They like to call it the “BIG” Seattle Boat Show and with 1,000 boats of all kinds – both afloat and in a dry land exhibition center – the boast may be tolerable.
Beginning January 24 and continuing through February 2 at two locations – the south end of Seattle’s Lake Union and at three acres of indoor exhibition space at Century Link Field, where the Seahawks play– the show also will feature 260 vendors offering every accessory known to boating and more than 200 seminars on cruising destinations, salmon fishing, shrimping and crabbing, navigation, boating safety and weather.
Several boats new to the market will make their Seattle debut at the show: the Greenline 33, a hybrid built in Slovenia; the 120-foot Kahu (above), an ex-New Zealand navy vessel transformed into a luxurious world cruiser; the Lagoon 39, a sailing catamaran that will turn 8 knots under power; the Minor Offshore 28 Explorer, the 2013 powerboat of the year in Great Britain and rated Category B for offshore use, and the Tattoo 26, an entry level, trailerable sailboat that will speed along at nearly 20 knots under power.
All the well-known brands, both sail and power, will be there, too, either in the water on Lake Union or at the Century Link exhibition area. Some may be in both places.
The seminars are offered at the Century Link site and many are free. A fee is charged for classes offered by the Boat Show University that feature three-hour and all-day seminars. New to Boat Show University will be Steve D’Antonio, technical editor for PassageMaker magazine, a 25-year veteran in the marine industry. See the seminar schedule at www.SeattleBoatShow.com/seminars.
Both venues are well-served by hotels and restaurants. The boat show provides free shuttle bus service between Lake Union and the Century Link event center. Seattle’s central business district and its major hotels, retailers and theaters lies between the two show venues.
For a list of exhibitors and boat brands that will be at the show: www.SeatleBoatShow.com.
