There are numerous reasons to attend a classic boat show. Maybe you are the proud owner of a vintage boat and want o look for parts or accessories. Perhaps you want to show off all of your restoration work and enter to show. Usually, there are auctions so that you can buy or sell. Perhaps, you want to admire the beautiful classic boats that bring back a feeling of nostalgia.
Attending classic boat shows is a great way to connect with like-minded people. The events are usually more than just a display of vintage vessels; there are plenty of other activities the whole family can enjoy. Most have special activities for kids that will entertain them and build memories that last a lifetime.
Here are a few popular classic boat shows in America.
The Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance
Homewood, CA
Each year the show features more than 70 wooden boats, making it one of the most known classic boats shows in North America. Held on the docks of Obexer's Boat Company, visitors will see the most well-preserved and restored wooden boats in the world. The show also features live jazz music, cuisine prepared by local chefs, the full-stock Watering Hole bar, and a silent auction. Separate tickets are available to the Wine Village, an exclusive spot on the Olsen Bridge. Other upgrades are available.
Deer Harbor Wooden Boat Show
Deer Harbor, Washington
Deer Harbor Marina's Wooden Boat Show takes place on Orcas Island in the Seattle area and features wooden boats of all sizes:
- Kayaks
- Rowboats
- Motor Launches
- Day-sailers
- Cruising sailboats
- Historic tall ships.
What's great about this show is it takes place in between two of the West's largest classic boat shows, Victoria's Wooden Boat Classic and Port Townsend's Wooden Boat Festival. Why not hit up all three?
Lake George Rendezvous Antique & Classic Boat Show
Lake George, New York
Lake George is known as the "Queen of American Lakes," with 109 miles of shoreline and over 300 islands, making this an ideal spot to view some of the most beautiful antique and classic boats. Annually held in August, this classic boat show boasts over 50 antique and classic boats on display, both in and out of the water.
A land display of Model T automobiles line up to complement the vintage boats. Food and ice cream vendors surround the collection. Other events include:
- Guided lake tour of Southern Basin in your boat
- Cocktails and hor d'oeuvres
- Boat display
- Fly-by parade
- BBQ awards dinner
- Awards ceremony
Sunnyland Antique & Classic Boat Festival
Sunnyland, Florida
Sunnyland is located in Melbourne Beach, Florida, an established boating community that enjoys canals, rivers, lakes, and the ocean! This three-day event celebrates boats of the past, classic fiberglass, and new traditional construction. Held in March each year, the event features 250 - 300 boats on display and attracts 8,000 - 10,000 visitors. There is a nautical flea market hosting over 80 vendors with many hard-to-find parts. Other events include:
- Seaplane ride
- Food court & beer garden
- Free educational symposium
- Field of dreams (boats for sale)
- Awards ceremony
- Church services
- Sunnyland Ship's store (clothing, boat show items)
Annual Wooden Boat Show at Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut
The largest wooden boat show in New England hosts its event during August. More than 100 traditional and classic wooden boats of every type are displayed. With over 19 acres on the Mystic River, visitors will see everything from handcrafted kayaks to mahogany roundabouts, classic daysailers, and schooners.
Coeur d'Alene Antique & Classic Boat Show
Couer d'Alene, Idaho
This family-friendly event is free to the public and takes place annually in August. Enjoy two days of beautiful lake views on Coeur d'Alene Resort's Floating Boardwalk. Most of the vintage boats will be mahogany, but there will also be a handful of early fiberglass and aluminum models. The lake covers 50 square miles and offers plenty of recreation activities.
Annual Snake River Wooden Boat Show
Wilson, Wyoming
The Snake River Wooden Boat Show of Jackson Hole is held to celebrate the wooden McKenzie River Boat. The event is open to the public, and participants show off their working and historic fleet. After the show, the boats are launched, followed by a parade. The event takes place every Saturday before Memorial Day.
Michigan Chapter Antique & Classic Boat Show (Algonac)
Algonac, Michigan
Home of the Chris Craft boat, this festival promises beautiful ships from near and far. Events include meeting the boat captains and crew, kid activities, free boat rides, food, and many vendors. In June of 2020, they celebrated the 100th anniversary of Chris Craft with their "Where it All Began" festival.
Other Classic Boat Shows to Consider
Just about any town or city with water nearby will have a classic boat show that piques your interest. The boating show season generally runs from March through October. You can search for a show near you or where you are traveling in advance to see if you need to purchase tickets or upgrades.
Regardless of your reasons for attending a classic boat show, get out there and enjoy yourself. There are enough to choose from to keep you busy all spring, summer, and fall. The whole family will enjoy seeing antique and classic boats lining the dock. It's a great place to learn new information, whether a new boat owner or a seasoned captain. Take advantage of any workshops, seminars, or symposiums offered. They change annually, so always check the list of events (if available) to see what the theme will be that year.
Classic boat shows are a fantastic opportunity to interact with other boaters who have preserved, restored, or rebuilt vintage models. This networking gets you close and personal with the owners and the boats to exchange ideas, techniques, and advice. Don't miss out!
If you are interested in entering your classic boat in a show, contact Absolute Classics to ensure your boat is in tip-top shape or get any last-minute parts you may need.