The 2017 Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show, the area’s only in-water boat show returns Oct. 13-15 to showcase the marine industry’s newest boats and accessories and provide aquatic activities for all ages. Visitors to the Bay Area’s largest boat show can view, board and enjoy one-of-a-kind deals on hundreds of boats, including fishing boats, sailboats and premier yachts from the region’s top dealers.
“The Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show continues to showcase the latest innovations and trends to the Tampa market,” said Kevin Murphy, show manager. “We’re bringing the best of boating to Tampa, with interactive boating simulators, sailboats and mega yachts and more.”
“Visitors to this show will be among the first in the world to see many of these boats. Whether you’re in the market for a luxury cruiser or exploring ways to get on the water, our expanded in-water display will showcase more than 100 best-in-class vessels, ranging in size from 30 to 80 feet.”
The three-day show provides activities for anyone interested in the boating lifestyle, from avid anglers to novice boaters, and families to retirees. A new feature is the Boater Pass, which not only helps attendees collect information on their favorite vessels and exhibitors, but also gives them a chance to win a 2018 Yamaha EX Deluxe Waverunner.
“The boat show has a wide range of activities to entertain and educate people of all ages and experience levels,” said Murphy. “But, for our fishermen, we’ve gone all out. Want to hook a redfish or learn DIY maintenance? You can’t miss this show.”
Attendees can hone their boating skills with on-the-water workshops through the Discover Boating’s Hands-On Skills Training series. Topics range from basic docking and boating safety to open-water boat handling and anchoring. Other educational opportunities include Fred’s Shed DIY Seminars & Interactive Learning Center, where attendees can participate in free hands-on clinics on boat maintenance, repair and upgrade techniques, as well as a full schedule of fishing seminars.
Also new to the 2017 Tampa Boat Show is Family Fun Day on Sunday, Oct. 15. Families can take advantage of a special, online-only Family Admission, which includes tickets for two adults and two children for just $20. The first 50 children to the show on Sunday will receive a free fishing pole. All attendees can participate in free Kids’ Zone activities including face painting, sand art and balloon art.
The Progressive Boat School can also help attendees boost their boating IQ. Top-notch mariners from the Annapolis School of Seamanship will be on deck to provide tips and tricks.
For tickets and details, visit TampaBoatShow.com.