Staff Report
The 2014 Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show, the area’s only in-water boat show and official kick-off to fall boating season, sets sail Friday to Sunday, September 5-7 (Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) at the Tampa Convention Center located at 333 South Franklin St. in Tampa.
The Boat Show will showcase the marine industry’s newest boats and accessories, and provide aquatic attractions 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 from the region’s top dealers and cutting edge marine accessories and electronics. This year’s exhibition hall is sold out, featuring over 350 vendors.
According to show manager Larry Berryman, the 49th annual event is a three-day boating extravaganza featuring activities for anyone interested in the boating lifestyle.
“From fishermen to enthusiasts, novice boaters to experienced captains, families to retirees, the Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show has a wide range of activities to entertain and educate people of all ages and experience levels, including on-the-water training, dozens of boating and fishing seminars, live entertainment, a relaxing party barge, and much, much more,” said Berryman.
Attendees can hone their boating skills with one and three-hour power boating workshops through the Discover Boating Hands-On Skills Training series. Boating courses along Tampa Bay cover topics such as Basic Docking and Fundamental Boat Control; Open Water Boat Handling & Safety; and Anchoring and Multi-Vessel Rafting Techniques.
Attendees can also explore Fred’s Shed DIY Seminars and Interactive Learning Center for free professional advice and hands-on clinics on boat maintenance, repair and upgrade techniques; as well as visit the Fishing Center for seminars covering topics for every angling enthusiast.
Hundreds of new boats from the region’s top dealers will be on display in-water and inside the Tampa Convention Center including gravity-defying water toys like the Seabreacher.
“Florida maintains its position as number one in total sales for powerboats, engines, trailers and accessories. This show… is the show to attend if you’re in the market for a new boat, or the latest nautical toy,” said Berryman.
Tickets are $12 for adults 16-years-old and over. Youth 15-years-old and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Save $2 per ticket when purchased in advance. Visit TampaBoatShow.com.
