While October inevitably signals the end of the boating season for some folks, we couldn’t think of a better send-off to summer than the Annapolis Powerboat Show. We don’t mean it lightly when we say this is our favorite boat show of the year—it’s one of the biggest and best in the region and it’s in our beloved hometown of Annapolis.
Be sure to enter our ticket giveaway for a chance to win two tickets to the show!
We know City Dock looks a little different this year due to the ongoing construction, but everyone at the Annapolis Boat Shows has been working so hard behind the scenes to ensure that guests have the same great experience they’ve come to expect.
Because the layout has shifted slightly, you’ll want to make sure to consult the map on the Boat Show website and grab a copy of the official Boat Show Guide when entering the show. If you get lost or have any questions, there are information booths set up around the show (look for the little question marks on the map) and the PropTalk/FishTalk booth serves as the info booth along Ego Alley. So, you can always stop by and see us, and we’d be happy to help point you in the right direction.
While you’re at our booth, check out our new photo booth station where you see what it’s like to be on the cover of PropTalk and FishTalk! We will also have our kid’s coloring station and temporary tattoos for adults and kids alike. We always love meeting our readers so please feel free to bring your questions, suggestions, article ideas, potential cover shots, or simply stop by to hang out and chat.
We wouldn’t be here without all of you, our faithful readers and advertisers. We hope you’ll stop by and see us; let’s send summer off the right way.
For more information and to pre-purchase tickets, click to annapolisboatshows.com. And stay tuned to this page for updates as we get closer to the show dates. You can also sign up for our email list at proptalk.com/email-signup and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest intel.
Dates and Times
Thursday, October 8: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 9: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 10: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 11: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location
City Dock, Annapolis
Tickets
The Annapolis Boat Shows encourages guests to skip the lines and buy tickets online at annapolisboatshows.com. If you do need to purchase at the gate, please exit the shuttle bus at the 2nd stop. The Box Office is located on Compromise St. next to the Tent D gate.
- General Admission (Adults) – $32
- General Admission (Children 7-15) – $10
- Children 6 and Under – Free
- Preview Day (Thursday, Oct. 8) – $45
- Preview Day (Thursday, Oct. 8) and General Admission Combo - $72
- Two-Day General Admission Combo - $59
- Military Personnel Day (Sunday, Oct. 11) – $22
Parking
Boat show visitors are encouraged to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Ave.) and take a free shuttle to and from the show. Shuttles will run one hour prior to show opening through one hour after the show closes.
NOTE: On Saturday, October 10, parking will be at the Board of Education (2644 Riva Road). $20, cash only.
Pre-sale of Stadium parking is offered at the pre-paid rate of $24, oversized vehicles are $47. To reserve parking, visit eventpass.justpark.com/navy-stadium-parking/listings/events. There is NO overnight parking at the stadium. Pre-sale of parking closes at 11:59 p.m. on the evening prior to the day you plan to attend. After that, you may purchase parking onsite at the Stadium Gate 5 entry, credit card only. No cash will be accepted.
Additional parking is available in the parking garages in downtown Annapolis. Be sure to plan ahead as parking garages downtown fill up fast.
Dinghy Parking: The Prince George St. Dinghy Dock will NOT be open during the Boat Shows, September 29 through October 18. There will be a dedicated dinghy dock at the end of Shipwright St. for boaters to utilize.
Answers to FAQs:
- If tickets have been left for you, or you need to resolve a ticket issue, please come to Will Call located in the Show Office at 110 Compromise St. Suite 500.
- Due to safety and health reasons, animals are not allowed inside the show unless they are a certified service animal.
- Strollers are not allowed inside the show due to safety issues. Please park your stroller in the designated stroller parking area.
- It is recommended that all children wear lifejackets for their safety.
- The boat show happens rain or shine.
- You do not need to print out your ticket. All tickets may be scanned from your phone.
- Backpacks and bags are allowed in the show.
- If you leave the show you will receive a hand stamp that will allow you to re-enter the show without your ticket.
- You may bring food and drinks into the show; reusable water bottles are encouraged.
Plan Your Visit to Annapolis
Annapolis’s maritime history, nautical culture, and exciting atmosphere make it the perfect location for boat shows. When guests have finished exploring the floating docks, downtown restaurants, shops, and galleries open their doors to boaters looking to extend their stay. Make your plans now and book accommodations. You can find details on the Boat Show website regarding official Boat Show hotels, as well as recommendations for things to do around town from Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
Also, be sure to check out our Visitor's Guide to Annapolis!
Getting Around
Annapolis is a very walkable town, but if you’d prefer to get places quicker, there are a few great options for getting around.
Park at any one of the garages in the West Street corridor and take the free Magenta Shuttle into downtown. You can even view the live shuttle tracker at annapolis.gov/159/transportation.
The Annapolis Current Free Trolleys run Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. These all-electric trolleys run in a loop every 10 minutes. When you see one, flag it down. It’s free! The Maryland Avenue/State Circle Trolley loop connects the Gotts, Whitmore, and Calvert Street parking garages to shops and restaurants along Maryland Avenue and State Circle. The Mills Hillman to Dock Street Trolley loop connects Dock Street businesses, the Barry Gate of the US Naval Academy to Main Street, Market Space, and Mills Hillman Garage.
