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.
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.
