspiration here to join the ranks.

Thank you for being a part of the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show — a tradition that continues to inspire, educate and unite boating families. The show is truly the Heart of Ohio Boating!

Wishing you clear skies and smooth waters ahead.

Warm regards, MICHELLE BURKE, PRESIDENT Ohio Marine Trades Association

SHOW AT A GLANCE JAN. 18-21, 2024

I-X Center

1 I-X Center Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44135

HOURS: THURS., JAN. 18 – Noon–9 p.m.

FRI., JAN. 19 – Noon–9 p.m.

SAT., JAN. 20 – 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

SUN., JAN. 21 – 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

TICKETS: At the Door General Admission: $20 Senior and Military Discount Tickets: $15 Children 6 and Under: Free Online Exclusives General Admission: $18 Family 4-Pack: $60

Purchase tickets online at CLEVELANDBOATSHOW.COM. Use promo code CLEMAG for a discount.

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

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

BOAT 3

BOAT SHOW

GET TO KN W

The Ohio Marine Trades Association aims to bolster and advance the boating industry throughout the state.

BY RUTH CORRADI BEACH

LEMTA is now OMTA. The organization once known as the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association has officially changed its name to the Ohio Marine Trades Association. While the name is new, the organization’s goals are not: to support and promote the boating industry across the state of Ohio.

In fact, the name change better reflects what the organization was already doing, according to Michelle Burke, OMTA’s president. “At one point there were three Marine Trades Associations in the state of Ohio,” she explains. “The only one that has lasted and sustained has been LEMTA.” Not only has LEMTA withstood the test of time (it’s been around for 66 years), but it’s already been reaching far beyond

the shores of Lake Erie. According to Burke, LEMTA has been serving the entire state’s marine industry for some time.

“LEMTA did the work on the lobbying and legislative work for the entire marine industry, including issues that affect boaters directly,” she says. “LEMTA was doing all this work, but our name and membership were relegated to Northeast Ohio.

So this move to [replace ‘Lake Erie’ and] include Ohio in our name is truly naming the organization what we already are.”

Burke hopes the new name will also send a clearer message around the state: Every boater in Ohio is welcome in, and supported by, the Ohio Marine Trades Association. “Ultimately, it’s LEMTA renaming itself as what it’s always been,” Burke summarizes, “and hopefully growing its support and membership all around the state.”

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5

CAN’T MISS SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Map out your day at the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show presented by Toyota Tundra, Jan. 18-21 at the I-X Center. BY RUTH CORRADI BEACH

Ohio Marine Trades Association (OMTA) really knows how to put on a show. Just ask Michelle Burke, the organization’s president. “[The Progressive Cleveland Boat Show] is the largest marine-related event that happens in the state of Ohio all year,” she says. “[It brings together] not only all the dealers — you’re getting boating clubs, government agencies, nonprofits, accessory vendors, service providers, marinas and boat dealers.”

With all these forces gathered together to support and celebrate Ohio boating, it’s no surprise the boat show likewise includes something for everyone, no matter their age or level of knowledge and experience. Here are five can’t-miss highlights:

COURTESY OMTA

1 THE DEALS

If you’re in the market for a boat or other watercraft, the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show is the time to make your move, says Jim Armington, vice president of Buckeye Sports Center and board member of OMTA. “The Cleveland Boat Show … represents the best opportunity that consumers have had to see more boats at better pricing from the major boat dealers in the area than they have in several years,” he notes.

The boat show historically has been a place to get a great deal on a boat, adds Burke. “There have always been manufacturer rebates and deals that you couldn’t get outside of the show,” she says.

COVID made a secondary impact on prices in the boating world.

With everyone socially distancing, the draw of being out on a boat or watercraft safely away from strangers but with your inner circle made

boat sales increase. At the same time, inventory was getting thin, thanks to the sales rush and the pandemic-related work stoppages and closures around the globe. “So you had record sales but manufacturers who couldn’t get parts or had to shut down,” Burke explains.

Now, though, things are beginning to even out, says Armington.