We personally love getting around by water taxi, especially traveling between Eastport and Downtown Annapolis. Rates are for one-way transit and cost between $4 and $9 per person depending on the destination. Advanced reservations are not required for public use. Simply call the water taxi at (410) 263-0033 or on VHF channel 68. You may pay using cash, credit card through the Where in Annapolis app, or water taxi vouchers. Service runs 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Visit watermarkjourney.com and search ‘water taxi’ for a route map and more details.
Show Map
For a map of the show, click here.
On Display
Click the links below for links.
Insider Tips for the Boat Show:
Serious boat buyer? Preview Day, Thursday, October 8, would be a great day to attend as it is generally less crowded and thus easier to make appointments/chat with dealers.
Wear the right shoes. Choose a pair that is comfortable (you’ll be doing a lot of walking) and easy to slip off and on (heels don’t do so well on the floating docks). Remove shoes when boarding boats. If it’s cold or rainy, wear rain boots.
Getting Around: Always plan to give yourself extra time to get where you are going, especially if you have a seminar or appointment. Be prepared for crowds on the streets, on the docks, and potentially a wait for the shuttle bus.
Dress in layers. October in Annapolis can be sunny and warm, crisp and cool, or sometimes rainy. Anything is possible. Bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a long-sleeved fleece, and a rain repellent top layer. A small backpack or tote can be very helpful for storing extra layers and any goodies you pick up at the show. If you’re ill-prepared for the weather, the boat show is a great place to stock up on new gear, often at discounted prices.
Bathrooms: The show layout looks a little different this year, so be sure to consult the map for restroom locations. They will be located in the yacht basin area next to the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, by Tent D and the Fleet Reserve Club, and by Tent C and the Marine Accessories Tent.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle. Water refill stations are located by the PropTalk tent (Land FA1), next to the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, and at the end of Dock S. Information stations are also located near each water station (and PropTalk serves as the info station for our area of the show, so come see us!).
What’s New This Year?
In order to accommodate the ongoing City Dock project, the show has a new layout this year. Tents have moved, expanded, and reoriented, and four new bars will anchor social spaces throughout the show. The show is now in its 54th year, so we promise it’s the same event, just with a fresh footprint. Also, PropTalk/FishTalk will be in a brand-new location this year: Land FA1 along Ego Alley. Consult the map and exhibitor list for more details.
Show Highlights
Climb Aboard Boats: Hundreds of boats will be on display from large runabouts to multi-million-dollar yachts. Some boats will even be making their world premiere at this very show! Check out our article about new and premiering boats to check them out. A boat show is the perfect setting to see a variety of boats all in one place. You can step aboard, inspect the head compartment, open the livewells, and generally just get a really good first-hand look at different features and models from a wide variety of manufactures. If you’re in the market but haven’t yet decided what boat is right for you, this is the place to be.
Brokerage Dock: Back by popular demand, the Brokerage Dock returns outside Dock D with a selection of preloved boats for buyers who want proven performance at a competitive price point. At print time the list of boats was still being finalized, so be sure to check the Boat Show website for updates closer to the show dates.
PropTalk Demo Dock: Speaking of seeing boats first-hand, the only way to truly know if a boat is right for you is to take it for a test ride. The Demo Dock (Dock K) gives potential buyers a chance to sea trial a variety of boats to help make an educated decision on what engines, electronics, and other functions work best for them. At print time, this was the current list, but new boats are always being added so be sure to check the Boat Show website for updates.
- Aspen Carbon Cat Tender—At 10’2” long, with a five-foot beam, and weighing approximately 220 pounds without propulsion, this carbon fiber catamaran tender is designed for effortless handling, exceptional stability, and efficient performance. It’s powered by the Momentum M10 electric outboard.
- Aspen Power Catamarans C120— A 40-foot catamaran with a 14-foot beam. Utilizing Aspen’s patented hull design, the single diesel cat can run up to 27 mph (on just 440-hp) but can settle down and cruise at 17 knots burning only 11 gph. It is a full displacement hull, so it never planes, just slices through the water and any chop. The cat hull lends to stability; this boat has 70 percent less roll than the typical monohull.
- BoatCamp Bow Bunk—The world’s first complete overnight sleep system for center console boats. It turns the bow of your boat into a comfortable overnight cabin in minutes, with no drilling, no hardware, and no permanent modifications.
- Grady-White 180 Fisherman (Tri-State Marine)—One of the most versatile 18-foot center consoles on the market. Designed with families and anglers in mind, it combines easy trailerability with exceptional handling, stability, and ride quality—even in choppy conditions.
- Ingenity 23e (Electrified Marina)—Powered by a fully electric Cascadia Motion sterndrive paired with a MerCruiser Bravo Three drive, the system produces up to 120 kW (160-hp) for smooth, responsive performance. It can accommodate up to 10 passengers, measures 25’6’ in length with an 8’6’ beam, and reaches top speeds of approximately 25 mph, depending on passenger load and conditions.
