Hartford Boat Show opens Thursday with 400 watercraft

The Hartford Boat Show cruises into the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartfort Thursday, Feb. 8, through Sunday, Feb. 11.

Produced by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA), the show will feature more than 125 exhibitors and 400 watercraft.

The 49th annual Hartford Boat Show will cover the entire Convention Center with boats, exhibits, demonstrations, educational areas and hospitality features.

Visitors will find boats of all kinds and sizes, jet skis, personal watercraft, paddle sports, kayaks, marinas, motors, slip rentals, servicing, fishing gear and tackle, educational programs and materials, insurance, trailers, electronics, sanitation, air conditioning, real estate, attire, nautical home décor, decking, dock building, winter storage, and financing.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled for Thursday, Feb, 8 at 2:30 pm, and Capt. Andrew Tucci, sector commander and captain of the Port at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, is scheduled to participate.

“The Hartford Boat Show has always been representative of the variety of recreational boating opportunities there are for all ages across our state, and it is also a great time for boating enthusiasts to connect with the business side of our industry,” said CMTA Executive Director, Kathleen Burns.

More than 95 percent of the Hartford Boat Show’s exhibitors are Connecticut-based companies, representing the vast scope of recreational boating in the state. 

Over 20 new exhibitors are joining the Hartford Boat Show this year, including Cabela’s now merged with Bass Pro, Lake View Marine, Connor’s & O’Brien Marine, Island Cove Marina, Essex Marine Group, North East Dock Sales, C & D Underwater Maintenance, Air Chair, Boat Locker, Click Heat, New England Science and Sailing Foundation (NESS), Port Milford, Maritime Insurance International, 64 Solar, and skube.me. Bay State Woodies is also a new exhibitor. As the Massachusetts chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS), the group will be bringing three vintage wood boats including a notable 1932 Chris Craft.

“This year’s show really has something for every type of boater in Connecticut, from those who ski and wake board on our lakes, fish in our rivers, to those who cruise or sail the sound, and even those who want to charter a boat or enjoy our waterfront destinations,” said Burns. “And, with our Windows to the Future and Boating in Connecticut Workforce sections, we will be highlighting marine trades training programs and career opportunities,” Burns said. 

For schedule details and a full list of exhibitors, visit www.hardfordboatshow.com. Follow new developments on Facebook at @CMTAboating, Twitter at @HartfordBoatSho and Instagram atctmarinetrades.