Disneyland for Recreational Boaters

Ten tips for the 2023 winter/spring boat show season.

When we think about winter boat shows, most of us likely think of New York, as well as Great Lakes classics like Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis and Toronto. As they all take place in January, you might think you’ve missed the boat for this year, both literally and figuratively. That’s most definitely not the case. A robust calendar of boat shows extends from early February until the end of April, and while some will appeal to those seeking to get out of Dodge for a mini-vacation, others are closer to home.

If you’re new to the boat show circuit, as are roughly a quarter of all show-goers, we’ve put together a few pro tips to help you navigate your first experience. And if you’re a veteran who hasn’t walked a convention center or wandered the docks since pre-COVID, this just might be a valuable refresher.

Now, do a little homework, plan your getaway and get out there — it’s time to imagine your 2023 boating season, and lay the groundwork for bringing it to life.

#1 Set a realistic budget.

Before choosing your destination and making travel arrangements, consider all potential expenses, including transportation, parking and meals. Lodging costs are likely to be higher close to the show, so be sure to review options a bit farther away. It might be worth the commute if your savings are substantial.

#2 Plan your transportation.

On the other hand, if you stay in a central location, you’ll be able to enjoy a later breakfast and a short, easy stroll to the show location. Farther away, that’s not the case. If traffic, parking headaches and extra walking are not up your alley, investigate your transportation options ahead of time. These might include ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, taxis, shuttles or even city buses.

#3 Create a game plan for each show day. Boat shows aren’t only about exhibitors. If you’ll be visiting as a family or with a group, search the show website or app (if available) to find must-do activities, presentations and demos.

Think of this as Disneyland for the recreational boating set. To avoid being overwhelmed, put together a schedule with exhibitors and activities grouped by proximity and/or start times. That way, you can maximize what you see and do each day, and you’ll leave satisfied rather than exhausted and cranky.

#4 Wear comfortable shoes. Enough said.

#5 Stash your loot.

You’re going to pick up a lot of giveaways, from catalogs and spec sheets to koozies, hats, key fobs and more. Show loot is fun. Lugging that loot around with you all day long, however, is not. If the show location doesn’t have lockers, bring a small roll-aboard bag. And don’t be surprised if people are eyeing you enviously by the end of the day.

#6 Dress appropriately.

If you’re staying far from the show, you may try to wear clothing and shoes that will endure the abuse of a long day and still feel fresh for a night on the town. Don’t make this rookie mistake, especially with dress shoes (see No. 4).

Comfort is key, as are layers. If you’re too warm or too cold, you can adjust, and that roll-aboard bag will come in particularly handy (see No. 5).

#7 Have a predetermined meeting place. It happens all the time at a boat show: You have a bad cellphone signal, the call drops, or there is simply too much noise to hear the person on the other end. If members of your group would like to see different things, pretend it’s 1985: Set up a predetermined meeting place for later in the day or in case you’re accidentally separated.

#8 Business on weekdays, party on weekends.

Do your serious product research on a weekday, when salespeople have more time to talk with you and offer personal tours of their boats and booths. Save the fun and festivities for the weekend, which will be awash in special events for the understandably larger crowds.

#9 Focus on the right boat.

Before you leave home, discuss what kind of boaters you are, and which boats will best meet the needs and interests of all family members. Then, make a list of companies who make that particular type of boat so you can visit their booths. Planning ahead means avoiding expensive mistakes.

Likewise, be honest with yourself: If you’re not ready to buy a boat, acknowledge that, and treat the show visit as an information-gathering adventure. That will help you avoid the expensive mistake known as the impulse buy.

#10 Have fun!

A boat show is all about exploring new boats, learning about new gear and electronics, meeting manufacturers, building relationships with local dealers, communicating in-person with finance companies and insurance providers, and taking advantage of special show pricing. You’ll quickly learn, however, that it’s also about building a rewarding boating life that’s unique to you and your family. ★

2023 Winter/Spring Boat Shows

■ Seattle Boat Show

February 3 – 11 Seattle, WA SEATTLEBOATSHOW.COM

■ New England Boat Show

February 15 – 19 Boston, MA NEWENGLANDBOATSHOW.COM

■ Miami International Boat Show

February 15 – 19 Miami, FL MIAMIBOATSHOW.COM

■ New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo

February 16 – 19 Edison, NJ JERSEYBOATEXPO.COM

■ Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show*

February 17 – 19 Rockford, IL ROCKFORDBOATSHOW.COM

■ Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show*

February 17 – 19, 22 – 26 Indianapolis, IN INDIANAPOLISBOATSPORTAND TRAVELSHOW.COM

■ Atlantic City Boat Show

March 1 – 5 Atlantic City, NJ ACBOATSHOW.COM

■ Novi Boat Show*

March 9 – 12

Novi, MI BOATMICHIGAN.ORG/NOVI-BOAT-SHOW

■ Northwest Sportshow * March 9 – 12

Minneapolis, MN NORTHWESTSPORTSHOW.COM

■ Palm Beach International Boat Show

March 23 – 26

Palm Beach, FL PBBOATSHOW.COM

■ Suncoast Boat Show

April 21 – 23

Sarasota, FL SUNCOASTBOATSHOW.COM

■ Catawba Island Boat Show*

April 28 – 30

Catawba Island, OH

CATAWBAISLANDBOATSHOW.COM

* Shows in the Great Lakes/Midwest

BY KEN KREISLER

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA (w/ engines): 43'10"

Beam: 12'

Fuel Capacity: 500 gals.

Water Capacity: 100 gals.

Max Power: 1,800 hp

MSRP: Contact dealer

BLACKFINBOATS.COM