The Annapolis Boat Shows will be celebrating the continued rebound of the boating industry as it welcomes thousands of boaters to the 43rd United States Powerboat Show, running October 16 – 19, 2014. Taking place in City Dock and Harbor, Annapolis, Maryland, it’s one of four boat shows put on annually by Annapolis Boat Shows. Last year the powerboat show closed with its highest attendance figures in five years, and this year promises to be even bigger!
There’s a whole lot new added to this year’s show- including some things you might not expect. In recognition of the improving economy, a Luxury Pavilion has been developed for the discriminating boater and is presented by The Boat Village. This new section, sponsored by duPont REGISTRY, will feature magnificent yachts including Palm Beach, Hunton, Fairline, and Grand Banks as well as high end products from companies like Tesla Motors, Porsche of Annapolis, MarineMax Vacations, The Boat Village, Sotheby’s International Realty, Gibbs Sport Amphibians, and SUN n FUN CRUISING. Exhibitors found that 2013 reflected more genuine interest by buyers than in previous years. They pointed to the combined factors of sales, crowds, solid consumer interest, and a growing number of first-time boat buyers indicating that the powerboat industry is returning after the 2008 recession and years of economic stagnation.
Of course, a show like this is about all kinds of boats. Miles of docks exhibit everything from luxurious motor and ocean-going yachts and trawlers to high-performance powerboats and offshore fishing machines. Boats of every style will be at the show, from eight to 80 feet, including family cruisers, a center console fishing collection, inflatables, paddleboards, ski boats, and trailerable powerboats.
For the first time this year, brokers and manufacturers will be conducting sea trials from inside the boat show at easy to access demonstration docks. Designs and models debuting opening day at the Annapolis Powerboat Show include: 33 Eco-Trawler by Trawlers Midwest; Princess 43 by Princess Yachts; Talaria 43 by Hinkley; True North 38 by True North Yachts; Ocean Yacht 64 by Makaira; and, the 28 foot R280 and the 35 foot R350 by Fluid Watercraft.
This year’s powerboat show will have the latest in navigational equipment and a wide selection of marine equipment, high-tech electronics, boating accessories, clothing & gear, and related services such as boating schools, rentals, insurance firms, lending institutions, and charter companies. Brokerage Cove is a show within a show, overflowing with previously owned boats presented by regional boat brokers and available for immediate sale. Only one block from the main show, electric land shuttles and water taxis will ferry attendees between the two sites.
Opening day on Thursday, October 16 is An ideal day for talking with exhibitors and touring powerboats. This is a special occasion for the serious boater and all attendees are invited to the first annual VIP Preview Party with free hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, and a cash bar on the Pussers Caribbean Grille Upper Deck. They’ll be serving an Annapolis favorite, the rum-based “Painkiller”, on Pussers Painkiller Barge Bar as well. Stick around for daily seminars presented by Chesapeake Bay Magazine and Annapolis School of Seamanship. VIP premium parking packages are available and offer the total Annapolis boat show experience – admission for two, VIP parking at the gate, food, drinks, gifts, coupons, and VIP treatment at the opening night welcome party.
Annapolis Boat Shows, a premier event management company, has produced grand in-water boat shows since 1970. Today, close to 130,000 attendees from around the world come to the Chesapeake Bay region to experience these nautical extravaganzas. Year after year and show after show, Annapolis Boat Shows always puts on quite the event- it’s definitely no coincidence that they run 4 shows a year in the region. Whether you’re looking to browse or just looking to be wowed, you won’t want to miss the 43rd United States Powerboat Show.
43rd United States Powerboat Show
Dates & Times:
VIP Preview Day 10:00am – 6:00pm
October 17, 2014 10:00am – 6:30pm
October 18, 2014 10:00am – 6:30pm
October 19, 2014 10:00am – 5:00pm
General Admission – $18
Two-Day General Admission Ticket – $31
Children $5 (6 and under free)
