{"id":205660,"date":"2026-03-25T16:23:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T16:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/205660\/"},"modified":"2026-03-25T16:23:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T16:23:07","slug":"orlando-boat-show-floats-into-central-florida-with-600-boats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/205660\/","title":{"rendered":"Orlando Boat Show floats into Central Florida with 600 boats"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aspiring and experienced boaters alike will congregate at the Orange County Convention Center<\/a> this weekend as the Orlando Boat Show<\/a>\u00a0floats into Central Florida once again.<\/p>\n

Watercraft enthusiasts of all backgrounds can browse a selection of 600 boats from 90 manufacturers at the event March 27-29. While a variety of vessels and on-site seminars are dedicated to fishing, the sport only captures one segment of a large industry. Show visitors can browse a wide variety of craft, including bowriders, center consoles, deck boats, flats boats, pontoons and surf boats.<\/p>\n

\u201cCentral Florida is dominated with water from lakes and rivers. We\u2019re 45 minutes to an hour to the coast. Boating is a huge part of the Central Florida lifestyle,\u201d said Jeff Husby, president of Marine Industry Association of Central Florida<\/a>. \u201cThis is by far the largest show in Central Florida, and our show space keeps growing from year to year, so there are more dealers coming into the show and more variety for the consumer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MarkMark Thomason shows Michelle Koreger and Aaron Murphy the features on a 2025 Pioneer Islander boat on display by Boat Max Worldwide. (Rich Pope\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

The Orlando Boat Show also features a trout pond for young visitors, performances from Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel<\/a>, a pirate magician and mermaid stilt walkers. Visitors can learn about fishing during seminars from Capt. Jim Ross<\/a>, a full-time guide who will give away a half-day fishing experience at each of his talks. Live music is also a part of the the show for the first time.<\/p>\n

The Orlando Boat Show can serve as a casual outing for the whole family to explore, but serious boat buyers can take advantage of purchasing perks at the event.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has shifted to much more of a buyer\u2019s market right now,\u201d Husby said. \u201cThere are really strong manufacturer incentives and rebates that are really great deals for the consumer right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association<\/a>, Florida remains America\u2019s leading state in recreational boating with an annual economic footprint of $31.3 billion that sustains more than 100,000 jobs. More than 1 million registered recreational vessels navigate the Sunshine State\u2019s waterways.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoating is a great way to create family traditions and memories on the water with people that you enjoy spending time with,\u201d Husby said. \u201cIt\u2019s a perfect thing to do in the spring, summer and fall, actually year-round in Central Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n

Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or send me an email:\u00a0pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you go<\/p>\n

The Orlando Boat Show is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. March 27-28 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 29 at 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 on site. For more information and tickets, visit orlandoboatshow.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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