Whether you're ready to purchase your first boat or you're an avid boater just looking to stay up to date with the latest trends, you might be interested in attending a boat show. But how can you find a boat show near you?
Why Go to a Boat Show
First, why would anyone want to go to a boat show? There are lots of possible motivations for attending, such as:
- See new models. Some people love attending boat shows just so they can see the new models. They like to see what the latest developments in the boating industry are, and how different companies are competing with each other with new technology and new design features. For some, this motivation comes from a desire to always have the latest and greatest in boating. For others, it's pure curiosity and fascination. In any case, it's fun to see the newest stuff, even if you're not interested in buying it.
- Compare different types of boats in real time. Boat shows also allow you to compare different types of boats in real time and with physical inspections. You can compare and contrast different models online, but it's a totally different experience to see them up close. You might discover that the vessel you were lusting after doesn't look so pretty in person, or that one you overlooked is actually more in line with your taste.
- Compare offers and negotiate. Attending a boat show is also a great way to compare different offers and, potentially, negotiate a better deal. You can talk to different dealers who are attending the book show in different areas and pit them against each other, starting a bidding war to see who can give you the best price on the vessel you want.
- Network and make new connections. This is also a great place to network and make new connections in the boating industry. You might get a great hookup with a local dealer who can find you better bargains, or even find a new friend who will head to the water with you.
How to Find a Boat Show
So how do you find a boat show near you?
There are several possible routes to take:
- Search online. The most common way to find a boat show is to search for one online. There are many organizations and companies that do the heavy lifting for you and assemble all the information on upcoming boat shows on their websites. Check out TheYachtMarket’s Boat Show Calendar here.
- Talk to local boat dealers. If you don't want to search online or if you can't find what you're looking for, consider talking to your local boat dealers. Boat dealerships tend to value boat shows very highly and will likely know all the details of upcoming boat shows in and around this area. At the very least, they'll be able to direct you to a different resource who can tell you more about upcoming shows.
- Talk to other boat owners. Skip the dealerships and talk directly to some of the other boat owners in the area. Many of them will know which boat shows are coming up and which ones are better than others. Even those that don't have this information will likely know someone who can help you. In your search, you might even find some people listing their own boats for sale.
- Get involved in social media groups. Get active on social media. Start following major boat brands and your local boat dealerships, and join groups related to boating and buying boats. Once your feed is full of boat-related information, and you're willing to review that information regularly, it will be almost impossible to miss the next upcoming boat show.
Additional Tips for Planning Your Boat Show Visit
If you're planning a book show visit, you should also try the following:
- Start early. Start this process as early as possible. Boat shows aren’t held all year in all places; instead, they tend to be annual events. If you only want to attend a boat show in your hometown, you might have to wait a full year before the next one. That's why it's important to start as early as possible when searching for a boat show to attend.
- Book your travel accommodations in advance. If you're going to go outside your city, make sure you book your accommodations as far in advance as possible. Boat shows don't completely overrun cities, but you could have difficulty getting reservations the closer it gets to the event.
- Be patient. Try to remain patient when searching for a boat show to attend. Depending on the time of year and where you live, it could be months before a show near you begins. In the meantime, you can visit local boat dealerships and see what they have currently.
- Keep an open mind. If you're looking to purchase a new boat, try to keep an open mind. Maybe you'll buy a boat at the boat show, or maybe you’ll buy one online. Maybe you'll get the vessel you've always wanted, or maybe you'll reassess your needs and do something different. The more flexible you are, the better.
If you’re in the market for a new boat, a boat show can be a great place to start your purchasing journey. That said, you should also spend time searching online; there are some amazing deals on boats if you know where to look. At TheYachtMarket, we connect buyers and sellers directly, giving you a wider selection and much better prices than you can find at an average boat show. Browse our listings to get started today!