Boat Show Season Planning

Boat show season is right around the corner and with it comes opportunity to easily compare and contrast vessels you might be interested in buying, get a feel for the latest in boating technology, and learn from experts through seminars covering everything from engine maintenance to electronics packages and fishing techniques. Of course, meeting up with friends or bringing along the family adds to the fun and, who knows, you might even strike a deal on that new rig you’ve envisioned for years.

Whether looking to buy your dream boat or simply hoping to enjoy a day amongst friends while viewing the latest offerings on the market, those with extensive boat show season experience advise that a little preparation goes a long way toward making boat show adventures fun and productive.

Yvonne Lieblein, general manager at Port of Egypt Marine in Southold, NY, is certainly in that camp, and she should know. After all, Port of Egypt is the oldest Grady White dealer in the world – with a history of participating in boat shows for over 60 years.

“From a dealer’s perspective, boat shows are invaluable venues for reconnecting with existing customers and meeting new people,” she explains.

“It’s always our goal to help people find the model that’s right for them, and to show what makes the P.O.E. experience so special. For show attendees, that means it’s all-hands-on-deck as we showcase several models, provide details, and roll out new incentives. My advice to show-goers is to check out the show map and exhibitors list beforehand and consider setting appointments with dealers to maximize your time.”

Whether buying their first vessel or hoping to upgrade, most people have at least a basic idea of a boat that might fit them best, explains Lieblein. That might be something suited for comfortable day trips, fishing, water sports or vacation voyages. In any case, these shows let you see and compare several top prospects in one place, get pressing questions answered by sales staff, and narrow down your prospects list.

“Keep in mind also that some dealers offer a no-commitment finance prequalification process that doesn’t impact credit scores,” adds Lieblein. “That provides a chance to get an idea of what price range to dream within.”

Kevin Falvey, editor-in-chief at BOATING MAGAZINE, agrees that making a list is a good starting point.

“I go to a lot of boat shows looking to create content for both our digital media and print publication,” he says. “Because there is so much to see, I make a list of what I think will be most interesting to our audience. The point is to focus my time on the most important stuff first. It’s more efficient than simply strolling through the aisles and along the dock.”

Falvey generally attends the Fort Lauderdale, New York, Miami and Palm Beach boat shows each year. One of Boating’s main goals, he says, is to help people have more confidence when they shop for a boat.

“Boat shows provide a great opportunity to compare models on your short list,” confirms Falvey.

“If you are thinking about buying a Boston Whaler, for example, make a list of comparable Grady White and Scout boats and get aboard all three on the same day while your impressions are fresh. Maybe you’ll like a model with more room at the helm, extra headroom above the berths, or a deeper cockpit. All three of these choices are great boats, but any one of them might be best for you.”

Given a choice, Falvey prefers shows with sea trial demos. “You’ll likely ride with other perspective drivers, so don’t expect to get the salesman all to yourself,” he points out. “Still, you’ll get a sense of how the boat performs with the power installed. You’ll feel how those engines perform with a crowd aboard, which may parallel how you’ll use your boat for family fun or when it’s loaded up with coolers of ice and the catch of the day. That short ride might convince you that a bigger power package would be better – or that you don’t require quite as much power and expense as you thought.”

A boat’s scuppers are another point you’ll want to check at the shows. They should allow the boat to drain at rest. “The boat won’t sink if the scuppers are above the water line,” notes Falvey. “At the water line is sufficient, above the water line is the best. Check for ease of boarding, also.”

Steve Davis, editor in chief at SOUTHERN BOATING MAGAZINE, favors in-water/indoor combo events because they offer the best of both worlds.

“I like sea trials,” he says, “but indoors you see the entire boat so you’ll immediately notice the hull design, trim tabs, and how the motors sit at the stern.”

Like Lieblein and Falvey, Davis, who annually attends the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and Miami Boat show, among others, believes attendees get a lot out of seminars given by experts in their fields. He’s also in agreement that making a list of what you want to see at the show is a solid starting point. “I’m viewing all of this in terms of what I think is important for our readers and viewers, but that philosophy should work for anyone interested in buying a boat as well. Having a list keeps you on course.”

So, let the show season begin. Just remember that at many of them you can drop by the Sea Tow booth to ask questions, join-up, renew your membership or simply say “Hello!” We’re looking forward to seeing you there.

A Sampling Of Major East/Gulf Coast Boat Shows Scheduled As Of (Publication Date):

• Annapolis US Powerboat Show, October 3-6
• Tobay Beach In-Water Boat Show, October 4-6
• Annapolis Sailboat Show, October 10-14
• Wilmington Boat Show, October 11-13
• Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 30-November 3
• New England Boat Show, January 8-12
• New York Boat Show, January 22–26
• Hartford Boat Show, January 16-19, 2025
• Miami International Boat Show, February 12-16
• Atlantic City Boat Show, February 26-March 2
• Long Island Boat Show, March 7-9
• Palm Beach International Boat Show, March 19-23
• Suncoast Boat Show, April 25-27