The Hartford Boat Show, powered by Evinrude, will open Thursday and run through Sunday at the Connecticut Convention Center.
Produced by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association, the show will feature more than 150 exhibitors and 250 boats and watercraft. The 48th annual event will cover the entire convention center.
Products to be exhibited include boats of all kinds and sizes, jet skis, personal watercraft, paddle sports, kayaks, marinas, motors, slip rentals, servicing, fishing gear and tackle, educational programs and materials, insurance, trailers, electronics, sanitation, air conditioning, real estate, attire, nautical home decor, decking, dock building, winter storage and financing.
“With the football season behind us, many boaters are now starting to prepare for warmer weather, getting their boats in the water, making upgrades and purchases and planning trips,” CMTA executive director Kathleen Burns said in a statement.
More than 25 new exhibitors have joined the show, including the first and only New England boat show appearances for Spirit of Britany; 727 Sailbag; Oxford Handbags; Ugo Wear; and Cedar Island Research Center.
Other new exhibitors include Marine Tracker at Bass Pro; Rex Marine Center; Dennison Yachting; Snag-A-Slip; and Prestige Yacht Sales. Many new exhibitors represent the “lifestyle” or “soft goods” product category in the boating industry.
“This year’s show really has something for every type of boater in Connecticut, from those who fish in our rivers or enjoy skiing on our lakes to those who cruise or sail [Long Island Sound], and even those who want to charter a boat,” Burns said.
“And with the expansion of our lifestyle section on the upper level, even non-boaters will find a variety of nautically inspired products to get them thinking about warmer water activities.”
Evinrude/BRP is the official sponsor of the show; the Connecticut Buick GMC Dealers are the official vehicle; and Helly Hansen is the official apparel supporter.
