Walk into Boston’s Menino Convention Center during the recent Discover Boating New England Boat Show and you’d forget it was January. The massive Seaport venue transformed into a boater’s paradise, with over 500 vessels on display and tens of thousands of visitors throughout the multi-day event. Whether you’re ready to buy your first boat or just dreaming about warmer weather, this annual event offers something for everyone who loves being on the water.
- The show featured more than 500 boats on display at the Menino Convention Center in Boston’s Seaport and is New England’s largest boating exposition.
- Attendees could explore a wide variety of boats, from pontoons and runabouts to wake boats and yachts, with visitors welcome to board every single boat.
- The recreational boating industry in Massachusetts generates about $5 billion annually and supports more than 1,000 businesses and more than 17,000 jobs.
A Massive Selection Under One Roof
Held at the Menino Convention Center in Boston’s Seaport, this boat show displayed over 500 boats. You could find everything from compact fishing boats perfect for hitting local lakes to luxury yachts that look like floating mansions. According to Carrie Waible, spokesperson for the show, attendees explored boats from pontoons and runabouts to wake boats and yachts, and visitors were welcome to board every single one.
That hands-on access makes all the difference. You can sit in the captain’s chair, check out the cabin layouts, and really get a feel for how each vessel handles space. Tens of thousands of people attended this year’s show. Some came ready to make a purchase, while others were there to soak in the atmosphere and dream about summer adventures ahead.
Technology That Would Make Your Car Jealous
Gone are the days when boats were simple vessels with a motor and some seats. This year’s event displayed cutting-edge technology, with features such as backup cameras, heated seats, and integrated sound systems now common even in smaller boats. Waible explained that new technologies are taking hold, with features like backup cams, heated seats, and ice cup coolers appearing on 20-something pontoon boats. These aren’t luxury yachts we’re talking about. Even modest pontoons now come equipped with amenities that would have seemed crazy a decade ago.
These tech upgrades make boating more accessible and comfortable for families. Backup cameras help with docking in tight marinas. Heated seats extend the season into chilly spring and fall days. Premium sound systems turn every cruise into a party. If you haven’t looked at boats in a while, you’ll be surprised at how far the industry has come.
Big Business for the Bay State
This boat show delivers real economic impact for Massachusetts. Recreational boating in Massachusetts generates about $5 billion annually and supports more than 1,000 businesses and more than 17,000 jobs. That’s real money flowing through the state economy, from boat dealers and marinas to repair shops and equipment suppliers.
Interestingly, 95% of boats sold in the U.S. are American-made. When Massachusetts residents buy boats, they’re often supporting American manufacturing jobs as well. Thousands of visitors flooding into the Seaport District brought business to Boston hotels, restaurants, and parking facilities during the event.
Waible highlighted the deeper value by stating that boating is an investment in experiencing freedom on the water, noting that anyone who’s been on a boat knows that the minute you leave the dock, you feel the wind in your hair and leave everything behind. That escape from daily stress has real value that goes beyond dollars and cents.
What You Need to Know for Next Year
This year’s event charged $20 for adults while children 12 and under entered free. That’s a reasonable price for access to such a huge selection of boats and marine gear.
The show offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. You don’t need to be a serious buyer to enjoy yourself. Plenty of people show up to browse, chat with dealers about what’s new, and imagine themselves cruising around Boston Harbor or out to Cape Cod next summer. Kids can climb aboard boats and pretend to be captains, making it a fun family outing even if you’re years away from actually buying.
This is your chance to see the latest models from dozens of manufacturers all in one place. You can compare boats side by side, talk to knowledgeable sales staff, and often snag deals that won’t be available later in the season. If you’ve been thinking about getting into boating, January in Boston might seem like an odd time to start. But with spring just a few months away, winter boat shows are actually the perfect time to do your research and make decisions before the busy boating season kicks off.
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