Boaters of all backgrounds and interests will congregate at the Orange County Convention Center this weekend as the Orlando Boat Show floats into Central Florida once again.
Experienced and prospective watercraft enthusiasts can browse a selection of 600 boats from more than 80 manufacturers at the event Sept. 5-7. While a variety of vessels and on-site seminars are dedicated to fishing, the sport only captures one segment of a large industry. Show visitors can browse a wide variety of craft, including bowriders, center consoles, deck boats, flats boats, pontoons and surf boats.
“Participation in boating is still very, very high. All of those folks that took to the water during COVID have really fallen in love with being on the water and found a passion for being there,” said Joe Lewis, president of the Marine Industry Association of Central Florida. “The boat show is a wonderful place where people who are shopping for a boat can see everything in one place at one time.”
Mark Thomason shows Michelle Koreger and Aaron Murphy the features on a 2025 Pioneer Islander boat on display by Boat Max Worldwide. The Orlando Boat Show returns Sept. 5-7. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)
The Orlando Boat Show also features a trout pond for young visitors, critter meet-and-greets from Gatorland and a fishing seminar by Captain Jim Ross. Young visitors ages 5-15 can learn from Captain Don Dingman, who appeared on the TV show “Hook the Future,” and receive a free rod and reel while supplies last.
The Orlando Boat Show can serve as a casual outing for the whole family to explore, but serious boat buyers can take advantage of purchasing perks at the event.
“All of the dealers there are going to be putting their best foot forward with promotions and discounts,” Lewis said. “This particular show offers the buyer the best opportunity to do business. Manufacturers are also offering promotions that help dealers move their inventory.”
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Florida remains America’s leading state in recreational boating with an annual economic footprint of $33.3 billion that sustains more than 100,000 jobs. More than 1 million registered recreational vessels navigate the Sunshine State’s waterways.
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If you go
The Orlando Boat Show runs 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 5-6 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 7 at 9800 International Drive in Orlando. Tickets are $10 per person; children ages 12 and younger enter for free. Convention center parking is $21.65 by credit card only. For more information and tickets, visit orlandoboatshow.com.
