10 - 2021 |

For first-time boating enthusiasts and collectors alike, boat shows in 2021 provide a fun, informative opportunity to get up close and personal with all types of watercraft. You’ll also find a treasure trove of resources to help anyone making purchase decisions about boats, boat parts or boat lifts.

At the larger boat shows, many boat manufacturers will bring a range of their newest boats and accessories, which makes comparison shopping easy. Boat dealers and engine manufacturers often set up displays and stay nearby to answer questions and hold demonstrations. Whether you are in the market to buy a personal watercraft, hoping to elevate your boat’s profile with new accessories, or just want to admire the latest models, boat shows are a great way to see the latest trends in boat design.

Boat shows typically take place between late fall and early spring. Depending on your location, there may be small regional or local boat shows near you that will be convenient to attend. In case you decide you need a bigger boat show, here is a list of six national boat shows in the United States that always draw big crowds and result in the best reviews from boaters like you.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
The Atlanta Boat Show
The Mid-America Boat Show
The Seattle Boat Show
The Miami International Boat Show
The Newport International Boat Show

When you attend your first boat show – especially if you go to a large national or international boat show – you may feel overwhelmed unless you arrive prepared. To help you have the best boat show experience, IMM Quality Boat Lifts has prepared this boat show guide. It highlights several opportunities you won’t want to miss, along with a few to avoid if you want to get a good deal on boats, boat lifts and boating accessories.

What to Enjoy at Upcoming Boat Shows

Try-Before-You-Buy Boating Accessories

Boat shows are jam-packed with tons of bells and whistles. It’s the perfect avenue to see, touch and try a variety of boating accessories and boat lifts before you buy. You can explore boat lift companies you like and get a bird’s eye view of all the products offered across the boating industry, from fuel additives and watersport technology to dock lines and electronics. If your boat show offers a map or itinerary, keep it close at hand as you navigate the venue so that you don’t miss any must-see displays. Just be sure to wear your good shoes and be prepared for plenty of walking!

Educational Demonstrations & Seminars

For those who are new to boating, the sheer level of knowledge and expertise at boat shows can present the perfect opportunity to expand your love of boats. Especially at the larger boat shows, you can enjoy live demonstrations, educational seminars and onsite presentations by boat lift companies, experienced sailors, volunteers, nonprofit organizations and boat dealers. Most are free to attend and cover topics such as how to properly dock a boat, DIY fishing rigs, boating etiquette and more!

Boat Steals & Deals

Because boat shows take place throughout the late fall and early spring, boat dealers are motivated to offer special boat show deals as they prepare for another year’s inventory to arrive. Many vendors and boat lift companies often provide package deals, decreased prices and easy financing options for their products. In terms of timing, boaters who buy a new boat at a boat show during the winter typically find it ready to sail by spring.

What to Avoid at Popular Boat Shows

Busy Boat Show Brokers

Some buyers use boat brokers to locate their next watercraft. These brokers preview potential options from boat companies and offer valuable research to help buyers make the best boat purchase for their needs. What most boat buyers don’t realize is that many brokers take on additional clients during boat show season, which can spread their time and attention thin. When representing too many people, it’s easy for a broker to accidentally confuse the details between clients, conversations with boat manufacturers and even which boats they have already called on. Yikes! If you do go this route, bring photos of the type of boat that you want to keep boat show conversations on track.

The ”Buy-Now” Pressure from Boat Dealers

Attending a boat show in person is ideal for those who are in the market to make a purchase. It’s the perfect opportunity to comparison shop between diverse boat styles. Special promotions sweeten the deal, but the resulting pressure to buy can lead some to make an impulse purchase they later regret. Avoid this common boat show mistake by arriving fully prepared.

When you arrive at a boat show, you’ll have a hundred options and plenty of boat companies and discounts trying to sway your purchase decision. So, before you arrive at the boat show, take the time to think about exactly what you need. Make sure you know your budget well in advance. Dig into manufacturers’ websites to understand specifications and details to arrive at the boat show, armed with questions. Ask about warranties, accessories, servicing options and more. Finally, remember that it’s OK to walk away and shop another day.

