The Progressive Detroit Boat Show will cruise into Huntington Place in downtown Detroit from Jan. 27-Feb 4 and will feature hundreds of new boats, accessories, marinas, docks and hoist services, and more.
The Progressive Detroit Boat Show states the event is among the top shows in the country based on size, attendance, and sales.
Hundreds of boats will be on display from top dealers from around Michigan and the Great Lakes. Many new models and features make their debut at the Detroit Boat Show.
More than 113 new models boats will be on display. The event offers one-stop shopping with financing and purchasing happening right on the show floor. Many dealers attribute up to half of their annual sales from signed deals and leads gained from this show.
Boating is big business in Michigan, having a $11.7 billion total annual impact on the state’s economy. Recent data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association reports that retail expenditures for new boat, motor, trailer, and accessory purchases exceeded $1.6 billion in Michigan in 2022, an increase of 9 percent over 2021, and the 13th consecutive year of growth.
“It’s no secret that boating is a favorite pastime for Michiganders, and the numbers show that,” says Nicki Polan, executive director and show manager of the MBIA. “We’re the third largest marine market in the U.S. and that is very impressive since we’re a four-season state. More than 40 percent of the people in Michigan get out on the water each year on a boat.”
Geared toward families, new to the boat show this year will be live sand sculpting (Jan 27-28), Meet Capt. Sandy from BELOW DECK (Feb. 3-4), and the Flip Flop Exhibit with a Jimmy Buffet Tribute.
Other entertainment includes Tiki Bars with live music; Kids Zone with the return of water rollerz, bracelet making, backpack stamping, and interactive activities; Paint a Paddle Nautical Décor; The Lawn featuring a bar area and fun games for the family; a free Boaters Safety Course; and more.
Show hours are Saturdays: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays and Monday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Tuesday through Friday: 3-9 p.m. Parking is available above and below Huntington Place and at surrounding lots, while the Detroit People Mover will be operational daily.
Tickets are $14 for adults, while children 12 and younger accompanied by an adult(s) are free. Active military, police, and fire personnel are being offered free admission (one ticket per person).
The Progressive Detroit Boat Show is owned and produced by the Michigan Boating Industries
Association in Commerce Township, the voice of boating in Michigan. Revenue generated from this event is returned to fund boater’s interests via MBIA’s programs and services.
The Progressive Detroit Boat Show is sponsored by Progressive Insurance and Great Lakes Scuttlebutt, the official publication of the MBIA Boat Shows.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit detroitboatshow.net.
