March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 44 F

Here comes the Powerboat Show

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Screenshot 2015-10-14 11.52.48Powerboats, 300 of the newest models and more than 60 brokerage boats, will fill Ego Alley and St. Mary’s Cove in historic downtown Annapolis, October 15 – 18, 2015.  The in-water show, now in its 44th year, draws nearly 40,000 attendees and includes a variety of vessels: small ski boats, center consoles, express cruisers, and luxury motor yachts.

On land, hundreds of exhibitors will display all types of boating services and products including boat gear, clothing, accessories, electronics, life rafts, navigational aids, radios, water sport equipment, and fishing gear. There are quality items such as outdoor apparel, shoes, hats, and waterfront lifestyle goods at boat show prices.

“The boats range from 8-foot inflatables to 70-foot blue water cruisers,” said Paul Jacobs, president and general manager of Annapolis Boat Shows. “We have a huge assortment of every boat style imaginable; tug trawlers, downeast and picnic-style boats, weekend cruisers, not to mention a large selection of center consoles, ski boats, and fishing platforms.”

“We think that the powerboat show should be fun and interactive, so we’ve expanded the demonstration dock for new model boats, powerful engines, and stabilization systems designed to eliminate most boat roll,” Jacobs said. “The Ford Motor Company will offer test drives of their 2016 F-150 truck and demo a new trailer-backing technology.”

Dealers and manufacturers will conduct sea trials from inside the show. Among the boats are: 

  • Chaparral 243 VRX jet boat, 
  • Yamaha 242 Limited S and19-foot FSH jet boats, and,
  • Bennington 21 SLX pontoon boat.

Those who like speed can demo Evinrude Outboards: 

  • 22-foot Key West equipped with a 250 Evinrude E-Tec G2; and, 
  • 25-foot Wellcraft with twin 225 Evinrude E-Tec G2’s.

Yamaha Engines promising lots of power will offer demo rides on three boats: 

  • 36-foot Yellowfin with Yamaha triple F300’s and an integrated boat control system called Helm Master,
  • 34-foot Jupiter with Yamaha triple F300’s and Helm Master, and, 
  • 24-foot Yellowfin with a Yamaha single F300. 

Seakeeper, a sophisticated stabilizing product which eliminates or reduces boat roll, will provide sea trials.

Back on land the Ford Motor Company will furnish test drives of their 2016 F-150 truck, equipped with new trailer-backing technology designed to simplify things like backing down boat ramps and backing into parking spaces.

Annapolis School of Seamanship and Chesapeake Bay Magazine will present free seminars. Topics include how to obtain a captain’s license, diesel basics, electronic navigation, docking, and more.

A grand prize winner will enjoy a seven-day, six-night luxury bareboat charter aboard a MarineMax Power Catamaran in the British Virgin Islands. 

“Annapolis in the fall is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with many historic sites, cobblestones, crab cakes, famous Painkillers, great restaurants, and fantastic water views. It is a great place to visit,” Jacobs added.

What: 44th United States Powerboat Show.

When: Thursday, October 15, (VIP Preview Day) 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday, October 16 & Saturday, October 17, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm; and Sunday, October 18, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Where: Annapolis City Dock and Harbor, and St. Mary’s Cove. GPS: 1 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Admission: $18 for adults; $5 for children ages 7-12; free for children 6 and younger. VIP Preview Day, October 15th only, $35 for all ages. Two-day packages are available. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gates. Show a barcode on your smartphone or tablet–no paper ticket necessary.

Parking: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium off Taylor Avenue $10. Free school bus shuttles run continuously to and from the show from 9 a.m. to one hour after the show closes each day.

Eastport Elementary School, across the Spa Creek Bridge, an easy walk to the show, offers parking for $20, supporting student education and enrichment, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

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