“Inventories have gotten back to normal for most types of boats, and there are even some closeouts available at substantial discounts for consumers,” he says. Add to those the incentives and rebates that have always been offered at the boat show, and you’ve got yourself a deal.

“There will also be manufacturer rebates, special interest rates and accessory packages available for most boats at the show to help create the best deals boaters have seen in a long time,” Armington says.

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BOAT SHOW

2 THE PUT-IN-BAY PAVILION

3 THE PADDLING CENTER

The Cleveland Boat Show offers people all sorts of ways to enjoy the water. The Paddling Center features the growing sports of kayaking and paddleboarding. “Our paddling center will showcase every style

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COURTESY OMTA

Jan.18 is the first day of the Greater Cleveland Boat Show. It’s also Put-in-Bay Day, when the wildly popular boating destination brings its island vibes to brighten up the Cleveland winter.

The Put-in-Bay Pavilion will be the site of a wide variety of attractions that will make visitors feel like they are at the Bay for a day, says Eric Booker, partner and operator of the Boardwalk Family of Restaurants. “Put-in-Bay boaters look forward to the boat show every year, when they can reconnect with one another and focus on boating season, especially in the middle of winter,” he says.

Anyone who has been to Put-in-Bay knows that nothing compares to a bowl of lobster bisque from The Boardwalk restaurant, and it’s available in the pavilion, along with the restaurant’s shrimp and crab Bloody Mary mix and Boardwalk hot sauce — all of which means you

can sit and sip while enjoying everything else the pavilion has to offer.

“There’s live music every day of the Boat Show, and on Thursday night we’ll feature a favorite Put-in-Bay performer,” says Burke. “We’ll also curate a number of Put-in-Bay giveaways from restaurants, businesses [and] golf cart rentals, as well as [for] ferry tickets and dockage.”

As a bonus, members of any of the Put-in-Bay clubs (The Crew’s Nest, Park Place Boat Club and Put-in-Bay Yacht Club) will receive a special entry discount to the show when they present their membership cards.

COURTESY OMTA

BOAT SHOW

of kayak and paddleboard along with specific use explanations and examples so our guests will be able to make stronger, educated choices when purchasing these products to fit their exact needs,” says Captain Jeannette Lloyd with the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show.

Not only can visitors get up close to kayaks and paddleboards at the Paddling Center, they’ll also be able to see them in action in the paddling pool. “We will have a variety of demonstrations in our pool such as whitewater play boating, recreational kayak rescues, sea kayak rescues, kayak fishing, kayak sailing, standup paddle boarding and coldwater safety. Visitors will be able to not only look at but put their hands on different types of paddlecraft,” says Kelly Rudolph, American Canoe Association Ohio state director and United States Coast Guard auxiliary flotilla staff officer AUXPAD (Paddlecraft Safety Division).

This will be the third year the Boat Show has featured a Paddling Center, reflecting the rise in popularity the sport — particularly kayaking — has seen since the pandemic. “More kayaks are purchased than any other paddlecraft,” notes Rudolph. “Participation in kayaking has seen a large growth from around 11 million in 2010 to nearly 20 million in 2018. It is the fastest-growing water sport.” Not only that, but it’s a great way to get your feet wet, so to speak.

“The common denominator between boating and paddling is the love for being out on the water,” says Lloyd. “One doesn't necessarily lead to the other, but they complement each other well and certainly open doors for each other. Paddling is a great way for folks to get out on the water without a major purchase.”

4 EDUCATION/SEMINARS

The Greater Cleveland Boat Show has educational opportunities and seminars for just about every aspect of the world of boating in Ohio, from boat repair to fishing tips to job opportunities. Again this year, the Greater Cleveland Boat Show is featuring the Ohio Marine Training Center and On The Water Ohio (OTWO) Education Pavilion.

