Reading the Wake of the Boat Show Season
Attendance, new model launches, and buyer enthusiasm reveal what’s shaping boating in 2026.
As those who like to stay up to date on what’s new and different happening in the marine industry, attending boat shows is some of the easiest (and most fun) ways to keep plugged into what’s going on. Our reporting helps keep you aware of what’s to come, but going to shows lets you actually live it. Seeing how these beautiful boats look docked at the marina, as well as how they move through the water; the anticipation in your gut as you step off the dock onto a sleek deck of one of the newest models available, and the excitement knowing this one could be yours. The convenience of buying a boat can be done through a screen, but it’s not the whole picture. These shows are so much more than just a tried and true pastime — they are an industry staple and indicator of what’s in store for the season/year.
The winter boat show season attracts brands, dealers, boaters, and industry professionals from all corners of the country and world to put their best bow forward. As we’ve seen this late 2025 and early 2026, while the state of the economy and fluctuating tariff restrictions have been looming there are plenty of boaters willing to come out and purchase boats, support businesses, and learn from experts. Even after a brutal winter storm that blasted across the Midwest and East Coast impeded traffic in January, dealers at the New York and Minneapolis Boat Shows were finding high attendance.
"Attendance is on par with last year, and we’re seeing a noticeable uptick in first-time buyers entering the market. We’re excited by this momentum and look forward to carrying it through the remainder of the winter show season,” said Aaron Krenzer, Chaparral and Robalo Boats, after the New York show according to NMMA. “Despite headwinds outside of our control, our sales team met with quality buyers this year, resulting in increased boat sales compared to 2025. We think 2026 will be a better year for business,” said John Wooden, River Valley Marine, about the Minneapolis show (NMMA).
Though the Florida boat show season begins earlier than other regional markets, there are a variety of options to find what you’re looking for. Shorter duration shows like the Naples Boat Show in the Marco Island area and Charlotte County Boat Show, give boaters the chance to learn from local marine professionals. Larger/far-reaching shows like the St Petersburg and Miami International Boat Show do the same, but on a grander scale and numbers, giving a bigger taste of what you can get in Florida and around the country.
Charlotte County Boat Show
This year was the 26th Annual Charlotte County Boat Show, which is a dealer-focused, family-friendly event that puts hundreds of boats under one roof at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds Expo Hall. While not an in-water show, it offers an impressive lineup of center consoles, pontoons, skiffs, deck boats, catamarans, and cruising boats, along with a packed expo hall of marine products and services. The were educational safety displays put on by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Power Squadron, as well as the hosts of the event GoBoatingFlorida. Fishing seminars were led by local guides, and food and parking offered to help round out a relaxed, accessible show that caters to everyday boaters and first-time buyers.
Attendance at the 2026 show was steady and with more people than the previous year. Beautiful weather brought everyone out and one of the first shows in 2026 didn’t disappoint as dealers were placing SOLD placards on numerous boats.
Naples Boat Show - Photo courtesy of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB
Held across Sugden Regional Park and the Naples City Dock, The Naples Boat Show is the largest premier recreational show in the Naples-Marco Island area. Owned and managed by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County, the show features displays by marinas, boat dealers and other marine-related businesses. The land-and-water format is part of what makes the Naples Boat Show so valuable: you can browse boats and vendors on land, then head to the dockside displays for the full “on-the-water” experience.
Another part of what defines this show is how Florida marine businesses cater to their customers. With vendors rimming the lake in Sugden Park, there were interested buyers seatrialing the latest model from Craig Cat.
St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show
One of the largest and longest-running boat shows on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show transforms the downtown waterfront into a full-scale boating destination. Attendees can explore innovations in marine tech and accessories, walk aboard luxury sport yachts, and discover new model debuts. France-based Groupe Beneteau, for example, relaunched Delphia Yachts at the 2026 show, showcasing eco-friendly and electric-powered inland cruising vessels.
Expert captains and industry professionals conducted seminars on docking, anchoring and mooring techniques, marine weather, maintenance, navigation and a range of topics for boaters of all knowledge levels. The Annapolis School of Seamanship (ASOS) provided complimentary on-water training courses to attendees, learning key pieces of advice from the U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains.
“Our mission is to help boaters deepen their knowledge, build confidence and get even more enjoyment out of every experience on the water,” Captain John Martino, founder of ASOS, noted. Kiddos got a chance to learn as well from local TV fisherman Captain Don Dingman from Hook the Future, who led a fishing clinic over the show weekend. The Sea Scouts, which teaches kids and teens about being on the water, navigation, leadership, and marine safety, were also at this show.
With temps in the 50s and winds sustained at 20 knots for most of the show period, it didn’t affect attendance. The tent and docks were packed with eager boat and accessory buyers.
As winter boat show season unfolds, it’s clear these events continue to serve as more than just a place to browse boats — they are where the industry tests ideas, gauges buyer confidence, and introduces what’s next. Each show along the Gulf Coast offers insight into how boaters are using their time on the water and what manufacturers are building to meet that demand. These docks tell a story, and the models debuting this season offer a strong preview of what boaters can expect to see making waves throughout the year ahead.
New 2026 Models
Larger shows like St. Peter’s Boat Show and Miami are known for debuting new models for the national market, or never-before-scene tests on the water. Here are some of the newest boats that debuted at the start of the season to keep an eye out for in your area.
Naples
True to its Formula lineage, the Formula 360 Crossover Bowrider 360 boasts an open bow with a single-level, flush cockpit and stand-up cabin, with a generous 11-foot, 3-inch beam and measuring 36 feet in length. Excellent control is assured at the triple helm with sit/stand/lean command seating at the operator-friendly dash, altogether boasting a layout that maximizes space, comfort, and style.
Charlotte County
Cobalt R31 was showcased at the Charlotte County show, an ideal choice for family boating. The R31 is a “just-right” sized day boat that offers style, ample interior room and a full complement of luxury features.
Miami Boat Show
The Highfield Velox Jet RIB family, featuring the new Velox 660 – top of the range at 22’1” – along with the Velox 560 and Velox 420, will be showcased at Highfield Boats’ MIBS display. Powered by BRP’s Rotax engines, the Velox series RIBS combine jet-powered performance with the safety and stability of tubes, providing families with hours of fun and adventure on lakes, inland waterways and coastal waters.
Intrepid Powerboats unveiled its first two all-new models during the exclusive showcase at the 2026 Miami International Boat Show. The debut of the 35 Panacea and 35 Valor introduces a bold new design language, an evolved manufacturing approach, and a forward-looking strategy that signals a new era for Intrepid.
Photos by MarineMax
Positioned at the core of the Galeon Yachts’ Flybridge range, the 520 FLY is designed for owners who value spacious living areas, intelligent layout solutions, and a sophisticated onboard atmosphere. The full-beam master suite features a private entrance and ensuite bathroom, delivering true owner-level privacy. Strong glazing and balanced lines enhance the modern profile while maximizing interior volume and natural light.
Photos by MarineMax