54th Annual Detroit Boat Show – Get off the Dock

Boat show offers great deals on boats and boating equipment, entertainment for kids, and education

With the Detroit Boat Show still more than seven weeks away (Feb. 11-19), bulk space at the event is sold out. With more boats and more brands, the Detroit Boat Show continues its growth pattern for a second year in a row.

“Space sales and sponsorships are all trending in the right direction,” said Show Manager John Ropp. “And it is going to be a packed and exciting show this year.

The Detroit Boat Show features hundreds of boats for fishing, skiing, wakeboarding and cruising – also paddle boats, kayaks, paddleboards and inflatables. It is the best place to shop for a boat as it would take weeks to see as many boats at dealerships. Show prices are also extremely competitive and buying a boat in February assures boats will be ready for an early summer launch.

More than 60,000 consumers are expected to attend to see and buy hundreds of new 2012, 2011, and 2010 model boats of all types and sizes. Many dealers say they can attribute up to 50-percent of their annual sales to sales and leads generated at this show. More than 1,500 boats, worth an estimated $50 million, traditionally sell during the Boat Show’s nine-day run, and shortly after to leads generated at the show.

For those not interested in buying a boat, the show also offers exhibits selling boating accessories and services including motors, dockage, water toys, skiing and wakeboarding gear, boating and fishing accessories, electronics, boat gear, nautical gifts, artwork and much more.

Special features also make this event fun for those just looking to get a taste of summer in the middle of Michigan’s winter.

Special features include headliner Jeremy Van Shoonhoven, a 5 time National Champion Bike Trials rider, and a finalist on NBC's hit reality TV Show America's Got Talent!, a series of hands-on interactive exhibits around the show designed to entertain and educate boaters of all ages, a Discover Boating Track, promotions, give-aways and a Free Boater Safety Course.

The 54th annual Detroit Boat Show, held at Cobo Center in Detroit, is known as the premier boating event in the State of Michigan. Admission to the boat show is $12 for adults; children 12 and under are free with an adult.

Special admission days include:
  • Monday, February 13: Senior Day - seniors over 62 receive free admission 
  • Tuesday, February 14: Ladies Day & Valentine’s Day – Ladies get in free 
  • Wednesday, February 15: A Boat Load of Food – Bring in 5 cans of food for Gleaners Food Bank between 3 p.m. & 6 p.m. to get in free 
  • Thursday, February 16: Half price tickets – get your tickets for only $6 between 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Discount tickets and discount hotel accommodations are available at www.detroitboatshow.net. HOURS: Saturdays and Friday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sundays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. Parking is available at Cobo Center and surrounding lots. The Detroit Boat Show is owned and produced by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), the voice of boating in Michigan. Revenue generated from this event is returned back to fund boater’s interests via MBIA’s programs and services.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit www.detroitboatshow.net, or call 1.800.932.2628.

The Detroit Boat Show is sponsored by RAM Trucks, Official Truck of the Detroit Boat Show.