Anchors, away! The Discover Boating® New England Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® Insurance, is returning to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on January 8-12, 2025.
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
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. Additionally, boat shows display many different brands and models under one roof, which is ideal for comparing potential options.
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 (1/8). Simply show your military/first responder/USCG & USCGA valid identification card and photo ID at Will Call to receive your complimentary ticket.
3. 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.
4. Flow While You Float, Courtesy of SUP YO Adventures
Experience zen on the water as our certified instructors guide you through an easy introduction to paddleboard yoga! If that isn’t really your thing? You can always just take the boards out for a quick spin.
On-water demos are available on a first-come, first-serve basis on Wednesday through Friday from noon to 7 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
5. 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.
6. Catch a Saltwater Fishing Seminar
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.
7. 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.
8. Build a Boat
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 to 7:30 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
9. 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 to 7:30 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
10. 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,” for a story about the one that didn’t get away.
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. Appreciate Classic and Wooden Boats
Are you a fan of classic boats? Or simply appreciate nautical history? You’re in luck! This year’s New England Boat Show features a collection of elegant vessels from the past. Attendees will step back in time to admire both the craftsmanship and the beauty of vintage wooden boats dating back 80 years.
Ticket Information
Ready to snag your tickets to the Discover Boating New England Boat Show? General admission (aka those aged 13 and older) costs $20, and children (12 and younger) are FREE with a paying adult. You can purchase your tickets online at the link below.
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