Things to do at the show

2023 Show Highlights

SALUTING OUR HEROES

To express our gratitude for your service, all active/veteran military, active/retired first responders and USCG & USCGA members can take advantage of FREE admission on Thursday.

Simply show your military/first responder/USCG & USCGA valid identification card along with photo ID at Will Call to receive your complimentary ticket.

Fred’s Shed How-to Center—presented by Progressive®

Tips, tricks, and DIY advice for every boater—from first timers to experienced captains. Have a boat or engine problem you haven’t been able to fix? Stop by and ask our tech expert about it.

CLICK HERE to view full seminar schedule

CLICK HERE to view seminar descriptions 

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Boating Skills Virtual Trainer—Test Your Boating Skills

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Get “hands-on” practice in boating skills such as docking, pivot turns, stopping and more using a real Mercury throttle and steering wheel.

Art of Casting Pond

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Learn the art of casting from the experts at Goose Hummock, a leading Northeast Saltwater Fishing Outfitter, atop a 30' fishing tank. Plus, check out the top names in saltwater fishing gear, products, and services.

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Paddlesports Experience

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Experience the fun of paddlesports, courtesy of Fin-atics Marine Supply of Ocean City, NJ. Watch on-water demos or try it yourself! On-water test rides will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Open to guests age 10 years or older.

Demo Times:

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 1–7pm

Saturday: 11am–7pm

Sunday: 11am–5pm

Discover Fishing Seminars

Discover Fishing Seminars

Presented by The Fisherman Magazine

Expert anglers will share tips and tricks to help you improve your catch. Sessions cover a variety of fishing topics—from proper rigging for big game fishing to offshore angling to how to land a trophy striper.

CLICK HERE to view seminar schedule

CLICK HERE to view seminar descriptions 

Classic Boat

Classic & Raceboat Display

Take a step back in time and see classic and vintage boats dating back 72 years. Boats on display include a restored 1951 wooden Chris Craft Holiday and a 1968 Steven Hydroplane powered by a L-88 427 cubic inch blower engine—one of just three such boats remaining that survived the harsh racing life.

Sand Art
Sand Art

Sand Art

Watch award winning professional sand sculptor John Gowdy transforms a pile of sand into an amazing work of art. Make sure to snap a photo and share with your friends.

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Kids' Boating

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Boatloads of fun on the water—just for kids! Young mariners can splash around a mini lake in a paddleboat.

Wednesday–Friday 3pm–7:30pm

Saturday 10am–7:30pm

Sunday 10am–5:30pm

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Build-A-Boat—Kids’ Toy Boat Building

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Little skippers will have boatloads of fun creating a one-of-a-kind toy boat to take home as a show souvenir.
Schedule:

Wednesday–Friday 3p–7:30pm

Saturday 10am–7:30pm

Sunday 10am–5:30pm

Say No To Plastic

Conservation Village

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Discover how recreational boating is working to help sustain our planet and waters for future generations. Featured displays include:

First annual New Jersey Says No to Plastic Contest showcasing New Jersey elementary, middle school, and high school projects that educate and show how reducing plastic can help protect our water resources and have a positive impact on the environment. The winning school team will be awarded a $500 grant to fund their continued environmental efforts, complements of Bajio.

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Clean Earth Project an eco-friendly women-owned lifestyle brand for outdoor enthusiasts that works to raise awareness, reduce waste, and create a cleaner lifestyle. All product sales help support their beach and community cleanup initiatives and protect the environment.

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Skills USA Contest—Wednesday, March 1 

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The Marine Technology Skills USA career contest features New Jersey high school students who are interested in a career in the recreational boating industry, competing to test their knowledge and skills.

Competitors will take a written test and perform hands-on tasks on boat engines and equipment that are part of a Marine Technicians common workday.

The contest winner earns the right to compete in the National Skills USA Contest this summer.

The Captain’s Table Gala 

The Captain’s Table Gala 

Thursday Evening

Now in its eighth year, this fundraiser benefits the Community Foodbank of New Jersey and Let Us Eat, Please, Inc.