Come One, Come All to the Cleveland Boat Show

When more than 45,000 visitors climb aboard 400-plus power and sailboats in the 2024 Progressive Cleveland Boat Show, presented by Toyota Tundra, they’ll be offered special discount prices and free equipment packages during what’s set to be a 4-day-only special boat sales event while the show is docked in the I-X Center, January 18-21.

“While the boat show is always designed to be a taste of summer fun for all,” explains Michelle Burke, president of the Ohio Marine Trades Association, “behind the glamor and excitement it’s serious business for all our exhibitors. They don’t just come to show off their new boats and accessories. As businesses they need to make sales, especially in the off-season. And, to make that happen, all dealers will be participating in a special sales promotion during this year’s show.”

It’s actually the first time in the show’s 67-year history that every dealer has been called on to feature incentive packages that can include discounts on boats, special bonus accessory packages, reduced interest rates, free maintenance services, dockage and storage specials, and more.

“But there is a catch,” explains Burke: “Each exhibitor will make their promotional deals available only during the 4-day show, essentially assuring buyers that they won’t save more money than now, and their new boat will be ready for spring delivery.”

Meanwhile, for those not ready to buy their new boat, the show is still designed to be a summer experience in January. When visitors take a break from checking out craft from paddleboards to motor yachts, this edition of Ohio’s oldest and largest boating and fishing expo will still be loaded with family features, educational sessions, hands-on activities and musical entertainment.

“Boating is a family experience, and that’s why our show is designed to be experiential,” Burke promises. “From a full slate of expert fishing and boating seminars to paddleboarding or kayak demos on the Paddle Sports Center Pool, it will feel like summer. Add live Lake Erie Shores & Islands musical entertainment to an all-new Kids Zone starring the always popular ‘Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel’ returns with two furry skiers, Twiggy and Twiglet, and it’s a great family day.”

Fish Expo

And for all anglers, the popular Fish Expo Section will boast a fleet of fishing boats and tackle and equipment exhibits. Professional anglers will share tips and tactics daily on the Toyota Tundra Fishing Stage, and even more angling seminars will take place atop the amazing 5000-gallon Berkley Bass Aquarium sponsored by Vic’s Sports Center.

More hands-on features will range from racing sailboats aboard two simulators in the Sailing Section to an expanded “Great Lawn” with family games fronting the Main Show Stage. There, daily musical entertainment by groups like: Slow No Wake, Follow The Sun, and more will perform. And in the Put-in-Bay section, show goers will be sipping the popular Boardwalk’s Lobster Bisque brought in fresh daily.

Equally popular with all attendees are displays of the latest boating accessories, yacht clubs and marinas, nautical clothing and gifts, electronics displays, service exhibits and more. Plus, many top boating organizations will be present, including the America’s Boating Club’s with its hands-on triple-screen Docking Simulator, and the Cleveland Amateur Boatbuilders Society (CABBS) that helps kids build a take-home power or sailboat.

Show hours will be: Thursday & Friday, January 18-19, 12 Noon to 9:00 pm; Saturday, January 20, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday, January 21, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

General Admission (Ages 7 up) $20; $18 advance online tickets. Family 4-Ticket Pack $60. Military & Seniors 60-plus discount $15 at door only; Children 6 & under always free.

For schedules and updates: www.clevelandboatshow.com