“There is something for everyone, regardless of where you are on the maritime spectrum,” says Lloyd. “We have several [cutaway]

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

BOAT 7

BOAT SHOW

THE WATER-SKIING 5 TWIGGY SQUIRREL Last but certainly not least, one of the top can’t-miss attractions at the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show is Twiggy the Water-skiing Squirrel. Twiggy is a Florida Gray Squirrel — smaller and paler than the ones that run through Ohio backyards — who circles the water on tiny skis behind a radio-controlled boat. This Twiggy is actually Twiggy 10, with her nine predecessors retired to live with the Chuck Best family. Chuck Best Jr. is Twiggy’s trainer now, having taken over from his dad and mom, Chuck and LuAnn. They trained the first Twiggy to water ski, and she was featured on a 1979 episode of TV’s Real People, catapulting her to fame.

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COURTESY OMTA

displays to show you all of the internal components of a boat, as well as a new vessel joining the OTWO stage, loaded with information on all its operations.”

In addition, Lloyd says, there will be educational seminars for boat owners who want to maximize their investment and their time on the water. “[People will learn] how to care for and maintain their boats, ranging from proper cleaning techniques and hull detailing processes to proper routine maintenance schedules.”

People who love to fish, or want to learn to love to fish, can get some tips at the Boat Show, too, thanks to the Fishing Stages. “The Fishing Stages will cover current trends as well as best practices based on what species you are fishing for,” Lloyd explains. “The experts bring their favorite tips and tricks to the stage as well as their most successful lures and casting techniques.”

These are shown via live demonstrations in the clear-sided Berkley Fishing Tank, a fish-filled aquarium the size of a semi-truck. There will also be opportunities for visitors who want to make boating a part of their work life as well as their leisure time.

“The Ohio Marine Training Center will be showcasing all of the high-paying jobs in the industry and connecting these individuals with potential employers that are right on site,” says Lloyd.

Burke notes that there will be a job board listing open jobs in the marine trade, including positions at boat dealerships. “There are many lucrative careers in the marine trades,” she says, “and many places willing to train you.”

The Boat Show could be where it all comes together.

BOAT SHOW

COURTESY OMTA

“Twiggy is trained using methods very similar to training a puppy,” explains Norm Schultz, president emeritus of OMTA (and the first to hire Twiggy for the boat show, back in 1987). “First, you must earn the animal’s full trust so she recognizes you aren’t a threat but a companion. After that, you use simple word repetition and be generous with the rewards.”

This year, boat show audiences will witness the premiere performance of two squirrels water skiing behind a single radio-controlled boat. “For this part of the show, Chuck has dubbed Twiggy 10 ‘Twiglet’ and her companion skier [technically Twiggy 11] ‘DaBaby,’” Schultz says. Twiggy will appear daily in her heated pool at the south end of the boat show.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY If Twiggy’s not enough to draw the kids to the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show (but trust us, she will be), there’s the Kids Discovery Zone, back for its second year with even more fun to be had. Kids will have the chance to build and take home their own little boat, thanks to the Cleveland Amateur Boatbuilding and Boating Society (CABBS).

“Every day, members of CABBS will be a big part of the kids’ area, helping kids build a mini boat from a kit that they can take home with them,” says Burke.

The popular turf area will be back this year, and even bigger. “With Forever Lawn, we were able to bring a summer, outdoor vibe to the show,” Burke says, noting that there will be lawn games like ring toss available for families to play. “[Forever Lawn] does not look like your grandfather’s Astroturf,” Burke promises. “This stuff looks like a real lawn.”

So grab a drink, pull up one of the available Adirondack chairs and watch your kids play in the grass like it’s summertime.

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BOAT 9

BOAT SHOW

BOATS OF LAKE ERIE From paddle boards to yachts, there are so many ways to get out and enjoy the waters of Lake Erie. We asked two boat dealers who are members of OMTA for their top choices in boats for Lake Erie. Here’s a look at just a few.

Pontoons and Tritoons

If you haven’t heard of a tritoon, you probably will soon. It’s relatively new, especially to Lake Erie, but it’s ideal for our Great Lake. Captain Tim Schoening, owner of Vermilion Marina, explains the difference: “A pontoon has two aluminum tubes, or logs or toons, going the length of the boat, and a flat deck is placed on top of them. A tritoon

BY RUTH CORRADI BEACH

is very simply the addition of a third tube to a pontoon.”

