LIVONIA, Mich. – There’s no need for an expensive vacation to escape the Michigan winter, instead head into the balmy 58th annual Detroit Boat Show, bringing a glimpse of summertime and everything boating to Cobo Center February 13-21.
Showgoers will see dazzling displays of hundreds of boats, featuring new model introductions and the latest technology, to see and purchase, a tiki bar in the center of it all for laughs and libations, and fun promotions that are sure to entertain the entire family.
“The Detroit Boat Show is Michigan’s biggest winter rendezvous, where boaters can meet up and reminisce about great boating experiences and plan for next year’s Pure Michigan boating destination,” said Show Manager Nicki Polan.
Entertaining promotions at the boat show include the Swampmaster alligator show (Feb 13-14); DIY Super Seminar Series (Feb. 20-21); interactive Kidz Zone with crafts, waterwalkerz, face painting and more; meet a real-life mermaid, appearances by everyone’s favorite pirate Jake; sailing simulator; free Boaters Safety Course (Feb. 20); Broadcast Center with local radio station street teams; and contest & giveaways, including a chance to win $15,000 to spend at the show!
NEW – DIY Super Seminar Series (Feb. 20 & 21)
An all-new FREE seminar series goes beyond GPS and maintenance and into the enjoyment of the boating lifestyle. The seminar list continues to grow each day and with limited seating you will want to get there early. Seminars include: Maintaining Your Outboard Engine; How To, and Where To Fish From a Kayak; Tips for Boating in Canada; What You Need to Know About Invasive Species; DIY – Basic Up Keep of Your Boat; Updating your Boat Décor for 2016; Nautical Nibblers – Cooking Afloat; and The mystery of Hydroflight Sports unveiled.
NEW – Kids Zone Features Star Wars replica
Lots of new fun for the kids with a Star Wars starship fighter replica, Captain Chewy, and a BB-8 Droid craft project in the Kids zone. Also everyone’s favorite pirate Jake; the very festive Pirate Village featuring dueling pirates and a live mermaid; a sailing simulator; face painting; and our very popular Selfie Station will round out the fun.
NEW – Reasons to buy a boat
Interest rates remain low, fuel prices are low, and February offers the best pricing of the year. With our El Nino, spring will be here before you know it so boats will be a hot commodity – make sure you don’t get left on the dock. And a reminder, Michigan has a Sales Tax on the Difference law which gives you a huge tax break if you buy a new boat with a trade in. Shopping at the Detroit Boat Show will save you time and money as we bring all the best dealers, marinas, ship stores, and companies under one roof for 9 great days at Cobo Center.
The Secretary of State reports nearly one million boats are registered in Michigan, with an estimate 4 MILLION boaters! It’s no wonder, with more than 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams and 3,126 miles of Great Lakes shoreline that Michigan is the 3rd largest marine market in the country… even as a four season state!
“There may be a couple months left until spring launch, but you want to start your summer as a boater, not a shopper,” said Polan. There’s no better place to shop for a boat than a boat show, with hundreds of boats all under one roof to see and purchase with on-site financing with rates remaining at all-time lows!
The 58th annual Detroit Boat Show is February 13-21 at Cobo Center in Detroit. Admission to the boat show is $12 for adults; children 12 and under are free with an adult, and seniors 65 and older receive free admission on Monday. Discount tickets, other special admission days and hotel accommodations provided by newly renovated Courtyard Detroit Downtown are available at www.detroitboatshow.net
HOURS: Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sundays and Monday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Tuesday through Friday: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. Parking is available at Cobo Center and surrounding lots. The Detroit Boat Show is sponsored by Great Lakes Scuttlebutt, Official Magazine of the Detroit Boat Show and the Courtyard Detroit Downtown, Official Hotel of the Detroit Boat Show. FOR MORE INFORMATION visit www.detroitboatshow.net, or call 1.800.932.2628.