Seattle Boat Show features 1,000 watercraft of all sizes
There will be some 1,000 boats and yachts on display when the Seattle Boat Show opens Friday in in two locations. This year’s show also will include more than 430 exhibitors, 200 free seminars and advanced training classes for a fee.
As always, watercraft of all shapes and sizes will take center stage for the show.
Among them will be the Norseman 390 SUV, making its North American debut. The boat features a plumb bow design, a queen master stateroom amidship and a large entertaining area forward.
The Element F18 from Bayliner will be on display. The versatile center console boat is an affordable family fishing boat. Fishermen looking for something bigger will want to check out the 270 Walkaround from Striper.
Xtaero Boats, built in Tacoma, will be on display for the first time at the boat show. The company’s 24-foot Bodega is designed to fish the waters of the Pacific Northwest.
Seminars: There will be more than 200 free seminars at this year’s show, covering all sorts of boating and fishing topics. On the schedule are Pam Wall talking about sailing around the world with your family, Clyde McBrayer with tips on catching Dungeness crab, John Keizer talking about fishing for salmon off the coast and in Puget Sound, Byrce Molenkamp talking about fishing from a kayak, Wendy Hinman on cruising on a budget, Andy Turpin talking about destinations such as Baja and the South Pacific, and Ryan and Kris Shelborne talking about your onboard first aid kit.
In addition, Boat Show University offers advanced classes on boating, equipment and safety. These classes are $39 for a three-hour session, or $139 for four classes. See the website for class details and registration information.
Special events: Throughout the show, there will be special promotions and events, starting with Uncorked. From 5-9 p.m. opening night, visitors can taste award-winning Washington wines while walking through the show.
During Chowder Chomp Saturday and Jan. 31, six of Seattle’s seafood restaurants will battle for the title of Best Boat Show Chowder. Show attendees will be able to try free samples from Chandler’s Crabhouse, Duke’s Chowder House, Flying Fish, Ivar’s, Pike Place Chowder and Seattle Fish Co.
Award-winning street painting artist Melanie Stimmell will be painting a 3-D waterski pyramid at the event center. At the Kids Zone, children can get on the water aboard Aqua Paddler boats, build a wooden toy boat and learn some fundamentals of boating during Plankton Races, Tug o’ War, the Rain Gutter Regatta and more.
People checking out the Lake Union portion of the show, can take a 20-minute guided tour in an all-electric 21-foot enclosed, heated Duffy boat.
From 5-9 p.m. Feb. 5, the show will host Sails & Ales. This is a celebration of craft beers.
Jeffrey P. Mayor: 253-597-8640
If you go
Where: CenturyLink Field Event Center and Chandler’s Cove on South Lake Union.
When: Friday-Feb. 6.
CenturyLink hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays.
South Lake Union hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Tickets: $12 adults, $5 for ages 11-17, free for 10 and younger, $24 for a five-day pass and $8 after 5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. Discounts are available online. Some events, such as Sails and Ales, require a separate ticket.
Information: seattleboatshow.com.
This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 9:25 PM with the headline "Seattle Boat Show features 1,000 watercraft of all sizes."