Want to become a smarter, stronger cruiser this fall? Join us in Baltimore for Trawlerfest, an immersive event featuring an extensive in-water selection of new and pre-owned cruising powerboats, the latest marine gear and services, and first-class education and demonstrations. Trawlerfest brings together industry professionals, experienced cruisers, and newcomers in an intimate rendezvous atmosphere that encourages hands-on learning, practical advice, and community-building. Presented by Passagemaker magazine, sister publication to Soundings, Trawlerfest is designed for anyone serious about cruising—from weekend coastal explorers to long-range voyagers.
We will have 25+ seminars at Trawlerfest. Topics will include:
- Safety for Cruising Couples — Practical strategies for sharing responsibilities, communicating clearly, and managing emergencies while underway.
- How to Buy a Used Boat — Guidance on survey essentials, red flags to watch for, negotiation tips, and due diligence when purchasing pre-owned vessels.
- The Great Loop — An overview of routes, planning, provisioning, and tips from loopers on how to make the journey safely and enjoyably.
- Navigation & Charts — Best practices for chart plotting, understanding electronic and paper charts, and integrating modern navigation tools.
- Marine Weather Tips — How to interpret forecasts, plan passages around changing conditions, and apply weather information to real-world cruising decisions.
- Cruising Florida — An exploration of seasonal considerations, must-see anchorages, local regulations, and tips for cruising Florida’s waterways.
- Offshore Cruising Preparations — Preparatory checklists and systems-focused advice for transits that venture beyond protected waters.
- On-the-Water Boat Handling Sessions — Practical demonstrations that reinforce docking, close-quarters maneuvering, and seamanship techniques.
- Anchoring — Techniques for selecting reliable anchorages, setting and checking scope, and troubleshooting common anchoring issues.
- Ask the Experts — Town Hall Style — Open-format sessions where attendees can pose questions and learn directly from seasoned professionals and veteran cruisers.
- How to Finance and Insure — Guidance on loan options, insurance considerations for cruising vessels, and how to match coverage to your cruising plans.
- How to Maintain a Cruising Powerboat — Preventative maintenance strategies, seasonal checklists, and hands-on tips to keep systems reliable.
- Navigating your new Trawler purchase: Build, Payment Terms, Taxes, and Tariffs — A comprehensive guide to the buying process, contract considerations, and financial and regulatory elements that affect new trawler ownership.
These seminars are tailored to be informative for a wide range of experience levels. Whether you’re preparing for your first extended cruise, updating your onboard systems, or planning a major purchase, the sessions aim to provide practical, directly applicable advice delivered by knowledgeable instructors. Attendees will also have opportunities to ask questions and interact with presenters during and after each session.
SEMINARS: Tuesday, September 26–Saturday, September 30
Registration and seminar sessions will be held at the Courtyard Marriott, 1000 Aliceanna Street: 1st Floor Rooms A & B. The hotel location offers convenient access to seminar space and quick transfers to the in-water show at Harbor East Marina.
IN-WATER BOAT SHOW: Thursday, September 28–Saturday, September 30
HARBOR EAST MARINA: 40 International Drive, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 625-1700
The in-water display at Harbor East Marina offers a rare opportunity to tour multiple trawlers, inspect layups and system installations, and compare layouts side-by-side. Exhibitors will include manufacturers, brokers, equipment suppliers, and service providers that specialize in cruising powerboats and trawler systems. On-site demonstrations and vendor consultations will help you evaluate products and services relevant to liveaboard and long-distance cruising lifestyles.
General Admission: $15 in advance (valid for one day only)
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM Thursday & Friday; 10 AM – 4 PM Saturday
Attending Trawlerfest is an efficient way to expand your cruising knowledge, evaluate vessels and equipment in person, and network with a community of like-minded boaters. Expect focused seminars, hands-on demonstrations, and the chance to walk through a wide range of trawlers and cruising powerboats. Whether you’re buying, upgrading, or planning your next voyage, Trawlerfest provides resources and connections to help you make informed decisions.
Trawlerfest is an experience you simply won’t want to miss! Get your tickets today!
