Boat Show Checklist: Preparing for Your Visit to the Seattle Boat Show

Whether you’re looking for a new boat, ready to try your hand at wake foiling, or browsing the latest cutting-edge marine technology, the Seattle Boat Show is one of the best places in the country to find all things boating–along with the best deals of the year! Here are a few ideas to make the most of your boat show experience.

1. Plan ahead

Before attending the Seattle Boat Show, it may be a good idea to familiarize yourself with everything the show has to offer. Mark the dates in your calendar, figure out where you’re going to park, and familiarize yourself with the exhibitors and dealers who will be attending. Check out this comprehensive guide on navigating the Seattle Boat Show.  

2. Prioritize your needs and wants

With nearly 300 exhibitors, the Seattle Boat Show can get overwhelming, so it’s important to come prepared with a list of your top needs and wants. Are you looking for a new boat? If so, what brands do you want to compare? Do you need a new waterski or are you looking to update your fishing setup? 

By coming to the boat show with a list of your top needs and wants, you will be more likely to visit the vendors important to you and ensure more fruitful discussions with salespeople and reps.

3. Choose your days wisely

With over 9 days of educational opportunities, community events, and deals, you have a lot to choose from. Consider what you’d like to get out of your boat show experience. If it’s special events you’re looking for, the weekends may offer more opportunities. For a more quiet experience, come on a weekday. Get more information on special events and educational opportunities!

4. Consider booking in advance

To receive dedicated service from the dealerships you’re interested in, consider booking appointments in advance. This helps ensure that a salesperson will be available to cater to your needs upon arrival. Check out this list of exhibitors, their phone numbers and where to find them at the boat show.

To book a VIP appointment with the Seattle Boat Company team, fill out the form on their landing page: https://go.seattleboat.com/seattleboatshow. 

5. Plan your meals

Nothing ruins a day more quickly than shopping while hangry. Before you go to the boat show, plan out your day so that you can keep yourself properly fueled. While no outside food and only sealed water bottles are allowed in, you can purchase snacks and food within Lumen Field Event Center. Alternatively, you can plan a lunch or dinner break and visit one of the fantastic eateries near the event center. 

Free cup of chowder on weekdays at Anthony's:

If you're visiting the boat show during the week, be sure to stop by Anthony’s Pier 66 & Bell Street Diner for a free cup of clam chowder. The offer is open to ticketed boat show attendees Monday through Friday from 12:00 - 3:00 pm. 

Other food options near Seattle Boat Show include:

• Fresh seafood from the SEA Crab House
• Delicious soup dumplings and other dim sum dishes from Dough Zone 
• Local beers and mini golf at Flatstick Pub
• Caribbean sandwiches from Paseo

Explore all food and drink options.

6. Choose comfortable clothes and footwear

Comfort should be a top priority while you’re at boat show. Most dealers will ask you to remove your shoes before boarding boats, so wear something that’s comfortable for walking but that you can slip on and off easily. You may also want layers so that you don’t ever get too hot or too cold.  

7. Arrive early

Get a head start on the crowd by arriving at the boat show early, especially when fun events are planned. 

8. Have fun

Most importantly, have fun! The boat show can be exciting for the whole family. Check out this article for a few family-fun ideas. Make sure you take the time to soak everything in, check out all the new boats and gear, and enjoy Seattle’s unique boating culture–all while planning your perfect summer!