Discover Boating® New England Boat Show®: 15 Reasons to Visit​

Anchors, away! The Discover Boating® New England Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® Insurance, returns to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center sooner this year, on January 10-14, 2024.

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 the 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

If you want 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.

Visit the New England Boat Show Boat Finder

2. Salute Our Heroes 

To show our gratitude for your service, all active and veteran military, first responders, and USCG/USGCA members will receive free admission on Wednesday (1/10). Simply show your military/first responder/USCG & USCGA valid identification card and photo ID at Will Call to receive your complimentary ticket.   

3. Experience Go Fishing Friday

Reel in all the fishing excitement on Friday, January 12th. Enjoy a delectable fish fry, gain insights from expert-led fishing seminars and experience more angling adventures. 

4. Watch Twiggy, the Waterskiing Squirrel

Don't miss the world's most famous watersports-loving rodent. Twiggy will amaze you as she cruises around her custom-made heated pool. Performances are happening Wednesday through Friday at 4 pm and 6 pm; Saturday at noon, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm; and Sunday at noon, 2 pm, and 4 pm.

5. Relax at the Discover Boating Beach Club

Bring on the summer vibes at the Discover Boating Beach Club! Kick back with your crew to enjoy live music, indulge in island-inspired cocktails and mocktails, play beach games, and more. Keep reading to find out about the various events happening at our new Discover Boating Beach Club:

• Join us for the Opening Night VIP Party on Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at Space K44, hosted by the lively Kiss 108 morning DJ, Billy Costa. Gain full access to the show while indulging in a Beer & Wine Bar, an Oyster Bar, and captivating live music. Proceeds will benefit Nantucket Waterkeeper. 
   

• Embark on a culinary journey at the Discover Boating Beach Club on January 13th with two live chef and mixologist demos at 1 PM and 3 PM. Renowned Chef Lambert Givens, famed for appearances on 'Beat Bobby Flay' and as the chef at Hunters Kitchen, joins forces with a talented Boston-based mixologist to create tantalizing samples. Get ready for Boat Apetit-inspired dishes and drinks designed for effortless preparation on a boat. The event will be hosted by Glenn Jones, NBC 10 Boston's Evening Anchor. Don't miss this opportunity to savor the flavors of the sea!

6. 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 to Three Belles Outfitters). On-water test rides will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Demos are happening Wednesday through Friday from 12 pm–7 pm; Saturday from 10 am–7 pm; and Sunday from 10 am–5 pm.

7. 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 to browse.

8. Catch a Saltwater Fishing Seminar 

Are you interested in saltwater fishing but aren't sure where to start? Stop by Space J2 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 fishing, offshore angling, and how to land a trophy tuna.

9. 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. 

10. Explore Conservation Village 

Discover how recreational boating is working to help sustain our planet and waters for future generations. Featured will be Clean Earth Project, an eco-friendly lifestyle brand that works to raise awareness, reduce waste, and create a cleaner lifestyle. All product sales help support their beach and community cleanup initiatives and protect the environment. 

11. 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. 

12. Listen to Live Music

Enjoy live performances from Pete Mann, the East Coast's premier "5-piece band." Enjoy a repertoire spanning ABBA to Zeppelin as Pete captivates you with his best hits.

13. Strike a Pose at The Big Catch

Capture the fun of a day at the show with your family and friends. Pose with this year’s Big Catch, “Tiny Tuna,” a 10-ft. tuna caught off the waters of Nova Scotia that weighed in at 1,000 lbs. Be sure to share and tag #tinytuna.

14. 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.

15. Build a Boat

Last but not least, a trip to the Discover Boating New England Boat Show is only complete with a souvenir! Little skippers will have fun creating a one-of-a-kind toy boat to take back home. Sessions will be held from 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.

Ticket Information

Ready to snag your tickets to the Discover Boating New England Boat Show? General admission (aka those aged 13 and older) costs $18 when purchased online and $20 at the event site, and children (12 and younger) are FREE with a paying adult. You can purchase your tickets online at the link below.

Buy Tickets Here

For more information about the Discover Boating New England Boat Show, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to tag our accounts and use these hashtags for a chance to be featured on our channels: #NEBoatShow #NewEnglandBoatShow #DiscoverBoating. 

Ahoy Mateys! The Discover Boating® Atlantic City Boat Show® (in partnership with Progressive® Insurance) is returning to the Atlantic City Convention Center from Feb. 28 to Mar. 3, 2024. 
As your one-stop shop for boats, boating accessories, and on-the-water adventures, the Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show has something in store for every boater. Not only will there be hundreds of vessels on display, but there will be plenty of interactive boating exhibits the whole family will love. 

Want to learn more about this exciting show? Keep reading to discover all that awaits you in this Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show Guide!

Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show: Top Attractions

There's no denying that boat shows have plenty of exciting exhibits and attractions. To narrow things down, this Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show Guide reveals our top picks: 

1. Browse and Buy the Boats

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time boater or a seasoned pro; boat shows are the ultimate place to buy a vessel of your own. Why? Well, because you’ll find hundreds of boat brands and models side-by-side, it’s easy to compare options and find one that works for you. 

