Follow the treasure map, the flags mark the spots: our navigational guide to the new discoveries that await at this month’s Seattle Boat Show.
It’s here: The 2023 edition of the Seattle Boat Show is set to cast off this month as it cruises along for nine days from February 3-11 at Lumen Field Event Center and Bell Harbor Marina. As the largest boat show on the West Coast, this Northwest centerpiece is a can’t-miss event, but the expedition across its many premium offerings—especially for savvy boaters in search of shiny new treasures—can seem daunting at first. Never fear: Our harbor-by-hall-by-hall guide will steer you through a highlight reel of the new exhibitors to join the show and the gold standards. It presents a handy navigational key so you can single out these vendors, products, and boat lines to mark them on your map. To this, we add our insider tips for navigating the show so you can enjoy smooth sailing.
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HARBOR BOUND
Begin your voyage like many others—at the marina. Located just a skip and a shuttle away from the rest of the action at Lumen Field Event Center, Bell Harbor Marina hosts a veritable fleet of vessels to inspire the rest of your expedition.
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Kadey-Krogen Yachts
Heading: Bell Harbor C5
Details: Early last fall, the heralded Kadey-Krogen Yachts opened the doors to a new Seattle location, making their world-class line of power cruising trawlers even more accessible to Northwesterners. And now, the venerable line will make a triumphant on-water addition to the show with the sleek, smartly compact 44AE on display.
More Info: kadeykrogen.com
INSIDER TIPS
INSIDER TIP #1: PARK IT OVER THERE
Parking is notoriously expensive at the event center garage, but show attendees get $5 discounted parking at Bell Street Pier Garage located just across the street from the marina. So put the car in park there and hop the free shuttle over to the event center. (To receive your discount, simply show your coupon on the way out of the garage. The coupon comes attached with e-tickets or can be picked up at the box office and shuttle pick-up/drop-off locations.)
INSIDER TIP #2: CHOW(DER) DOWN
After you’ve toured the boats afloat in the marina—where you will also find such favorites as Chuck Hovey Yachts, Emerald Pacific Yachts, Hampton Yacht Group, Jeff Brown Yachts, Seattle Yachts, and Silver Seas Yachts—be sure to fuel up before attempting to conquer your next stop. Pop on by Anthony’s for a free bowlful of their signature chowder, which will be available to you on weekdays from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
NORTH HALL
NORTH STARS
Get your adrenaline pumping by starting off in the North Hall at Lumen Field, which this year plays host to two of the most exhilarating boat lines to make their big show debut.
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EXTREME BOATS
Heading: North 186
Details: Parma Marine is bringing the Extreme boat line along for their inaugural ride. The New Zealand based Extreme brand is well regarded for their line of tough, sturdy aluminum fishing boats that should perform equally well in Northwest waters. The family-run company utilizes extra-thick metal for durability in the open ocean, as well as welds many of the top components in place—rod holders, bungs, cleats, hand rails—to help their vessels stand the test of time.
More Info: parmamarine.com
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XSHORE
Heading: North 123
Details: Frequent readers will note NWY has had eyes peeled on XShore’s dealings for several years and now the Swedish electric boat maker is set to make a grand Northwest entrance. The brand’s first two models—the high performance 26-foot Eelex 8000 and the next-gen X Shore 1 that retails for $140,000, almost half the cost of its predecessor—have been heralded as the “Teslas of the seas,” thanks to a sleek Scandinavian aesthetic married with the latest in e-battery tech.
More Info: xshore.com/us/
INSIDER TIPS
INSIDER TIP #3. BE A WEEKDAY WARRIOR
Weekends are an easy time for many to come to the show, but naturally those days are also the busiest. Instead, plan to come mid-week and you’ll find dealers, brokers, and factory reps have more time to give you their undivided attention.
INSIDER TIP #4: GO WILD IN THE WEST
With towering ceilings and a massive 165,000 square-foot reach, the nearby Main West Hall is home to many long-standing exhibitors. This year, they are all returning favorites and include the likes of Jeanneau America, Life Proof Boats, Ranger Tugs, and Sundance Yachts (who will be showcasing a buzzy new FourWinns model, Beneteau’s prestigious and sporty new e-boat). Here, you’ll spy the largest-scale vessels found in the on-land portion: the power catamarans, the towering sailboats, and the sprawling motor yachts. So go ahead and dream big.
EAST HALL
EASTERN EXPOSURE
Tucked just behind the West Hall, the expansive East wing is jammed packed full of fresh exhibitors for 2023. You’ll find hot new tech, innovative boating solutions, and expert services as you switch back your way through.
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3D SHAPE CAPTURE
Heading: East 1900
Details: This Kent-based firm utilizes photogrammetry and laser scanning to create 3D measurements of vessels to helpfully aid in such applications as test fitting equipment, design work, validating construction, racing ratings, and more.
More Info: 3dshapecapture.com
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AQUATRACTION PUGET SOUND
Heading: East 1132
Details: If you are looking to upgrade your flooring system, stop by AquaTraction to chat about their durable, safe, comfortable, and, perhaps most compelling, stain-resistant decking options.
More Info: aquatraction.com
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DANIK HOOK
Heading: East 629
Details: Gear heads will recognize the Danik Hook name, synonymous with their handy universal hooks that eliminate the need for knots in favor of simple push levers that clamp your docking lines. They are also planning to bring their latest and greatest innovation: An adjustable boat fender hanger design that keeps your fenders in place, and then easily allows you to clip them free.
