Boaters of all backgrounds will wade into the world of watercraft this weekend as the Orlando Boat Show floats into Central Florida.
Aspiring and experienced boaters alike can browse a selection of more than 600 boats from 85 different brands and the region’s top boat dealers at the Orange County Convention Center Aug. 28-30. Show visitors can browse a wide variety of craft, including bowriders, center consoles, deck boats, flats boats, fishing boats, jet boats, pontoons and surf boats.
“You have tons of pristine Central Florida lakes and the St. Johns River, or you could be over in Titusville in less than an hour,” said Jeff Husby, president of the Marine Industry Association of Central Florida. “We see a lot of families who want to be outside doing things together, creating memories and family traditions.”
Designed with the whole family in mind, the show also features mermaid and pirate stilt walkers, a trout pond, a caricature artist and a “Hook The Future” kids fishing clinic with Capt. Don Dingman. Every child age 12 and younger who participates will receive a free fishing rod and reel to take home while supplies last.
Capt. Jim Ross will also share his fishing wisdom and give away a half-day fishing experience on the Indian River valued at $400 during each seminar.
The 2025 Sea Hunt Gamefish on display by Ultimate Marine gets a look over by an attendee to the Orlando Boat Show in 2025. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)
Husby encouraged all members of the family to attend and participate in the boat-buying process.
“It’s important that the family makes these decisions on what kind of boat they want to purchase and how they’re going to use it, the seating arrangements and the colors,” he said. “From a consumer standpoint, it’s a benefit to have so many brands and different styles of boats all in one location to look at. It is your best time to buy a boat to lock down the best deal and to look at all of them under one roof.”
Dealers and manufacturers offer limited-time show pricing and incentives, which may include extended warranties, service packages, waived dockage, upgraded electronics and accessory bundles.
Experienced and prospective watercraft enthusiasts can browse a selection of 600 boats from more than 80 manufacturers at the Orlando Boat Show at the Orange County Convention Center from Aug. 28-30. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Florida remains America’s leading state in recreational boating with an annual economic impact of $31.3 billion and an industry that sustains more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. More than 1.1 million registered recreational vessels navigate the Sunshine State’s waterways.
As dealers look to sell their remaining 2025 and 2026 inventory and make room for 2027 boats, the show represents a great time to take advantage of deals.
The Orlando Boat Show returns to the Orange County Convention Center Aug. 28-30. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)
“We’re excited about having Central Florida’s top dealers all displaying their boats and priced to sell,” Husby said. “When you find a boat that you want, and it’s the right deal, it’s best to pull the trigger at the show.”
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If you go
The Orlando Boat Show is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 28-29 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive in Orlando. Tickets are $10 per person; children ages 12 and younger, veterans and active military enter for free. Convention center parking is $10 on-site. For more information and tickets, visit orlandoboatshow.com.