Features at a Glance

Meet Johnathan Hillstrand from Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch

Johnathan Hillstrand, co-captain of the Time Bandit fishing vessel featured on Discovery Channel's top-rated reality series Deadliest Catch will meet & greet fans daily.
Appearance schedule: Friday 1–3pm & 5–7pm, Saturday Noon–2pm & 3–5pm and Sunday Noon–2pm.

Be a Diver Pool

Located in Space # B-3

Try scuba in a heated pool! During the past seven years tens of thousands of people have been introduced to scuba diving at a DEMA “Be a Diver Pool”. Now it’s your turn! Anyone age 10 and older can discover the fun and exciting sport of scuba diving in the comfort of a tropically warm pool. It's a great way to try scuba diving and test some of the latest scuba equipment. You can also have a photo of yourself taken underwater as a keepsake of your "diving adventure."

Bring your swimsuit or wetsuit and towel to the show, or use gear available onsite—your choice!

Fred’s Shed—DIY Seminars & Interactive Learning Center

Located in Space # C-38

Watch, learn and do! If you’re a do-it-yourselfer or boat owner interested in learning new techniques for taking care of your boat or motor, head to Fred’s Shed for practical, professional advice. Free daily sessions cover a variety of topics:

• Watch certified marine technician and expert wrench slinger “Fred” demo tools and techniques on actual boat and motor cutaways.
• Learn how to maintain, repair or upgrade your boat or motor.
• Take part in discussions, ask questions and participate in hands-on-clinics.

Together, “The Boating Guy” and certified marine service technician “Fred, The Outboard Doctor,” bring more than 50 years of boating and wrench-slinging experience to the Shed.

Click Here for Seminar Series

Discover Boating puts you At the Helm

Nothing beats hands-on experience when it comes to improving your boating skills and learning new ones. This year’s show features a selection of on-the-water clinics & seminars designed to add more fun and excitement to your boat show experience…and take your boating skills up a notch. There’s something for everyone—from absolute beginners to seasoned skippers! 

60-minute Powerboating Clinics—presented by the Recreational Powerboating Association (RPBA)

Learn through hands on, underway exercises.Taught by RPBA certified instructors who are professional USCG licensed captains. Limited to four persons per boat. Registration fee: $10 per session.

• Fundamentals of Close Quarters Powerboat Handling 
• Advanced Close Quarters Maneuvering for Experienced Boaters 
• Open Water Boat Handling & Seamanship 
• Anchoring & Multi-Vessel Rafting Techniques 

CLICK HERE  for powerboating clinic details, schedule & to register.

NEW! 90-minute Sailing Clinics—presented by the American Sailing Association (ASA)

Learn basic and intermediate skills through hands-on, underway exercises aboard 30' to 40' sailboats. Taught by ASA certified instructors who are professional USCG licensed captains. Registration fee: $25 per session. Limited to 4 persons per boat

• Introduction to Sailing—For beginning sailors
• Coastal Cruising—For more experienced sailors

CLICK HERE for sailing clinic details, schedule and to register.

Advance registration is highly recommended for all clinics. You must be at least 18 years of age and able to work as an active crewmember while underway to participate. Paid show admission required for access to clinics

The Discover Boating Hands-On Learning Center is located just inside the entrance to the Riverwalk and In-Water section of the show.
 

NEW! Take the Helm 3-hour Hands-on Seminars

These 3-hour, underway sessions offer in-depth training and more practice time to deliver more practical, hands-on experience.You must be at least 18 years of age and able to work as an active crewmember while underway to participate. 

3-hour Powerboating Seminars—presented by the RPBA

Advanced registration required. Registration fee: $125 per seminar/per person—includes training materials and boat show admission for the day. 

• Powerboating Made Easy—Ideal for new boaters or those with no formal training. 
• Advanced Docking & Precision Boat Control—for experienced boaters 

CLICK HERE for Powerboating Seminars details, schedule and to register.

3-hour Sailing Seminars—presented by the ASA

Advanced registration required. Registration fee: $125 per seminar/per person—includes boat show admission for the day. Limited to 5 persons per boat. All instruction taken directly from ASA programs.

