Local

Around the Sound: Seattle Boat Show

SEATTLE — It’s that time of year again! You may have heard the boat show commercial jingle on TV, and now the show drawing crowds from all over the U.S. is back in the Evergreen State with the opening day on Feb. 3.

“Washington state is really a boaters’ destination. There’s folks in Indianapolis, Detroit, or Albuquerque who wish they could live in the Puget Sound and could go boating all the time,” said President/CEO of Northwest Marine Trade Association, George Harris.

The Northwest Marine Trade Association has put on the show for 76 years and there’s no slowing down. They’re expecting an even larger crowd this year and you don’t have to be an expert boater to enjoy it!

“We have boat show education all nine days, we have boating-efficient seminars, and something called boat show university for a more in-depth look at education,” said Harris.

Sailboats, catamarans, and electric boats, just to name a few…there’s a total of 170 different brands of boats. Some companies are promoting their newest models that are making their debut at the show.

“This is one place that has all the boats in the Northwest. One place at one time, so you can come here one day, or two days, or three days and see all the boats, and it’s also the time of year when the manufacturers or dealers have the most choice, the most selection,” said Harris.

The Boat Show is split up between the Lumen Field Event Center and Bell Harbor Marina. There is also a shuttle bus that goes back and forth between the two, every day. Kids 17 and under are free, there is an aqua zone for them to enjoy while you walk around, and there is even a special day dedicated to your four-legged friends!

You can visit their website Seattleboatshow.com for a list of events and tickets.