Detroit Boat Show Delivers Splash of Summer

It may be months before boaters can sail the waterways once again, but it's ship ahoy as the53rd Annual Detroit Boat Show drops anchor at Cobo Center.

More than 60,000 consumers are expected to stop in Feb. 12-20 to browse all things nautical, including boats, equipment, accessories, dockage, artwork and gear for fishing, skiing and wakeboarding.

And no wonder, since Michigan has nearly 1 million registered boaters and more than 11,000 inland lakes, according to the Michigan Boating Industries Association. 

“The Detroit Boat Show is a great family event to attend whether you are in the market to buy a boat or if you are just looking for an opportunity to have nine days of fun,” says John Ropp, MBIA president and boat show manager. “We bring hundreds of boats for fishing, skiing, wakeboarding, pontooning and cruising to Cobo for easy comparison shopping and fill the hall with great activities and promotions for those looking for something to do with their family or friends.”

Good pricing at the boat show is vital since the economy has been lackluster for the last few years. MBIA officials have found that boat prices remain competitive and interest rates continue to remain low.

On the viewing end, a number of special features are in the works, including the live shark encounter show, Time Bandit race boat, an appearance from SpongeBob SquarePants, discover boating center, be a diver pool, adopt-a-pet weekends, antique and classic boat displays, hydroplane race boats, kids boating clinic and a free boater safety class.

Whether you go to eye or buy, you'll see the value of all things nautical at the show. “Boating is an activity that offers value far beyond the cost to participate and Michigan continues to be one of the finest boating states in the country,” Ropp says. 

Show hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays and 3 -9 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Admission: $12; children 12 and under are free with an adult; seniors 62 and older receive free admission on Feb. 14. Admission includes a free annual subscription to one of three boating magazines.

Discount tickets and promotion schedules can be found at www.detroitboatshow.net.

Parking is available at Cobo Center and surrounding lots.