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Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Seattle Boat Show

  1. Date Night for Boat Lovers. NEW for 2026! On the two Friday nights—January 30 & February 6, 5-9pm—the West Hall transforms into Boat Show After Dark: mood lighting, live music, drink stations, and a lively nighttime vibe. Stroll the aisles, sip and savor, and let the local musicians provide the soundtrack as you explore the latest boats and gear.
  2. Summer Energy in February: Vitamin B(oat). Beat the winter blues! Meet up with your boating buddies, plan summer adventures, and soak up some early-season inspiration. Think of it as a vitamin boost for your boating soul.
  3. Better than Google or ChatGPT. At the show you can meet real experts, in person, who have sailed, fished, and lived anything nautical you can imagine. Meet the pros, dealers, and instructors, all in one place. Bring your toughest boating questions and see if you can stump the experts.
  4. Fish Like a Pro. Why buy it at QFC? Take a seminar and learn the secrets to catching salmon, tuna, halibut, or lingcod from some of the best anglers in the region. You’ll never pay retail again—your friends will think you have a secret fishing superpower.
  5. Geek Out. Whether it’s high-tech marine gadgets, sleek accessories, or the latest gear to trick out your boat, the show is heaven for boat enthusiasts who love the details.
  6. Size Does Matter. It’s the West Coast’s largest boat show and the 3rd largest in North America. That means more boats, more gear, more info, and more fun. With over 280 exhibitors and two locations showcasing bigger boats on the water, you’ll be swimming in options. As a bonus, you’ll get your steps in for the day.
  7. Reward Yourself. The person who dies with the most toys wins. Compare more than 800 boats side by side, including 163 brands on display this year, and find the one that makes your heart skip a beat.
  8. Learn From the Best: Knot Your Average Seminars. Sharpen your boating chops with free seminars and Boat Show U courses covering everything from navigation to knots to fishing mastery from the pros who know their way around the water. You’ll leave with the know-how to turn any boating challenge into smooth sailing.
  9. Fun for Everyone including Your Furry First Mate. It’s not just for boat owners. Kids, first-time boaters, and seasoned captains alike will find something to love—interactive displays, games, and plenty of chances to explore the maritime lifestyle. Dogs on Deck on Thursday is for your four-legged first mates. Bring your dog and see why pups love the boat show almost as much as their humans.
  10. Surprise Your Sweetie. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner—why not go big? Order a red boat. Or a blue one. Bonus points if your friends get jealous.

About the Seattle Boat Show

The 79th annual Seattle Boat Show is the largest show on the West Coast and the third largest in North America. The show takes place Friday, January 30 – Saturday, February 7, 2026, indoors at Lumen Field Event Center and on the water at Bell Harbor Marina, with a free shuttle running continuously between both locations. For hours, ticket pricing, exhibitors, seminars, features, and promotions, visit

Learn More & Media Resources

Media Contact:   Lisa Samuelson, Samuelson Communications,  lisa@samuelsoncom.com or 206-954-2574

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