It’s what a tritoon can do that’s making it increasingly popular. “A tritoon can handle more capacity and passengers, can handle more horsepower on the back, and has more bow lift to handle bigger water,” says Jason Clemons, owner and general manager of Clemons Boats and board member of OMTA. “In simple terms, a tritoon is a high-performance version of a pontoon.”

The tritoon’s three-tube design allows it to skim atop rough water, providing a surprisingly smooth ride. “Lots of people will refer to them as taking their living room out on the water,” says Schoening.

That’s ideal for our lake’s conditions, notes Clemons. “We find that being on Lake Erie, we sell 90% tritoons to 10% pontoons,” he says.

Clemons notes that center consoles “have really taken over the Lake Erie market.”

They range in size from about 15 feet to over 60 feet, so there’s a wide variety of

Center Console

Center Consoles

In boat terminology, a console is a steering station. A center console has one steering station, positioned in the center of the boat. It makes for a good fishing boat, says Schoening.

“People enjoy them because the helm is in the center of the boat, allowing full access around the inside of the [boat’s upper edges].

When working a fish or with multiple people fishing at the same time, this flexibility and space allows for better flow and handling of the fish and rods.”

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Dual Console

TOP PHOTO: NEW DEPARTURE FILMS / BOT TOM PHOTOS: COURTESY VERMILLION MARINA

Tritoon

Prepare to set sail on one of the many water toys perfect for enjoying our Great Lake.

BOAT SHOW

center consoles, from a simple fishing boat to a more sophisticated yacht-type presentation.

“Our customers use their center consoles in various ways, from fishing to island hopping,” Clemons says.

Dual Consoles

Dual console boats have two consoles: one on the starboard side and one on the port side.

That means there’s more open space at the front of the boat, and therefore more space for passengers to sit. “Dual consoles are one of the most popular boats of today due to [their] more family-friendly interior [as compared to a single console],” Clemons notes.

Not only are they good family boats, but they’re also great for our area, notes Schoening. “What makes [a dual console] a great choice on Lake Erie is that the weather on our lake can be challenging, with high winds and colder water and air temperatures,” he says. “The dual console boat provides additional protection for the driver and passengers.”

“It’s a great riding boat that’s easy to take care of,” Clemons adds.

MORE BOATS TO CONSIDER

Bowriders

Schoening refers to bowriders as “the family boat of choice for many years.”

These dual-windshield boats feature a walk-through to the front seating area, a ski tow eye or bar for water sports and plenty of seating. “The bowrider also has features such as a head compartment, refrigerators, anchor with windlass [used to lift and manipulate the anchor chain], adjustable seating and multiple stereo configurations,” he says. Key to Lake Erie, bowriders handle rough waters well.

Cabin Cruisers

If you picture a yacht, chances are you’re picturing a cabin cruiser. Cabin cruisers can be as simple or luxurious as a boater desires, says Schoening. “They come in so many configurations, [it’s] almost like purchasing an RV, but without the limitation on width,” he explains. A cabin cruiser that’s sufficiently equipped can support a trip that ranges from one night to months.

Fishing Boats

Aluminum fishing boats are ideal for Lake Erie, explains Schoening, because they are lightweight and durable against impact damage. Jon boats are a popular style, generally 10 to 18 feet long. They are flat-bottomed utility boats that sit atop the water rather than cruising through it. “It is important on Lake Erie to purchase a boat with a great entry angle and more of a modified V or deep V to improve the ride in rough water,” Schoening says.

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BOAT 11

JANUARY 18-21, 2024 I-X CENTER CLEVELAND

The Biggest Boat Deals Of The Year!

TOYOTA TUNDRA FISHING STAGE • LIVE PADDLE SPORTS • KID’S DISCOVERY AREA OHIO MARINE TRAINING CENTER • CHEVROLET YACHT LOUNGE • LIVE MUSIC “TWIGGY” THE WATER SKIING SQUIRREL • BERKLEY FISHING TANK • AND MORE!

DISCOUNT TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW WITH PROMO CODE “CLEMAG”

Visit ClevelandBoatShow.com for tickets and all of our show details!