Where to See the Latest Boats and Marine Technology This Season

Boat builders continue to introduce fresh designs, advanced systems and smarter materials, and the boat-show circuit is where many of those innovations make their public debut. Whether you’re shopping for a new boat, researching the latest propulsion and electronics, or simply enjoying the craftsmanship and lifestyle displays, attending a show offers the chance to compare models side by side, talk with manufacturers and dealers, and see technology in person.

This calendar lists the major regional and national boat shows where manufacturers are expected to display new models and demonstrate recent advances in hull design, propulsion options, navigation systems and onboard amenities. Use the links to confirm show hours, ticketing and any special exhibits. Below the schedule you’ll find practical tips for getting the most from a visit—what to look for, how to prioritize your time, and how to plan follow-up visits or sea trials with dealers.

September

Sept. 5-7 — Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show, Tampa, Florida. www.tampaboatshow.com
Sept. 10-14 — Lake Union Boats Afloat Show, Seattle. www.boatsafloatshow.com
Sept. 11-14 — Boating and Outdoor Festival, Harrison Township, Michigan. www.boatingandoutdoorfest.com
Sept. 11-14 — Newport Brokerage Boat Show, Newport, Rhode Island. www.brokerageboatshow.com
Sept. 11-14 — Newport International Boat Show, Newport, Rhode Island. www.newportboatshow.com
Sept. 12-14 — South Florida Fall Boat Show, West Palm Beach, Florida. www.southfloridafallboatshow.com
Sept. 18-21 — Progressive Insurance Norwalk Boat Show, Norwalk, Connecticut. www.boatshownorwalk.com
Sept. 18-21 — Lido Boat Show, Newport Beach, California. www.lidoyachtexpo.com
Sept. 19-21 — Jersey Shore Boat Sale & Expo, Lakewood, New Jersey. www.jerseyboatexpo.com
Sept. 23-28 — Trawler Fest University & Boat Show, Baltimore, Maryland. www.trawlerfest.com
Sept. 27 — Southport Wooden Boat Show, Southport, North Carolina. www.southportwoodenboatshow.com

October

Oct. 9-13 — U.S. Sailboat Show, Annapolis, Maryland. www.usboat.com
Oct. 16-19 — U.S. Powerboat Show, Annapolis, Maryland. www.usboat.com
Oct. 30-Nov. 3 — Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. www.showmanagement.com

November

Nov. 13-16 — Fort Myers Boat Show, Fort Myers, Florida. www.swfmia.com

January

Jan. 9-11 — Stuart Boat Show, Stuart, Florida. www.miatc.com
Jan. 15-18 — Progressive Insurance Atlanta Boat Show, Atlanta, Georgia. www.atlantaboatshow.com
Jan. 15-19 — Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show, Chicago, Illinois. www.chicagoboatshow.com
Jan. 15-18 — Charlotte County Boat Show, Port Charlotte, Florida. www.swfmia.com
Jan. 21-25 — Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show, New York City. www.nyboatshow.com
Jan. 21-25 — Progressive Insurance Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow, Louisville, Kentucky. www.louisvilleboatshow.com
Jan. 22-25 — Progressive Insurance San Francisco Boat Show, San Francisco, California. www.sfboatshow.com
Jan. 22-25 — Progressive Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sport Show, Kansas City, Missouri. www.kansascitysportshow.com
Jan. 22-25 — Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show, Minneapolis, Minnesota. www.minneapolisboatshow.com
Jan. 22-25 — Progressive Insurance Strictly Sail Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. www.strictlysailchicago.com
Jan. 23-25 — Providence Boat Show, Providence, Rhode Island. www.providenceboatshow.com

February

Jan. 29-Feb. 1 — Progressive Insurance Baltimore Boat Show, Baltimore, Maryland. www.baltimoreboatshow.com
Feb. 4-8 — Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show, Atlantic City, New Jersey. www.acboatshow.com
Feb. 5-8 — CMTA Hartford Boat Show, Hartford, Connecticut. www.hartfordboatshow.com
Feb. 12-16 — Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, Miami Beach, Florida. www.miamiboatshow.com
Feb. 12-16 — Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach, Miami Beach, Florida. www.showmanagement.com
Feb. 12-16 — Progressive Insurance Strictly Sail Miami, Miami, Florida. www.strictlysailmiami.com
Feb. 14-22 — Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show, Boston, Massachusetts. www.newenglandboatshow.com
Feb. 19-22 — Progressive Insurance Los Angeles Boat Show, Los Angeles, California. www.losangelesboatshow.com

March

March 4-8 — Progressive Insurance St. Louis Boat & Sportshow, St. Louis, Missouri. www.stlouisboatshow.com
March 5-8 — Bonita Springs Boat Show, Bonita Springs, Florida. www.swfmia.com
March 19-22 — Wharf Yacht & Boat Show, Orange Beach, Alabama. www.wharfboatshow.com
March 25-29 — Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow, Minneapolis, Minnesota. www.northwestsportshow.com
March 26-29 — Palm Beach International Boat Show, Palm Beach, Florida. www.showmanagement.com

How to Get the Most from a Boat Show

Plan ahead: select the shows closest to your interests—sail, power, brokerage or specialty wooden-boat displays—and check each show’s exhibitor list before you go. Arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure time for sea-trial scheduling or dealer conversations. Bring a notebook, take photos, and note model names and dealer contacts so you can compare specifications and pricing after the show.

What to inspect: pay attention to hull construction, layout flow, storage solutions and the ergonomics of helm stations. Evaluate electronics integration, safety gear and access to service items—these affect usability and long-term ownership costs. If fuel efficiency or lower emissions are priorities, ask about alternative propulsion options and real-world performance figures.

Follow up: after you’ve gathered information, request written quotes, full equipment lists and maintenance plans. Schedule test drives or sea trials through dealers at shows or at their local marinas to experience the boat under power and in conditions similar to where you’ll boat most.

See related articles:

– Boat Show Special – More, better, faster

– Boat Show Special – Sail

October 2014 issue