Before heading to the show, we recommend checking out our Boat Buyer’s Guide. This digital resource addresses all your questions from working with boat dealers, to getting a boat loan to how to evaluate a boat’s safety features  and more.  

Want to shop for boats before you head to the show? Visit the Boat Finder to start browsing!

2. Watch Twiggy, the Waterskiing Squirrel

Twiggy, the world-famous waterskiing squirrel, is making her Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show debut! Don't miss live performances from Twiggy, who cruises around her custom heated pool. 

Performances are happening Wednesday–Friday at 4 pm and 6 pm; Saturday at 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm; and Sunday at 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm.

3. Kick Back and Relax at the New Discover Boating Beach Club

Are you counting down the days until summer is here? Us too; that's why we'll be hanging out in the new Discover Boating Beach Club. Stop by Space F28 to hear live music from Pete's One Mann Band, enjoy island-inspired cocktails and mocktails, and play beach games.

4. Explore Fred’s Shed How-To Center (Presented by Progressive® Insurance)

Remember to visit the experts at Fred's Shed How-To Center! They'll share boating tips, tricks, and DIY advice that's useful to every boater. Stop by with your boating questions and maintenance issues; they will gladly help you. 

5. Learn the Art of Casting

Are you interested in improving your fishing skills? Learn the art of casting from the fishing pros at Goose Hummock, a leading Northwest Saltwater Fishing Outfitter. The best part? All pointers will be given atop a 30-foot fishing tank. 

After hearing from the experts, shop the latest in saltwater fishing gear, products, and services. 

6. Listen in On a Fishing Seminar

The Fisherman Magazine will host several fishing seminars that reveal expert tips and tricks. Swing by for insider info covering various fishing topics—from proper rigging for big-game fishing to offshore angling to landing a trophy striper (and everything in between). 

To catch a fishing seminar, check out the full seminar schedule. 

7. Check Out the Classic and Race Boats on Display

Who wouldn't want to step back in time and check out antique boats dating back 72 years? The classic boats on display at the Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show include a restored 1951 wooden Chris Craft Holiday and a 1968 Steven Hydroplane!

8. Bring Your Kids to Build a Boat of Their Own

Little skippers will love creating one-of-a-kind toy boats of their own. The best part? They can bring them home as a show souvenir! The boat building feature will be open from Wednesday to Friday from 3 pm to 7:30 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 7:30 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

9. Take a Photo with 'The Big Catch'

Who doesn't love a photo opp? Head to Space P44 to pose for a photo with the Big Catch, a 10-ft. tuna caught near Novia Scotia! Also known as "Tiny Tuna," this fish weighed a whopping 1,000 pounds! If you snap a photo, be sure to use the hashtag #tinytuna.

Buy Your Tickets Now

Now that you know all about the exciting attractions you can expect at this year's show, it's time to buy tickets! General admission (for those aged 13 and older) costs $18 online and $20 on-site; children (12 and younger) are FREE with a paying adult. You can purchase your tickets online at the link below. 

Buy Tickets Here

The New England Saltwater Fishing Show Returns To Providence!

Presented by The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association, The New England Saltwater Fishing Show is the perfect event for anyone interested in the world of fishing. Enjoy non-stop seminars by experienced captains and local experts, as well as exclusive show specials. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, the RISAA show has something in it for you.

With 300 booths, The New England Saltwater Fishing Show is the largest show of its kind in the northeast. At the RISAA show, you’ll find a huge selection of offerings including tackle, rods, reels, lures, electronics, charter guides, boats, motors, accessories, clothes and more. With many exhibitors offering exclusive Show Specials, be sure to come prepared to save some dollars!

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CAST NET DEMONSTRATIONS

Captain Greg DeMello of Andrea’s Toy Charters will be on hand doing cast net demonstrations.  Learn effective casting methods and tips all weekend!

See our seminar schedule for demonstration times.

EXCLUSIVE! SUNDAY IS FAMILY DAY!

Children 11 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The first 100 kids 11 and younger will receive a Daiwa rod/reel combo!

FISHING SIMULATOR

Grab the rod and hold on, because you’re guaranteed to hook a big one at our realistic fishing simulator. Watch on a large screen TV as the fish you’ve just hooked jumps and dives while the pull on the line exactly simulates the action of the fish. Fun for anglers of all ages.

CASTING POND

Our 50’ casting pond is an excellent area to try out one of the many new rods and reels on display with manufacturers and retailers, or to learn how to fly cast. Instructors will be available teaching the basics of fly casting geared to novice anglers, regardless of age. Each day will come with seminars by experienced fly casters on varied techniques.

TROUT POND

There’s no limit to the fun! The catch-and-release fishing pond is a great way to introduce youngsters to the fun sport of fishing. Filled with over 500 pounds of trout eager to play. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment when your little angler reels in the “big one”. Free for kids 11 and younger – $5 per visit for ages 12 and over! Rod & bait provided for all.