January 30 – February 7, 2026 | Lumen Field Event Center & Bell Harbor Marina
Winter in Seattle doesn’t mean boating season is over—it means it’s time to start dreaming about the next one. And there’s no better place to fuel that dream than the Seattle Boat Show, the biggest boat show on the West Coast and a Pacific Northwest tradition that’s been going strong since 1947.
That’s right—this thing has been around for nearly 80 years.
A Little History
The very first Seattle Boat Show was held in a big tent by the Ship Canal near Lake Union. Just 13 marine dealers came together to pitch it, and the whole thing grew out of an unrelated lobbying effort aimed at the state Legislature. MyNorthwest Back then, nobody could’ve predicted it would turn into what it is today: a 9-day showcase of 800+ recreational watercraft, from stand-up paddleboards to superyachts and everything in between. Marine Servicenter
From those humble beginnings, it’s grown into one of the most important boat shows in the country Port of Seattle—a real institution for Northwest boaters, fishermen, sailors, and anyone who gets a little restless when they’re landlocked too long.
When & Where
Dates: January 30 – February 7, 2026 (Friday through Saturday)
Locations:
- Lumen Field Event Center – Indoor displays, accessories, gear, seminars
- Bell Harbor Marina – Boats afloat on the water, right on the Seattle waterfront
A free shuttle runs continuously between both locations Activeh2o—starts an hour before the show opens and runs until an hour after Lumen Field closes. No need to stress about getting between venues.
Parking: Boat Show attendees get $5 parking (plus tax) at Bell Street Pier Garage—just show your coupon from the Bell Harbor Marina box office on your way out. Seattle Boat Show Parking at Lumen Field is around $20.
What’s on Display
The show features hundreds of boats ranging from sportfishers and sailboats to luxury yachts and runabouts, as well as the latest marine accessories and electronics. Worth Avenue Yachts
You’ll find everything from fishing rigs and pontoon boats to surfboats, cruisers, kayaks, and full-on superyachts. It’s the one time of year you can walk around, hop on board, kick the tires (metaphorically), compare brands side-by-side, and actually talk to dealers without the pressure.
Featured Vendors & Exhibitors
The 2026 Seattle Boat Show features hundreds of new and brokerage boats on display from hundreds of different boat brands Seattle Boat Show and nearly 300 exhibitors. Here’s a sampling of who’ll be there:
Boat Brands & Dealers:
- Boston Whaler
- Sea Ray Boats
- Grady-White
- Alumaweld Boats
- Smoker Craft
- Stabicraft Marine
- Hewes Marine
- Elliott Bay Yacht Sales
- Signature Yachts
- Seattle Boat Company (Booth #51 – featuring Cobalt and Malibu models)
- Seattle Yachts
- Marine Servicenter (Catalina, Jeanneau, Lagoon)
- Worth Avenue Yachts
- Islands Marine Center
- Three Rivers Marine
Accessories, Gear & Services:
- Icom America (marine electronics)
- Spectra Watermakers
- Hurley Marine
- Datrex Inc.
- Boat Insurance Agency
- Anchor Marine Underwriters
- CSR Marine
- Sure Marine Service
- Seaview Boatyard
- Lighthouse Diving Center
- Seattle Marine – Fishing Supply Co.
Among the notable exhibitors, Signature Yachts will present the BENETEAU Swift Trawler 35 and Swift Trawler 41 Fly. Gig Harbor Boat Works celebrates its 39th year at the Seattle Boat Show with an impressive lineup of high-quality small sailboats and rowboats. Life Proof Boats will showcase its innovative partnership with LOOKOUT, introducing AI-powered navigation systems on their aluminum-hulled RIBs. 10Times
Seminars & Education
This isn’t just a sales floor—it’s a classroom too.
The show features 126 free boating and fishing seminars Marine Servicenter taught by maritime experts who are excited to share their nautical know-how. Seminars run in one-hour segments and are free for show attendees at Lumen Field Event Center. Seattle Boat Show
Topics include:
- How to buy your first boat
- Fishing techniques (salmon, shrimping, crabbing)
- Navigation and seamanship basics
- Boat maintenance and winterization
- Cruising destinations in the Pacific Northwest
- Safety and emergency procedures
Advanced courses are available through “Boat Show University” Worth Avenue Yachts for those who want to go deeper—topics like outboard motor care, anchoring and docking, and diesel engine basics. These classes cost extra but are available in-person during the show or online afterward.
World-record setting rowing adventurer Jordan Hanssen will inspire attendees with a seminar series detailing his real-life adventures on the water. 10Times
Not Ready to Buy? Try Before You Commit with Roam Yacht Charters
Walking through 800 boats at the Seattle Boat Show might light a fire under you—or it might have you thinking, “I love being on the water, but I’m not sure I want to own a boat.” That’s where charter companies like Roam Yacht Charters come in.
Roam Yacht Charters has become Seattle’s premier destination for engagements, intimate weddings, milestone birthdays, and retirement celebrations. Roam But it’s not just about special occasions. They’re a solid option for anyone who wants the yacht experience without the commitment of ownership, maintenance, and moorage fees.
