2015 Q1 Boat Shows are coming!
Learn, Shop-and-Compare + Fun for the Whole Family

Article by Staff Writers of BoatFriendly.com,
Dec.26, 2014

The American dream is boating the open waters, whether it be by sail, outboard, inboard or jet motor, these boat shows have it all in store! The United States has been blessed with an abundance of water bodies – with almost 22 states near the Atlantic/Pacific Ocean or Gulf of Mexico, another 8 around Great Lakes, the rest are also happy to enjoy water fun on rivers, bays, intracoastal canals, and lakes.

All of these waters are managed by the US Coast Guard, whose official website lists out all the information about the boats, boating guidelines and the other vessels you need to know, as each state in USA have different boating laws. State agencies present in these states also provide courses for amateurs to ensure safe boating. A boating course and a thorough reading up on the laws and guidelines is recommended for all first timers.

What Is a Boat Show?
A boat show is an exhibition or a trade fair for displaying the latest boats, vintage and out of collection classics, debut boats and/or concept vessels. Whether you’re buying, browsing or learning, a boat show is a great place to start. Boat shows give you a chance to see ‘in person’ what’s new and keep current on the latest trends. It is an advertising exercise for the marine manufacturers and also one of the most efficient ways to build awareness to both the buying public, and the media. These shows are attended by all walks of life, from boating families, fishermen, yachtsmen, marine manufacturers, wagter skiers, boat dealers and all types of boating enthusiasts. Boat shows mostly are a large social event and expo, attracting a lot of people and is generally held for a week either on land or water.

Popular Boat Shows In the 2015 1st Quarter months of January to March
There are over a dozen boat shows that are held during the spring and summer. Here are some of the popular ones:

1. Texas Boat Shows
Texas is a favorite boating destination as it has year round boating and other water activities. It also has some very popular boat shows too to keep the marine manufacturer and enthusiasts busy during months when boating is less due to the climatic condition. The following are some of the popular boat shows that are held in Texas:

(a) Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show – Jan.2-11, 2015 | Houston, TX www.HoustonBoatShows.com
The Houston International Boat, Sport and Travel show manages to attract 150000 people every year. This boat show is usually held for 10 days with the newest and most attractive boats, boating accessories and other sports and travel paraphernalia.

(b) Austin Boat Show – Jan.8-11, 2015 | Austin, TX www.AustinBoatShow.com
This boat show is held at the Austin Convention Centre. This show mostly overlaps with the last weekend of the Houston Boat show. This schedule attracts more visitors and also gives the visitors to witness two boat shows. The Austin boat show is conducted for 3-4 days.

(c) The Dallas Boat Show – Jan. 31 – Feb.8, 2015 | Dallas, TX
www.DallasBoatExpo.com
The Dallas boat show is usually the first boat show in February and is attended widely by visitors from all over the world. It showcases an array of tempting vessels, boating accessories, personal watercraft and even conducts seminars about boating.

2. Atlanta Boat Show – Jan.15 – 18, 2015 | Atlanta, GA www.AtlantaBoatShow.com
The Atlanta Boat Show can be considered as a classic boat show as it has been acting as a catalyst for marine and boating hobbyists for over 50 years. It is conducted in the month of January every year. The Atlanta boat show is a popular southeast event that showcases every vessel from sports cruiser, fishing boats, house boats, personal water boats and many more.

3. The Mid America Boat Show – Jan.15-19, 2015 | Cleveland, OH www.ClevelandBoatShow.com
This is one of America’s top 15 boat shows and is held in Ohio. It is also one of the largest boat shows with an exhibition of all kinds of boats and other related products and services spread over one million square feet, Apart from the latest and vintage boats, the show also hosts presentation and talks by experts in the field. Such seminars and talks are widely attended by the novices and pro alike.

4. The Baltimore Boat Show – Jan.26-Feb.1, 2015 | Baltimore, MD www.BaltimoreBoatShow.com
The Baltimore Boat Show is held over 4 days annually and is attracts many marine enthusiasts with its wide display of yachts, sea vessels and other marine paraphernalia. This boat show often invites a celebrity from the marine world to grace the occasion and also arranges learning centers for the novices.

5. Miami International Boat Show – Feb. 12-16, 2015 | Miami, FL www.MiamiBoatShow.com
This is one of the largest boat shows of the region, so large that it spans over 3 locations each year- Miami Beach Convention Centre,Sea Isle Marina and Miamarina at Bayside Marketplace. It is an annual event held in February usually falling on the President’s Day weekend. There is a magnificent vessel display along with seminars for those looking for some guidance on boating and purchasing of a boat.

6. The Palm Beach International Boat Show –Mar.26-29, 2015 | West Palm Beach, FL
www.Showmanagement.com/palm-beach-international-boat-show-2015/
The Palm Beach International Boat Show is held in Florida and is a popular boat show in the region. Approximately 30 Palm Beach International Boat shows have been held so far and is deemed as one of the top 5 boat shows of the US. It is renowned for showcasing yachts and related goods and services of over $1.2 billion worth. Fishing and boating seminars for both kids and adults are held during this boat show.

7. Annapolis Boat Shows - www.annapolisboatshows.com
Annapolis boat shows is a premier boat shoe company that has been entertaining since the 1970. They attract around 130000 boat enthusiasts from around the word each year. There are two boat shows that are held every spring which are:

(a) Bay Bridge Boat Show – April 17-19, 2015 | Stevensville, MD
The general theme of the Bay Bridge Boat Show is focused on families and is a fun filled family event with lots of activities and games for the families. There is a display of boats and boat parts of all shapes and sizes.

(b) Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show – April 24-26, 2015 | Annapolis, MD
The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show is conducted on the vintage seaport of Annapolis for the sailboat enthusiasts. The upcoming show will exhibit over 80 new and old sailboats along with an array of boat parts and other boating accessories.

Chronological List of All Popular Boat Shows, January – March 2015
(including above-mentioned shows)

Jan.2-11
Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show, www.HoustonBoatShows.com

Jan.8-11
Austin Boat Show, www.AustinBoatShow.com

Jan.15 – 18
Atlanta Boat Show, www.AtlantaBoatShow.com

Jan.15-19
The Mid America Boat Show, www.ClevelandBoatShow.com

Jan. 30 – Feb.1
Orlando Boat Show, www.OrlandoBoatShow.com

Jan. 31 – Feb.8
The Dallas Boat Show, www.DallasBoatExpo.com

Feb. 6-8
Biloxi Boat and RV Show, www.GulfCoastShows.com/Biloxi/

Feb. 12-16
Miami International Boat Show, www.MiamiBoatShow.com

Feb. 21-23
Mississippi Boat and RV Show, www.MSBoatandRVShow.com

Feb. 27-Mar.1
Savannah Boat and Outdoor Show, www.SavannahBoatShow.com

Mar.5-9
Mobile Boat Show, www.GulfCoastShows.com/Mobile/

Mar.13-15
Fred Hall Shows – Long Beach, CA , www.FredHall.com

Mar.19-22
The Wharf Boat Show – Orange Beach, AL , www.WharfBoatShow.com

Mar.26-29
The Palm Beach International Boat Show
www.Showmanagement.com/palm-beach-international-boat-show-2015/

April 17-19
Bay Bridge Boat Show (Annapolis Boat Shows), www.annapolisboatshows.com

April 24-26
Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show (Annapolis Boat Shows),www.annapolisboatshows.com