The Hidden Gem that is the “Boat Show”

As an over-scheduled family that squeezes in as much travel as we do, free weekends or weekend days are few and far between. That said, by mid-winter we’re often “between family trips” due to heavier work travel and sports activities on the weekend. This often gives us a free afternoon day or weekend day that needs filling.

For the past 5 or 6 years this has meant a mid-February visit to the New England Boat Show!

Why the Boat Show?

We don’t own a boat anymore. We had one from 2009 to 2017 and really enjoyed having it, though we have no plans to buy another one. The boating season in New England is just too short given our schedules.

If we don’t have a boat, why are we going?

The simple answer is that the kids LOVE it!

We have two active boys. The thought of climbing on, over, and around these huge machines instantly brings a smile to their faces.

Where else can they pretend to drive such awesome machines? They spend the entire show exploring and noting the different types of boats, comparing the cabins, and dreaming about where everyone would sleep in each one. They are amazed at how much horsepower the different boats have and are naturally drawn to the biggest and most imposing ones.

From my perspective, the boat show is a great deal. Admission to the show was only $15 per adult with kids under 13 getting in for free with an adult. There are lots of kids activities, most of which are sponsored by insurance companies, which the kids also enjoy. The free swag is a great as well!

This is a great way to get their energy out for a few hours at a time and I find their ability to compare and contrast the features/layout/value of the different brands and models to be invaluable as a learning experience. I of course won’t let them in on the secret that they are learning things because what fun is that!?!

With the adult admission there is also a free yearly subscription to a choice of boating related magazines which I enjoy reading, even though we no longer have a boat. I like to dream just in case I win the lottery.

Boat Show Tips

Every boat show is different. Some are bigger than others and we’re lucky the one we went to is fairly large. There are lots of things to see but since we aren’t actually shopping for a boat, we don’t need a plan to focus on certain types of boats. I generally let the kids choose which way to go. It isn’t always the most efficient path, but it certainly gets their energy out.

Most of the booths do not allow you to wear shoes on board the boats so make sure you have shoes that come off easily and you have socks, preferably without holes. That can be a challenge with my boys.

There will be at least one booth giving away bags or backpacks as swag. Those are great for carrying around jackets and/or shoes so grab one of those early.

Make sure you keep an eye on the kids. Most booths don’t like to let kids on the boats alone. When on board, don’t let the kids press all the buttons and flip the switches. Be respectful of any “Do not Touch” signs and in generally make sure they are having fun but behaving within reason. This is not a time to be sitting on a bench concentrating on your phone while the kids run wild.

The shows we’ve been to are usually pretty busy but it’s not often that they are suffocatingly packed. Other shows may be different. In the summer and in warmer climates shows may be held outdoors and may have different dynamics. The weekends are usually the busiest times.

Finally, make sure the kids are having fun and aren’t getting in the way of actual buyers. Guide them towards the quieter booths and encourage them to see what interests them. Just make sure they know you’re not actually intending to buy a boat!

Alternatives?

Boat shows are seasonal and usually once a year type of activities so it’s not something that may line up with when you have availability. Camper and car shows can both have the same type of appeal, if they are available instead. Most of the same rules also apply for watching the kids, being respectful, but having fun exploring. Being able to compare products and analyze what makes the most sense for them, even if theoretical, is a great life skill.

I wouldn’t go out of our way to go to one of these types of shows as a destination, though we’ve turned the boat show into a staycation in the past. We stayed in Boston for a couple nights and included the boat show as an activity during that time.

Upcoming Posts

I haven’t been posting much lately but I’m working on some more content from trips in 2018 (London, Cape Cod, more!) as well as a slew of some upcoming trips this year. I have a backlog of throwback trips (Paris, Disney World, Hawaii, Puta Cana and many more) so stay tuned!