From Browsing to Cruising
Why boat shows help make the boating lifestyle in the Southeast possible.
By: Kristen Ordonez
To have ambition is to be motivated and to have a desire for success. We often attribute ambition to individuals with big dreams or high expectations, whether it's getting a higher paying job or meeting a short or long term goal. Robert Youens is certainly an ambitious figure. Through trials and tribulations, he has enjoyed nearly every second of whatever adventure he’s taken in order to fulfill his dreams, or satisfy his need to see/do something. I say nearly because every journey has its wrinkles; in 2022 Youens attempted to cross the Northwest Passage, got about 1,000 miles of the Arctic before cracking his Jon Boat, the famous and faithful Ageless Wanderer, and had to stop short for repairs before continuing. Then there was the 2023 journey through the Inside Passage through the Pacific Northwest that went a lot smoother with beautiful glacial vistas and many whale sightings according to Youens.
“I was then planning to just go drink margaritas and hang out in the Bahamas. That was the plan for last year,” Youens says, thinking back to 2025 “and I was getting ready for that, and dang it if I didn’t stumble on this guy named Red Flowers that had set a record for the Great Loop.” Flowers, who drove a 28-foot center console around the Great Loop, completed the challenge in 19 days, 19 hours and 50 minutes, winning himself the fastest time in 2022. “I looked at his time and said ‘I think I can do that in my Jon Boat.’ So heck, let’s crank up that competitive spirit that I’ve had all my life and just go for it.” Youens switched his focus to this new trip goal and started researching, wanting to do things the safe way.
Savannah Boat Show
Why The Southeast?
Boat shows are more than showcases for the latest models. They are a reflection of the boating industry itself and an important place where boaters, buyers, manufacturers, dealers, service providers, and the broader marine community come together. According to statistics gathered by InfoLink, there were nearly 11 million registered boats in circulation in the United States in 2025, along with approximately 8 million boat-owning households, noting just how broad and diverse the boating market is. In fact, for every new boat sold in the United States in 2025, there were more than four pre-owned boat transactions (via InfoLink). That means the boat show experience is not limited to shoppers looking for a brand-new vessel, but is also an opportunity for owners to explore upgrades, compare equipment, meet service providers, and learn how to get more from the boat they already own.
The diversity of the boating market is especially evident across the Southeast. The region is home to a wide range of boating lifestyles, from saltwater fishing and cruising to family watersports and coastal exploration. Nationally, freshwater fishing boats accounted for more than 3.6 million registered vessels in 2025, while saltwater fishing boats represented approximately 1.03 million. Pontoon boats, known for their versatility and broad appeal, numbered around 1.3 million, a 34 percent increase over the past decade. Cruisers added another 538,000 vessels to the mix (InfoLink).
This spectrum of boating enthusiasm is precisely what makes boat shows so valuable. A first-time buyer can step aboard a new boat; a longtime owner can compare the latest electronics; a fishing enthusiast can discover new equipment; and a family considering boat ownership can explore everything from traditional purchasing to alternative access models — all in one place.
Where In the Southeast?
Fortunately, the Southeast offers a boat show for just about every type of boater. From the Carolinas to the Florida Keys, you'll find everything from world-renowned international events to hometown community shows. Florida is home to some of the largest and most attended shows in the country, including the internationally recognized Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach boat shows, while smaller community events like the Island Boat Show in Duck Key offer a more relaxed, local experience. Many of these events have deep roots (the Jacksonville Boat Show celebrated its 78th year this past January) and continue to highlight the best local dealers, marinas, manufacturers, and marine businesses. Some regions, such as Florida's Treasure Coast, even host multiple boat shows each year to keep pace with the area's thriving boating community.
The Carolinas and Georgia offer an equally diverse lineup of boat shows. While coastal shows celebrate offshore fishing, cruising, and sailing, inland events cater to lake boaters, watersports enthusiasts, and classic wooden boat lovers. The inland shows particularly cater to the more niche, lake boating crowds that frequent popular, smaller bodies of water or wooden boat shows and parades like the Lake Lanier Boat Show in Georgia. Wooden boat shows especially shine throughout this area, from the iconic annual Beaufort and Georgetown Wooden Boat Shows that draw upwards of 30 to 60K visitors each year, to much smaller gatherings. Southport and Manteo are prime examples that prove, regardless of a show's size, there's always an opportunity to discover something new and connect with fellow boaters.
Making the Most of Your Boat Show Visit
No matter which show you attend, arriving with a game plan can help you get the most from your experience. Boat shows can be overwhelming in the best possible way, with hundreds of boats, exhibitors, seminars, and demonstrations competing for your attention. A little preparation goes a long way.
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Weekdays typically offer a quieter, more personal experience with exhibitors, while busy weekends provide a lively atmosphere that's ideal for newcomers looking to immerse themselves in the boating lifestyle.
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Boat shows let you explore multiple brands and dealerships in a single visit, saving time compared to traveling to different dealerships over several weekends.
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Especially at regional shows, you'll find docks, lifts, marine electronics, insurance providers, marinas, watersports gear, and other waterfront lifestyle products all under one roof.
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Exhibitors invest significant time and money into boat shows, so they're often eager to make sales and answer questions, even if discounts vary by market. Manufacturer representatives, dealers, and industry professionals are available to provide firsthand information and help you compare models and features.
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Many shows feature boating and fishing seminars, contests, and giveaways, making them educational as well as entertaining.
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While online research is helpful, a knowledgeable dealer at a boat show can help narrow your options and guide you toward the right boat for your needs.
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A boat is a lifestyle purchase, so choose one that excites you as much as it meets your practical needs.
Show Review: The 2026 West Palm Beach Summer Boat Show
By: Laura Unsell
When I heard about the West Palm Beach Summer Boat Show, I knew I had to attend. Produced by Professional Show Management, the show took place this past June at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. Featuring boats up to 40 feet, this show checked all the boxes — free admission, free parking, and, best of all for a South Florida summer, an air-conditioned venue.
The show opened at noon on Friday. I drove down from St. Augustine and arrived around 1:00 p.m. The fairgrounds offered plenty of parking, so it was nice to pull right up, park, and head inside without waiting in long lines or searching for cash. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of people arriving at the same time. It was busy for a Friday afternoon, creating an energetic atmosphere.
WPB Boat show photos by Laura Unsell.
The show filled two exhibition halls. As I entered the Expo Center, I walked through exhibits featuring marine products and services before the space opened into the boat displays. Exhibitors included Lionfish Jewelry & Accessories, Stream2Sea, Culligan Quench, and HitchJack, offering everything from marine-inspired gifts and environmentally friendly products to practical boating solutions.
The boat displays featured a variety of styles, including center consoles, deck boats, pontoon boats, sport cruisers, fishing boats, and more. Whether you are shopping for your first boat or upgrading, there is something for every boating lifestyle at this show.
Among the brands on display were Sailfish Boats, NXBoats, Sea Born, Carolina Skiff, Beneteau, Chris Craft and more. I also had the opportunity to visit dealers including Primo Yachts of Palm Beach, SandnSea Marine, InterMarine, and Legacy Marine. One highlight of this regional show was the opportunity to step aboard the boats, ask questions, compare models, and connect directly with the people who represent the brands.
If you want to experience an enjoyable day surrounded by boats, boating products and services, the West Palm Beach Summer Boat Show is worth a visit. Check out the show website at southflaboatshow.com to start planning your visit for 2027.