Transportation & Storage Problems

Let’s say you arrive at the boat show prepared, speak with the boat dealer or boat company from which you plan to buy, and money changes hands. A brand-new boat is yours! While it may be an afterthought at the show, have you considered the ordeal that comes with getting your boat into the water? There are many hidden costs of boat ownership, and the cost of boat transportation to and from the water can add up quick. For many boat owners, it’s much more economical, safe and easy to use a boat lift.

The industry’s largest and leading boat lift manufacturer, IMM Quality Boat Lifts can answer all your questions about the best boat lift for your needs. With more than 40 years’ experience in design, engineering and manufacturing boat lifts, the experts at IMM Quality Boat Lifts develop products that are safe, durable and dependable, easy to use and aesthetically pleasing. In keeping with this commitment, IMM Quality’s engineers only use the very best materials and manufacturing techniques. You cannot find a higher quality or better value anywhere else in the boat lift industry!

Learn More About IMM Quality Boat Lifts

Excited to buy a new boat and ready to talk boat lifts and accessories? Complete our CONTACT FORM or REQUEST A QUOTE and our responsive, knowledgeable team will give you a call!

For most boat owners, it’s the appeal of the open water that led them to buy a boat in the first place. Of course, you will want to maximize the time you can spend on the water, doing what you love most. One of the easiest ways to preserve your time – and improve the longevity of your boat – is by installing a boat lift, like the ones manufactured by IMM Quality Boat Lifts.

Take, for example, kayaking enthusiast and nature lover, Jonathan. For many years, Jonathan took any opportunity he can find to explore the open waterways of beautiful Southwest Florida in his kayak. He especially appreciated the physical activity and stress relieving effects of the sport.

Then, another wonderful love entered his life: his daughter, Mia. Jonathan describes the birth of Mia as one of the most wonderful and unforgettable moments of his life. Shortly after this welcome addition, he bought and moved into a large waterfront home to accommodate his growing family.

Unfortunately, the steep height of the new property’s seawall made it incredibly difficult and time-consuming to launch a kayak into the water. As a result, Jonathan couldn’t head out on the water and found himself unable to kayak for more than a year.

Lucky for Jonathan, a group of friends made him aware of IMM Quality Boat Lifts. This family owned and operated company brings more than three decades of experience in fabricating and engineering all types of boat lifts. Its durable and dependable boat lift products include kayak lifts, floating docks and gangways, vertical boat lifts, Titan yacht lifts, elevator boat lifts, boat house lifts, jet ski lifts, and more. And, IMM Quality Boat Lifts uses only the highest-quality materials and industry techniques to produce the world’s best boat lifts. Every boat lift for sale by IMM Quality is built to last for a lifetime.

Once Jonathan discovered IMM Quality’s kayak boat lift, he carefully researched and compared it to other boatlifts, quickly concluding that IMM Quality Boat Lifts outclassed the competition. Jonathan could tell that IMM Quality’s kayak lift was exactly what he wanted: a well-made product that is safe and easy to use. With attentive customer service from IMM Quality Boat Lifts, boat lift installation took place quickly and smoothly.

Today, Jonathan can easily get out on the water on a whim, which he reported as both freeing and amazing. In fact, he often takes Mia – now two years old – with him on kayak excursions.

Jonathan is quick to express his gratitude to IMM Quality Boat Lifts for the extra time with his family and the ability to make memories for a lifetime. As a father, sharing his love of nature, water and adventure with his children feels meaningful and special. And, as they say, the best gift that fathers can give their children is their time.

Let IMM Quality Boat Lifts help you continue to do what you love most, too. Our expertly engineered boat lifts will help you save time, money and energy along the way. Explore the many types of PWC lifts to choose from, and remember: Each IMM Quality boat lift comes with a lifetime warranty.

Feeling inspired by this feat of design, engineering and manufacturing? Complete our CONTACT FORM or REQUEST A QUOTE and we’ll give you a call!  

Your Boat Show Guide: Tips for What to Enjoy and What to Avoid

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

The Atlanta Boat Show

The Mid-America Boat Show

The Seattle Boat Show

The Miami International Boat Show

The Newport International Boat Show