• Sailing Made Easy—Introductory Program 
• Advanced Sailing Skills—Including Heavy weather tactics 

CLICK HERE for Sailing Seminar details, schedule and to register

Welcome to the Water Center

Get started in boating or learn how to make the most of your time on the water. The Welcome to the Water Center is   your one-stop resource for boating information and advice
•Straightforward answers to all your boating questions
•Expert, unbiased advice on finding a boat that best suits your lifestyle and your budget
•Information you can trust and local resources to help you get started
   
Boating on a Budget
Think owning a boat is out of your reach? Think again! When it comes to enjoyable ways to spend your leisure time, boating is far more affordable than you may realize. Be sure to stop by and check out this special showcase of boats you can own for less than $250 per month.
 
Compare costs of Boating vs. other Leisure Activities
Discover Boating!

Big Boats are Back!

Whether you're in the market for a luxury cruiser, or are just dreaming about the day your ship will come in, your search for the ultimate boat starts here! Our expanded in-water display will showcase over four dozen best-in-class vessels, ranging in size from 36 to 80 feet! See a stunning assortment of large pleasure craft, including luxury yachts, sportfishers, sport cruisers, motor yachts, family cruisers, and more.
The number of people allowed on board select craft may be limited, both to ensure enjoyable viewing and for safety considerations; appointments may be required to board these boats.

See the ALL-NEW Miss GEICO Racing Boat 

The six-time World Champion Miss GEICO Racing Team is proud to introduce the newest and latest Miss GEICO offshore racing boat.

The new Miss GEICO is a 50-ft. Victory catamaran made of carbon/kevlar. At approximately 11,000 pounds, she is almost 1,500 pounds lighter than her predecessor and is equal in length. She has a 12-ft. beam, which is 6-ft. wider than the former boat; the extra width will allow her to ride smoother at faster rates of speed.

Powered by 1075 Mercury racing engines, she currently has a top speed of 170mph. Off-season plans include replacing these engines with a set of 1500 HP piston racing engines which will enable Miss GEICO to reach a top speed in excess of 200 mph!

Watch Video »

Fishing Center Seminars—Sponsored by Allstate

Don't let these get away! Daily sessions offer an informative and entertaining way to improve your fishing knowledge and expand your skills. Click here for the complete seminar schedule.

Bass Assassin’s Giveaway—Saturday Only

Catch Captain Frank Bourgeois' fishing seminar on Satuday and take home a sample of Bass Assassin's latest fishing products. While quantities last.  

Saltwater Assassin by Bass Assassin—a leader in saltwater fishing offering a full line of soft plastics for inshore and offshore fishing. Unique designs with realistic action catch fish in all conditions! BassAssassin.com

Free Power Boat Rides

Experience the fun of boating for yourself. Once you're out on the water we're sure you'll agree that life really is better with a boat!  Stop by the Discover Boating Center (located at the Riverwalk entrance) to sign up for a 30-minute boat ride.
Boat rides are available 1–4 pm daily (weather permitting), courtesy of Bay Area Watersports, Barney's Motorcycle & Marine and Sailtime Tampa Bay.

Why Visit a Boat Show?

Hear what the Boating Guy has to say about why you should visit a boat show. Click here.

New Boat Owner Clinic:

Congratulations! You bought a boat. Now what? This clinic will help you become familiar with boating basics—essential information you need to know before you take the helm. You'll learn about boating safety, pre-departure checks, operation, fueling, maintenance and care, systems check, winterizing and how to make the most of your time on the water.  Be sure to bring your questions — our experts will be will be available for one-on-one consultations at the end of the session.

• Who should attend:  New owners of boats under 30' 
• Time: 8:30 am – 11:00 am, Sunday, September 30th
• Location: Fred’s Shed DIY Learning Center
• Cost:  $45.00 per person—includes one-day admission to the show. Coffee, bagels and pastries provided.  
  Please note: clinic is designed for persons age 16 and older. CLICK HERE to register.