“This is the perfect time and the perfect place to take care of your boating needs and secure a great deal on the boat of your dreams.”
Those are the words of Melissa Danko, executive director of the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, in radio and television interviews about tomorrow’s opening of the Jersey Shore Boat Sale & Expo.
“There is no other show like this one,” she says. “It’s not only affordable, but very easy to get to and board hundreds of boats of every size, shape, design and power to fit every different boating lifestyle. If you love boating, love the water, and love saving a lot money, this is not to be missed.”
There’s little question that Danko is preaching the exact message for these times. It is the area’s biggest fall push for her dealers to move inventory, and there’s no shortage of that right now.
In addition to promoting great prices, Danko has built in events and attractions to ensure good crowds. A “Boater’s Marketplace” will boast displays of accessories, supplies and services. Moreover, little skippers will be able to participate in an “I Spy Scavenger Hunt,” spotting boating items around the show. Kids that complete the hunt can enter to win fishing- and boating-related prizes. New Jersey Sea Grant will spot live turtles around the show for the little skippers to find and identify.
The show is staged at the home of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws (Philadelphia Phillies minor league baseball team), and the stadium will boast a Kids Cove with happenings that include face painting, a chance to run the bases, and the BlueClaws bounce house. Plus, the BlueClaws mascot, Buster, will be on hand for photo ops.
Overall, more than 20 dealers will represent 70 brands with more than 300 boats on display, including many 2025 models. In addition, the show includes a preowned-boat section where dealers can present select late models.
The show runs through Sunday at Shore Town Ballpark in Lakewood, and parking is free.
And Danko is stressing the importance of the fall shows, given the slow turns of dealer inventory. If there is a fall show near you, be a part of it.
