Get a taste of summer at the Detroit Boat Show, Feb. 16-24

Postholiday sales aren’t the only deals to be found during the winter months. Starting in February in Michigan, boat shows take place offering some of the best pricing and incentives of the year — a major draw for the 83 million Americans who take to the water each year. For those ready to plan their summer fun, boat shows are the place to start.

And the biggest and best boat show in Michigan is the 55th annual Detroit Boat Show, which is Feb. 16-24 at Cobo Center in Detroit.

The Detroit Boat Show features hundreds of marine businesses filling two halls of exposition space at Cobo Center. On display will be hundreds of boats with the latest engineering, design, materials and colors for new boats of all types and sizes: sleek yachts, runabouts, personal watercrafts, pontoons, fishing boats, ski and wakeboard boats, inflatables, cabin cruisers, paddleboats and bowriders.

Also featured will be the latest services, accessories, engines, trailers, electronics, fishing gear and more.
Boat dealers and other vendors will offer one-stop-shopping: on-site financing, insurance, slip rental, brokerage, vacation planning, charter trips, maintenance and most all other types of extras needed by boaters.

Featured attractions include special appearances by
Trapper Joe and Trigger Tommy from Swamp People.

Featured attractions include special appearances by Trapper Joe and Trigger Tommy from Swamp People; walk and roll in the Waterwalkerz; a free boater safety course; Quadski Concept Boat; and a fully stocked Tiki bar.

Admission to the Detroit Boat Show is $12 for adults. Children 12 and younger attend free with an adult, and seniors older than 62 receive free admission on Monday. Discount tickets are available at www.detroitboatshow.net.

Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturdays, Monday and Friday; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays; and 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Parking is available at Cobo Center and surrounding lots. The Detroit Boat Show is sponsored by Great Lakes Scuttlebutt, its official magazine. For more information, visit www.detroitboatshow.net or call 1-800-932-2628.

Boat buying tips
Boat shows create a unique shopping experience when hundreds of boats are under one roof to board, browse and buy. However, most people don’t know about the additional perks these events offer. Discover Boating, the national awareness program to help get people on the water, offers the following tips to make those boating dreams a reality:

• Do that nautical homework. Do a little research and have a plan. Spend time on DiscoverBoating.com to research different types of boats that fit your budget and lifestyle with a new boat selector tool or use the loan calculator to estimate monthly payments.
• Warm up with hot deals. Unlike auto shows, boat shows are the place to buy. Hundreds of new-year models are available to buy right at the show often at some of the best prices of the year as exhibitors generally offer special show pricing or other incentives. Plus, it’s the perfect time to order a new boat to ensure it arrives ready to launch in spring.
• Try out the boating lifestyle. Boat shows are a great place for beginners looking to learn not only about the boat-buying process, but also the boating lifestyle. Visit the Discover Boating Center at the Detroit Boat Show for unbiased advice on finding a boat that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
• Get your feet wet. Boat shows bring the great outdoors indoors, creating an environment to enjoy the sights and sounds of summer. With affordable admission prices, anyone can take advantage of an array of activities (often at no additional cost) including: concept boats, special promotions, antique boats, giveaways and more. Plus, it’s a great place to meet other boaters as many make their local boat show a winter rendezvous.

Winter boat shows are an easy way to learn how to get on the water, plus a chance to enjoy a taste of summer during the coldest months of the year. Start planning your visit today at DetroitBoatShow.net.