The region’s only in-water boat show offers something for everyone, 400 of the latest boats for every budget and pastime, on-water education, family fun & much more!
The 2018 Progressive® Insurance Tampa Boat Show is anchoring at the Tampa Convention Center, Sep. 7-9, bringing the best in boating to downtown Tampa for three days. Tickets are on sale now at TampaBoatShow.com.
With something for every budget and level of interest, the Show will feature more than 400 new boats, hundreds of marine accessories and a variety of activities for everyone, from experienced anglers to junior captains and novices. With Progressive’s oculus rift virtual reality boating experience and fun, hands-on activities in the Kids’ Zone to DIY maintenance tips and fishing seminars, there’s aquatic adventures awaiting all ages.
Now in its 53rd year, the Tampa Boat Show has teamed up with Ladies! Let’s Go Fishing to offer a full day of on-the-water fishing education. BoatUS will also offer on-the-water training with U.S. Coast Guard-certified captains.
REASONS TO VISIT THE 2018 TAMPA BOAT SHOW:
ALL WEEKEND EVENTS
- Tampa’s Only In-Water Boat Show: From fishing skiffs and pontoons to luxury yachts and powerboats, the newest models are making their debut at the lowest prices. This year’s Queen of the Show in a must-see: MarineMax will display the 2018 Ocean Alexander 70 Evolution boasts 4 cabins, 3 heads and an impressive array of creature comforts that only a Made-in-America yacht could offer.
- Boost your Boating IQ:
- New! Progressive® Insurance Boat Club: Progressive has teamed up with the Annapolis School of Seamanship to help patrons master the seas. The event is complete with a virtual reality experience that puts attendees at the helm of a simulated boat race.
- New! On-Water Boat Training from BoatUS: All levels of on-water experience can sign up for boating courses to hone skills or learn new ones with Boat U.S., including a Junior Captain program allowing kids ages 13 through 17 to learn how to operate a boat in a safe controlled environment. Pre-registration required at TampaBoatShow.com
- Check the Forecast: Expanded due to popular demand, experts from NOAA will be leading seminars to help boaters navigate Tampa’s ever-changing weather. From reading electronic tide charts to hurricane preparedness, these are must-attend classes.
- Get Schooled: Guests can learn how to do their own upkeep and make repairs by stopping by Fred’s Shed, an interactive garage that provides hands-on experience fixing motors and more.
- Hook, Line & Sinker: Discover and perfect techniques as professional fishermen show how to cast, catch and much more with the latest rods, reels and flies through live demonstrations at a 40-foot water tank filled with real fish.
THURSDAY (Sep. 6)
- Rub Elbows with the VIPs: Come out Thursday, Sep. 6, for an early preview of the in-water boats along with cocktails, live music and more. Tickets can be purchased online only.
SATURDAY (Sep. 8)
- Bring the Kids: Saturday, September 8 is Family Day at the Show. Families can purchase a 4-pack of tickets for two adults and two children at a special price. Aspiring school-aged sailors can visit the Kids’ Zone all weekend long and look out for a special (yellow) guest throughout the weekend.
SUNDAY (Sep. 9)
- Women Led Events:
- New! Ladies Day, Sep. 9: Join other female fishing enthusiasts and boaters for a full-day of education and networking, complete with a box lunch and complimentary happy hour sponsored by Freedom Boat Club. The event will run noon – 6 p.m., with an optional early-bird cruise from 10 – 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sep. 9. Pre-registration required. Purchase here.
- New! Women Make Waves Presented by BoatUS: Want to learn the basics of powerboating or brush up on your skills? The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation along with Tampa’s Freedom Boat Club will lead ‘Women Making Waves’. This intro-to-boating course covers shifting and steering, basic docking, open-water handling and basic navigation. The Boat US’ Women Make Waves Training will be available to women 21 and older Friday, Sept. 7 and Saturday, Sept. 8 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. or 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m.– 1:30 p.m. Reserve your spot by clicking here.
For more information, visit TampaBoatShow.com and follow the show on Facebook and Instagram. Keep up with us by using #TampaBoatShow across all social channels.
Tampa Boat Show
Sep. 7-9, 2018
- Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Note: In-water area closes at sunset
Tampa Convention Center
333 South Franklin St.
Tampa, FL 33602
TICKET INFORMATION:
- Adults 13 and older: $12
- Youth 12 and under: FREE (when accompanied by a paid adult)
Ticket Specials
$3 off tickets available for all members of the military with proof of valid ID
$20 FUN DAY family pack: for 2 adults and 2 children – Saturday ONLY, online only
$60 Ladies Day – Ladies Let’s Go Fishing: includes admission, box lunch, all activities, seminars and happy hour after the event.
Purchase tickets at TampaBoatShow.com or at the show box office starting 9 a.m. Sept. 7.
CONGRATULATIONS TO JENNIFER ENANDER WHO WON FOUR TICKETS TO THIS EVENT!
