As the New England summer winds down, I’m never thrilled about shorter days, cooler weather, and fewer hours on the water in Cappy. Still, I look forward to one reliable silver lining: the chance to plan a boat-show season. Mapping a path through the major East Coast boat shows is one of my favorite off-season pastimes—part logistics, part wish list, and all about discovering the newest boats and marine technology.
At Soundings, we enjoy plotting that route. Our season usually starts in Newport, moves down to Annapolis, and finishes with the big late-season shows around Fort Lauderdale. Those national events deliver scale and spectacle: dozens of manufacturers, hundreds of boats, and the latest navigation, propulsion, and electronics systems on display. They’re educational, energizing, and a great way to compare models side by side.
But national events aren’t the whole story. Excellent regional boat shows bring a different, often more intimate experience. They’re easier to navigate, frequently feature boats that suit local conditions, and attract a tight-knit group of boaters from surrounding marinas. One regional show I’m especially excited about is the Connecticut Fall Boat Show, which takes place at Safe Harbor Bruce & Johnsons in Branford, Connecticut.
Presented by Active Interest Media—the parent company of Soundings and its sister publications Angler’s Journal, Passagemaker, Power & Motoryacht, and Sail—the Connecticut Fall Boat Show is entering its second year. Our team is proud to produce a practical, fun event designed for New England boaters. The show packs a lot into a weekend: new and pre-owned powerboats, sailboats suited to coastal conditions, and gear and equipment from reputable manufacturers. It creates a useful environment for learning, comparing, and deciding what suits your cruising grounds and budget.
Last year’s show impressed me with its variety and practical focus—true to the Soundings motto, “real boats for real boaters.” While a few larger yachts were on hand (I recall a Tiara 5200 express and a Sabre 42 sailboat), the selection leaned toward well-built, manageable boats that perform reliably along the Northeast coast. Highlights included a pale green-gel-coated Blackfin 232 dual console, a neat 20-foot Aquasport center console, and a stout 23-foot model from Key West Boats. One crowd favorite was a pre-owned Formula PC27 express cruiser in near-mint condition, right down to its rebuilt 5.7L 300-hp Volvo Penta engine. On the sailboat side, I enjoyed touring a beautifully preserved 1961 Pearson Arendal 37, a classic that showed how well-maintained older boats can remain seaworthy and charming.
What makes regional shows like the Connecticut Fall Boat Show especially valuable is the combination of selection and accessibility. You can inspect boats on the docks at close range, chat with manufacturers and brokers, and get practical advice from fellow boaters and editorial staff who’ve spent time testing and sailing many of the models on display. This setting makes it easier to focus on the boats and systems that are realistic choices for coastal cruising, day boating, fishing, and family use in New England waters.
Expect a relaxed but informative atmosphere—great for hands-on comparisons, asking detailed questions about engines, hull design, and marina fit, and even spotting well-kept pre-owned vessels that represent excellent value. Whether you’re in the market for a compact day boat, a dependable cruiser, or gear to upgrade your current boat, shows like this are a practical step in narrowing options and learning about the latest in marine equipment and technology.
I’ll be on the docks again this year and I hope you’ll stop by to talk boats, share experiences, and see what’s new for the season ahead. For more information about the Connecticut Fall Boat Show, visit ctfallboatshow.com.
Jeanne Craig
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This article was originally published in the September 2023 issue.