More Info: danikhook.com
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DISCOVERY YACHTS
Heading: East 1022
Details: Owned by lifelong boaters (Michael and Elizabeth Locatell have cruised and sailed everywhere from Oregon, Washington, and Alaska to Sweden, France, and The Netherlands), Discovery Yachts imports quality yachts from across the pond, including Linssen models from Holland and the French Wauquiez Sailing Yacht line.
More Info: discoveryachts.com
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DOCKWA
Heading: East 805
Details: Call it “OpenTable for boaters.” This emerging software brand allows boaters to see, reserve, and pay for available transient slips at marinas in real time, as well as make advanced reservations at participating marinas with just a few taps via their app.
More Info: marinas.dockwa.com
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DUCKWORKS BOAT BUILDER SUPPLY
Heading: East 1206
Details: A sister company of Gig Harbor Works, Duckworks is making its Seattle Boat Show debut. In addition to boat building plans and supplies, they will also have their signature small-craft kits on offer, including one for the 10’ Scout model, a fun rowing sailboat that is well suited to first-time builders, hobbyists, or even yachters looking to craft a truly personal tender.
More Info: duckworks.com
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JR MARINE
Heading: East 1027
Details: This respected British Columbia boat builder heads to the lower 48 with a lineup of custom aluminum marine products. Think: metal outboard pods, kicker brackets, fish lockers, storage solutions, custom T-tops, and more.
More Info: jrmarine.ca
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PARADISE DOCK & LIFT
Heading: East 1215
Details: With sleek, modular designs and innovative features like solar-charged independent solar charged powerpacks, stainless steel hydraulic cylinders with bronze scrapers to prevent marine growth, and rubber capped aluminum bunks to support your boat, the dock lifts from Paradise are not to be missed.
More Info: paradisedocklift.com
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SEABORN PILE DRIVING
Heading: East 1004
Details: With experience in marine construction that dates back to 1947, this well-respected company crafts stunning and solid dock systems. They can also assist with barging materials to hard-to-reach waterfront sites, construct bulkheads, and even permit and design residential beachfronts.
More Info: seabornpiledriving.com
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SEATTLE SEAFARING
Heading: East 1100
Details: This locally based training institute offers instruction on boat maneuverability and handling so that you can captain your new sailboat, yacht, or powerboat with ease.
More Info: seattleseafaring.com
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SOCO SWINGS
Heading: East 1118
Details: Get set for some summer lounging: This cool brand offers hanging chairs, gravity rockers, and hammocks to stylishly accessorize anywhere from your dock to your aft deck. Boaters would do well to check out the synthetic wicker rattan options, which are super weather resistant thanks to cushions made up of two layers of Denier UV treated nylon.
More Info: socoswings.com
INSIDER TIPS
INSIDER TIP #5. BRING THE FAM (AND FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS)
Make it a family outing! Kids 17 and under are always free and welcomed, and even dogs will be allowed on February 9th at Lumen Field Event Center and every day at Bell Harbor Marina. The kiddies are especially sure to enjoy the spectacle of the ever-growing Rube Goldberg machine taking shape here in the East Hall. (See page 21 in Making Waves for more info!)
CONCOURSE
GOING UP
Don’t forget to climb the stairs. A great gateway to the seminar stages, the upper concourse level also provides shoppers with some awesome new goods and gear.
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MACKAY MARINE COMMUNICATIONS
Heading: Concourse 2217
Details: If you’ve got questions about how to stay in touch while at sea, be sure to chat with the fine folks at Mackay who can equip you with comprehensive and cutting-edge marine comms systems.
More Info: mackaycomm.com
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PACIFIC COAST YACHTING SERVICES
Heading: Concourse 2232
Details: Need some bottom work? Looking to make some upgrades? Situated on Northlake Way in Seattle, Pacific Coast Yachting provides comprehensive services from haul outs to marine engine repair.
More Info: pacificcoastyachtingservices.com
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RAYMARINE
Heading: Concourse 2319
Details: Longtime show exhibitor Raymarine brings two interesting and innovative products to this year’s event. First, be sure to check out the YachtSense Link Marine 4G Router, a 4G wireless router that brings seamless onboard internet connectivity to boats operating in a coastal environment. Also not to be missed is the new Cyclone Radar line; these solid-state open array radars give mariners the confidence to tackle the harshest conditions, gain the upper hand in the hunt for fish, and navigate busy waterways with confidence.
More Info: raymarine.com
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S3 MARITIME
Heading: Concourse 2418
Details: If you are in the mood to talk some tech, stop by S3 Maritime to check out an impressive roster of freshly debuted products: Garmin’s Surround View system; Starlink for In-Motion Use; and Victron’s Cerbo GX Communications system that allows monitoring and control of the electrical/battery systems on or off the vessel.
More Info: s3maritime.com
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STERLING ASSOCIATES
Heading: Concourse 2224
Details: Find a great deal at the show? Then get the financing to make purchasing your dream boat possible with a stop by Sterling Associates, one of the region’s most trusted names in financing.
More Info: boatbanker.com
INSIDER TIPS
INSIDER TIP #6: PENCIL IN THOSE SEMINARS
Give your feet a well-deserved break by soaking up your favorite topic after your trek. Tackle the seminars like a pro and study a copy of the fishing and boating seminar schedule in advance as you may find there are seminars on multiple days that you want to attend. Can’t make all the seminars on your wishlist? The sessions are all being recorded and will be available on demand post show for three months with the Seminar Ticket Package that also includes nine days admission to the show.
>> For full details on this year’s exhibitors, and for more information on this year’s Seattle Boat Show, go to: seattleboatshow.com, and don’t forget to come say “hi” to us in the Northwest Yachting booth located in the East Hall at 614.
