NEW YORK BOAT SHOW
Jacob Javits Center, New York NY
January 25 – 29, 2023
The New York Boat Show first opened its doors in 1905 and is likely the longest running show in the country. The show is located on the west side of Manhattan at the Jacob Javits Center. The show runs from Thursday to Sunday, and is the first major show in the northeast. The show has been reduced in size over the years, but it still attracts most major boat and marine related manufacturers from across the country. The range of the boats on display at the show starts at about 18 feet and usually caps out around 55 feet. Taking the train into Grand Central or Penn station is often your easiest and most cost-effective way to attend the show. The show does not offer onsite parking, but there are several parking garages in the area. Parking costs will typically range from $40 – $125 for the day.
NEW ENGLAND BOAT SHOW
Boston Convention and Exposition Center, Boston MA
Feb 15 – 19, 2023
The New England or sometimes referred to as the Boston Boat Show is located in South Boston at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center. This show, like most others has shrunk in size, but it still attracts the majority of the major boat and marine product manufacturers in the country. Boat dealers from coastal MA, ME, NH, RI, and CT can be found in attendance as well as several inland boat dealers from MA, NH, & VT. Over the years this show tends to have more vendors selling products at the show than most of it counterparts. Whether it be fishing tackle, marine apparel & accessories, or marine related artwork, you are much more likely to leave this show with a bag in tow, then the other shows you might attend. The show is easily accessible from the Mass Pike and I-93, and offers significant onsite parking for a reasonable price. The convention center has a hotel attached to it, and there are three or four other hotel options within a .25 mile walk. Even though the temperatures can be bitter cold in Boston in February, this show has grown to be the premier indoor show in the northeast. Easy on/off highway access and extremely close proximity to parking, hotels, and restaurants really limits your exposure to the elements. Adult tickets for the show can be purchased for $20 each and children under 12 accompanying a paid adult enter free.
https://www.newenglandboatshow.com
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
6 Locations through Miami, FL
Feb 15 – 19, 2023
The Miami Boat Show is billed as the world’s largest boat and yacht show and has over 100,000 attendees annually. The show features 1000 boats on display. In additional to numerous powerboats and mega yachts on display, the Miami shows also features a significant number of sailboats. Because of its diverse product offering, the show attracts attendees from both the U.S. and abroad. The show is spread out across six different locations throughout Miami, which does make moving from show venue to show venue difficult. As you can imagine, the traffic is not good. So, if you have intentions of seeing the entire show, you’ll need to set aside at least two days. Adult tickets for the show start at $42 per day.
PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL
March 23 – 26, 2023
The Palm Beach Boat Show is not quite the spectacle that the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Boat Shows are, but it is quickly becoming a favorite of attendees and exhibitors alike. The show is plenty big and has more than enough product, both in the water and on land, to keep the boating enthusiast happy. Boats on exhibit range from small center consoles to 200+ foot mega yachts. The smaller overall size and the condensed nature of the show layout allows for ease of navigating about the show. The entire show can be accessed by foot, and because of its location along Flagler Drive, there are several restaurants and bars within walking distance. There are also several hotel options in and around downtown West Palm Beach. Adult tickets start at $31 per day and must be purchased in advance. There is no ticket box office on site.
NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
Along America’s Cup Ave, Newport RI
September 14 – 17, 2023
The Newport Boat Show kicks off the fall boat show season, and is located in historic Newport, Rhode Island. The show is both in the water and on land and runs along America’s Cup Avenue and spans several marinas and wharfs. The Newport Show is one of the few shows that has a large selection of powerboat, sailboats, and catamarans all in place. Another feature that is somewhat unique for this show is the attendance of several classic New England or downeast style powerboats and high end day sailors. Several large land tents are filled with hundreds of marine related exhibitors. The variety of product and all the other ancillary things Newport has to offer make this a destination show for boaters from the northeast and beyond. Parking and hotel accommodations in close proximity to the show are hard to come by. Your best option for parking is located at Easton’s beach. The cost to park is usually about $40 and the show runs a complimentary shuttle service to and from. If you plan on making a night or weekend out of your visit, be sure to book your hotel a few months in advance.
An added bonus to visitors of the Newport International Boat Show is the Newport Brokerage Boat Show which runs over the same time period at the neighboring Newport Shipyard. The Brokerage show typically features 50+ select brokerage boats. Attendance is free, and a water-taxi runs between both shows for a nominal fee.
UNITED STATES POWERBOAT SHOW & UNITED STATES SAILBOAT SHOW
City Dock, Annapolis, MD
October 5 – 8, 2023 (Powerboat)
October 12 – 15, 2023 (Sailboat)
Another show favorite is the Annapolis Power and Sailboat show. These two separate shows run back-to-back weekends in October every year. Both shows are located in the heart of historic Annapolis, Maryland. The Sailboat Show is the largest of its kinds and attracts boat builders and attendees from around the world. This singularly focused show has both in water boat displays as well as several large land tents with everything of interest to the hard-core sailor. The Powerboat Show displays both new and used of all varieties. It too has several large land tents, with ample exhibitors displaying and selling boating supplies, navigational equipment, fishing gear, clothing, & marine accessories. Like the Newport Show, the Annapolis Boat Shows are at the top of most boaters list of the most desirable shows to attend. The show’s close proximity to the restaurants and shops of downtown Annapolis provides its attendees with several options after the close of the show. Tickets for both shows run about $25 per day for an adult.
https://www.annapolisboatshows.com
FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
Multiple Marinas along Seabreeze Blvd & the Convention Center, Ft Lauderdale, FL
October 25 – 29, 2023
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show is the mecca of the fall shows. The show features approximately 1300 boats on display, with roughly 100 yachts exceeding 100 feet. You can find anything from an inflatable tender to a center console to a 200-foot mega yacht. Every major yacht builder and boat manufacturer from around the world attends this show in some capacity. This is a true international show, and many of the attendees travel to the show from overseas. In addition to the boats on display, there are several massive tents with hundreds of exhibitors displaying their products and services. The one thing the show does not have (at least in noticeable numbers) is sailboats. You can find live music, food, beverages, and unique VIP experiences throughout the show. It really is a true “event” that even the non-boaters love to attend. Traffic in and around the show can be treacherous. Your best bet is often the water-taxi which runs to and from the show from various locations along Ft Lauderdale intercoastal water ways. The water tax is inexpensive & convenient. If you get the right captain, you will not only avoid the bumper-to-bumper traffic, but you’ll get an education on the history of some of the Ft. Lauderdale’s famous intercoastal mansions and their owners.