What They Offer
Every Roam yacht charter comes with an experienced captain who knows these waters intimately. No boating license, no navigation stress, no responsibility beyond enjoying yourself. Roam You show up, step aboard, and let someone else handle the rest.
Their fleet features impeccably maintained yachts ranging from 35 to 55 feet, each equipped with premium amenities including a full kitchen, bathroom facilities, and Bluetooth-enabled sound systems. Roam Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for six or a celebration with up to thirteen guests, they’ve got you covered.
Where They Go
Roam operates across six distinct cruising areas: Lake Washington, Lake Union, Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, and the legendary Desolation Sound. Roam That means everything from Seattle skyline sunset cruises to multi-day island-hopping adventures with orcas and eagles.
Signature Experiences
Roam has built their reputation around uniquely Seattle experiences:
- Christmas Ship Festival – Cruise alongside decorated boats while shoreline homes twinkle with holiday lights Roam
- Independence Day Fireworks – Watch the fireworks explode over Lake Union from the best seat in the house—on the water, champagne in hand Roam
- Husky Sailgating – Cruise Portage Bay before the game surrounded by fellow fans Roam
- New Year’s Eve at the Needle – Ring in the new year with front-row views of the Space Needle fireworks from Lake Union
- Dinner Party Charters – Fine dining on the water with Mount Rainier or the Seattle skyline as your backdrop
These seasonal offerings book quickly, so planning ahead ensures you won’t miss out. Roam
Pricing
Half-day charters start around $4,000 and full-day charters around $7,000, with specialty event pricing varying by experience. Their 4th of July packages start at $2,995 for groups up to six, and Christmas cruises start around $4,995 for groups up to ten.
Why It Matters for Boat Show Attendees
If you’re on the fence at the Seattle Boat Show—wondering whether boat ownership is really for you—chartering is a smart way to test the waters (literally). You get time on a quality vessel, you learn what features matter to you, and you experience what it feels like to cruise the San Juans or watch a sunset from Lake Washington before you sign on the dotted line.
And if you decide ownership isn’t your thing? Companies like Roam let you live the boating lifestyle without the slip fees, winterization, and 3 a.m. bilge pump emergencies.
Contact: roamcharters.com
Special Events & Themed Days
The Seattle Boat Show isn’t just about boats—it’s about the lifestyle that comes with them. 48° North Here’s what’s happening beyond the boat decks:
Boat Show After Dark Friday evenings (January 30 and February 6), 5–9 p.m.—the West Hall transforms with soft blue lighting and warm magenta hues. Live music from an eclectic lineup of local musicians, pour stations on tap, creating a flowing, festival-like energy. 48° North
Dogs on Deck Fido and Fifi are welcome when accompanied by their owners. They can even have a custom dog tag made at the on-site engraving machine. 48° North
Women’s Day (Monday) Free admission for women with an advance ticket Activeh2o—plus seminars designed specifically for women by women boaters.
2-for-1 Tuesday Bring a friend. Pay for one.
Taco Tuesday Exactly what it sounds like.
Military & First Responder Appreciation Day Discounted tickets and recognition for those who serve.
Boating’s In Our Blood A celebration of Pacific Northwest boating heritage.
Sails & Ales / Uncorked Wine Tasting Evening events for the grown-ups—craft beer and wine tastings throughout the week.
Kids’ Zone Little mariners (ages 3–8) can paddle around the Aqua Paddlers pool (life jackets required and provided). On Saturdays and Sundays, the Center for Wooden Boats hosts toy boat building and teaches nautical skills like knot tying and propulsion. 48° North
Career Fair Looking to work on the water? Meet employers in the marine industry.
Nearby Eats
After walking the show all day, you’ll be hungry. Anthony’s Pier 66 offers a free cup of chowder when you show your ticket. The Pink Door serves up fantastic food and entertainment. Seattleboat Pike Place Market is just a few blocks away if you want to grab something quick or sit down for a proper meal.
Pro Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking. A lot.
- Grab the exhibitor list online before you go. Plan which booths you want to hit.
- Use the shuttle. Bell Harbor Marina is gorgeous and worth the trip, and the shuttle makes it painless.
- Attend at least one seminar. Even if you’ve been boating for decades, you’ll learn something.
- Go on a weekday if you can. Saturdays get crowded.
- Talk to dealers. This is the best time to negotiate—everyone’s competing for your attention.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re shopping for your first 16-footer, upgrading to a serious cruiser, or just want to wander around dreaming about summer while it’s still gray and drizzling outside, the Seattle Boat Show delivers. It’s the real kickoff to boating season in the Pacific Northwest—and after nearly 80 years, they’ve gotten pretty good at it.
Dates: January 30 – February 7, 2026
Locations: Lumen Field Event Center & Bell Harbor Marina
Tickets & Info: seattleboatshow.com
See you on the water.
Writen by Mike B.