Anchors, away! The Discover Boating® New England Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® Insurance, returns to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center February 15–19, 2023.
With hundreds of boats on display and nautical attractions for the whole family, the Discover Boating New England Boat Show has something in store for everyone.
Stay tuned as today’s Discover Boating New England Boat Show Guide reveals what to expect and our must-see attractions.
Discover Boating New England Boat Show Guide
If you’re new to the boat show world, it can be an overwhelming (and mind-boggling) place. That’s why our Discover Boating New England Boat Show Guide is breaking down the attractions worth adding to your boat show to-do list:
1. Buy a Boat
Over 800,000 first-time boaters ventured into the water in the last two years. That means the demand for new boats and accessories has never been higher! And if you’re looking to purchase a boat of your own, a boat show is the best place to do it.
Boat shows feature a wide variety of nautical exhibits that make networking with fellow boaters (and boat companies) a breeze. As you’ll quickly discover, those connections are beneficial down the line. In addition, boat shows display many different brands and models under one roof, which is ideal for comparing potential options.
Before heading to the Discover Boating New England Boat Show, we recommend checking out the show’s Boat Finder. This online tool lets you browse the boats featured at this year’s show, and you can pre-determine options that might be right for you.
Check Out Our Boat Finder Tool
2. Salute Our Heroes (on Heroes Day)
To show our gratitude for your service, all active and veteran military, first responders, and USCG/USGCA members will receive free admission on Thursday (2/16). All you need to get in is your military ID (or equivalent) and a photo ID.
3. Stop by Fred’s Shed How-To Center, presented by Progressive® Insurance
What would a boat show be without a space dedicated to answering your water-related queries? Stop by Fred’s Shed How-To Center, presented by Progressive® Insurance, with all your boating and mechanical questions. Our tech experts would be happy to answer them.
4. Learn the Art of Casting
Every fisherman knows that casting truly is an art. Therefore, stop by the Art of Casting Pond for demonstrations and pointers from the experts at Goose Hummock, a leading New England Saltwater Fishing Outfitter. All lessons will be given atop a 30-foot fishing tank, and there will be plenty of saltwater fishing gear and products for you to browse.
5. Catch a Saltwater Fishing Seminar
Are you interested in saltwater fishing but aren’t sure where to start? Stop by Space A75 for saltwater fishing seminars presented by Goose Hummock Shops expert anglers. There will be plenty of insider tips and tricks to improve your catch, as well as sessions on boat set-up, proper rigging for big-game fish, offshore angling, landing a trophy Tuna, and more.
6. Test Your Skills with America’s Boat Club Boating Simulator
Confident in your boating skills? Put them to the test at America’s Boat Club Boating Simulator! Participants will get “hands-on” practice docking, making pivot turns, stopping, and more using a real Mercury-powered throttle and steering wheel.
7. Practice Paddle Sports
Ever wanted to try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP)? Well, now’s your chance! The Discover Boating New England Boat Show will host on-water demos and water test rides of various paddle sports. (Shoutout Three Belles Outfitters.) Demos are happening Wednesday through Friday from 1 pm–7 pm; Saturday from 10 am–7 pm; and Sunday from 10 am–5 pm, and they’re open to anyone aged ten and older.
8. Take Your Kids Boating
What kid doesn’t want to splash around a mini lake in a paddleboat? Your kiddos can have boatloads of fun Wednesday through Friday from 3 pm to 7:30 pm, Saturday from 10 am–7:30 pm, and Sunday from 10 am–5:30 pm.
9. Explore Conservation Village
Stop by Conservation Village to discover how recreational boating helps sustain our planet and waterways. The featured display is the Boston Says No to Plastic Contest, which showcases projects completed by local elementary, middle, and high school students. Each one demonstrates how reducing plastic positively impacts the environment, and the winning school receives a $500 grant to fund its continued environmental efforts.
10. Build a Toy Boat
Last but not least, a trip to the Discover Boating New England Boat Show wouldn’t be complete without a souvenir! Little skippers will have fun creating a one-of-a-kind toy boat to take back home.
Ticket Information
Ready to snag your tickets to the Discover Boating New England Boat Show? General admission (aka those aged 13 and older) costs $20, and children (12 and younger) are FREE with a paying adult. You can purchase your tickets online at the link below.
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