The New England Boat Show

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The 52nd annual New England Boat Show sails back to Boston with a new arrival date, January 12 – 20. As the premier boating event in the Northeast, the 2008 New England Boat Show is expected to be the largest show ever in Boston with nearly $80 million of boats and accessories on display.


One of the most acclaimed boat shows of our time, the New England Boat show is to be held at the new Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

HERITAGE

Each year, boat owners, lovers and dreamers await the arrival of the New England Boat Show, the largest and most prestigious boat show in the Northeast. Typically held in February, this year’s 52nd annual New England Boat Show will set sail for Boston with a new arrival date. This 9-day event will feature more than 1,000 fully-rigged boats and 500 exhibits showcasing the latest powerboats, sail boats, engines and marine electronics and accessories for the 2008 boating season. Daily interactive seminars and demonstrations will help visitors learn about the boating lifestyle and enhance time spent out on the water.

“The New England Boat Show is the oldest, largest and most respected boating marketplace in the Northeast,” said Joe O’Neal, Managing Partner of North American Expositions Company. “Now in our 52nd year, the annual Boat Show has become the premiere event for boat-industry manufacturers and dealers to introduce new products and kick-start sales for the upcoming season. The New England Boat Show not only provides a boost to the boating industry, it also brings to the area an economic impact of over $10 million in gross sales and wages.”

Last year, the Boat Show moved to its new berth at the BCEC on the waterfront. Because of the enormous breadth and height of the palatial hall, the Boat Show now is able to feature twice as many boats as in the past and bigger vessels than ever before.

“With 500,000 square feet of exhibit space and ceiling heights souring to over 90 feet, the New England Boat Show is now among the few boat shows in the world with the ability to display the biggest and the tallest boats indoors,” said O’Neal. “The 2008 show is expected to be the largest show ever in Boston, with nearly $80 million of boats and accessories on display.”

Among the 1,000 vessels on display will be a complete range of power boats to 50 feet, sport fishing boats, ski boats, family cruisers, pontoon boats, and personal water craft. For both the serious and novice sailors alike, there will be sailboats of all types and sizes, from optis and day sailors to fully rigged luxury cruisers, along with a wide variety of services like sail and canvas makers, yacht maintenance, yacht interiors, insurance, and financing. Sailors can also check out the latest in clothing and accessories such as foul weather gear, lifesaving and safety equipment, outer wear and gear for dingy sailing, rigging and rigging services, and sailboat hardware.

In addition, over 350 companies will unveil and demonstrate the latest in nautical products and services, including marine electronics, new quiet economical diesel inboard power, air conditioning and refrigeration, bow thrusters and fighting chairs.


SEMINARS AND DEMONSTRATIONS

Along with many daily features and special events, the New England Boat Show will provide an array of free seminars and interactive demonstrations. All levels of boaters, from novice to serious sailors, will learn the latest information techniques to enhance their experiences on the water.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SHOW

• How to read a nautical chart
• Massachusetts state boating laws
• GPS chart plotters
• Requirements for getting a captains license
• Leave the shore behind

SPONSORS & REGIONAL COMMITMENT

The New England Boat Show is produced by Boston-based North American Expositions Co. and continues to be proudly sponsored and endorsed by the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, Inc., a non-profit entity whose mission is to further the interests of the marine trades and the boating public. Through its diligent work and commitment, the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association assures high standards of professional and ethical conduct by its membership of 1,200 marine-related businesses in Massachusetts, which collectively employs 35,000 men and women and generates over $2 billion in economic activity each year in the Commonwealth.