- Scout 215 XSF (Electrified Marina)—A classic center console with an electric twist. Powered by a 150-hp (111 kW) Flux Marine electric outboard, this boat delivers smooth, responsive performance and quiet operation on the water. The closed-loop, belt-driven cooling system eliminates the need for winterization, helping reduce seasonal maintenance.
- Stoner Boatworks 23— A mix between a “Palm Beach” and a “Carolina” style of boat, while still having a high rising bow for a very dry ride.
No Wake Zone: The No Wake Zone presented by Morgan Stanley is a floating waterfront lounge, looking out onto the show from Yacht Basin (next to the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel). Grab a specialty cocktail from Gray Wolf Spirits and CAnE Collective, a craft beer from Pherm Brewing Company, or a crush from the Latitude 38 bar.
Gear Galore: There’s more than just boats at this show… a lot more. If you’re in the market for new foul weather gear, electronics, an outboard, a boat hook or fenders, you name it, you can find it all and more at the boat show (often at discounted prices).
Opening Night Party: Thursday, October 8 from 6-11 p.m. There will be a party along Market Street to celebrate the opening night of the show. Federal House, Iron Rooster, McGarvey’s, Middleton Tavern, and Annapolis Market House will offer extended outdoor seating, special menu items, discounted drinks, and live musical performances.
Door Prizes: When you pre-purchase your tickets online or sign up at the show, you are automatically entered for a chance to win. This year’s prizes include: a Turtlebox Original Gen 3 Speaker; a set of Gill luggage including a 50L duffel, backpack, and a wash bag; a Cutco Fisherman’s Solution knife; a one-year subscription to the Argo premium navigation app (along with some Argo swag); and the grand prize is the Oris Divers Sixty-Five Cotton Candy watch.
Meet the PropTalk/FishTalk Crew! We’re in a new spot this year, Land FA1 along Ego Alley. We will have a water station nearby and we also serve as the information booth for this section of the show. So, if you have any questions, from trying to find an exhibitor to recommendations on where to grab a bite to eat, we’ve got you covered. We’ll have the latest issues of all of our magazines along with a kid’s coloring table and temporary tattoo station, and new this year—a fun photo booth. If you’ve always wanted to be on the cover of PropTalk, now’s your chance! We’ll have some fun props, so grab your crew and step inside our PropTalk photo frame. We can’t wait to welcome you to the show!
Educational Opportunities
On-the-Water Training
Chesapeake Boating Academy is the official partner of BoatUS on-the-water training at the boat show. Train with licensed USCG captains who are also certified NSBC and US Powerboating instructors. The verified curriculum of the NSBC conforms with the American National On-Water Standard and is available in a series of three-hour modules. Small class sizes of up to four students maximize helm time, confidence, docking skills, navigation, and safe boat handling through real-world instruction on the Chesapeake Bay. Courses cost $225 per three-hour session and include free entry to the boat show on the day of the course. Classes include two women-only classes (taught by women), Women Making Waves—Intro to Boating and Women Making Waves—Precision Docking and Boat Handling, plus Intro to Boating, Precision Docking and Boat Handling, and Open Water Boat Handling. To register, click this link.
Free Daily Seminars
The seminar tent is located on the water near the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel (look for the ‘S’ on the show map). Visit the education tab on the Boat Show website for more details on each seminar; more events will be added as they confirmed.
Thursday, October 8:
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. Cruising the Canals of France and Scotland. Presented by Captain Cheryl Duvall of Chesapeake Area Professional Captains Association.
- 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. How to Keep Your Boat Looking New All the Time! Presented by Christian Buchleitner of Mad Soaps Boat Detailing.
- 1-2 p.m. Propane Systems on Your Boat. Presented by Michael Maszczenski and Joe Burke of US Power Squadrons.
- 2:15-3:15 p.m. New to Boating? Discover What Navigation Apps Can Do for You. Presented by Jeff Foulk of ArgoNav.
- 3:30-4:30 p.m. TBD; check website for updates.
Friday, October 9:
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. AIS Electronics for Boaters. Presented by Michael Maszczenski and Joe Burke of US Power Squadrons.
- 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Chesapeake Bay Odyssey: 23 Ports of Call with Historic Perspectives. Presented by Capt. Michael Dodd of Chesapeake Area Professional Captains Association.
- 1-2 p.m. Planning Your Great Loop Adventure. Presented by Kim Russo, executive director, America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association.
- 2:15-3:15 p.m. TBD; check website for updates..
- 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Using Navigation Apps for Trip Planning. Presented by Jeff Foulk of ArgoNav.
Saturday, October 10:
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. Professional Tips for Buying a Used Boat. Presented by Scott Berg, from CBW Marine Surveyor, consultant and captain.
- 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Cruising the Great American Loop. Presented by Kim Russo, executive director, America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association.
- 1-2 p.m. Catching Rockfish in 2026: Top Tactics and Tips. Presented by Lenny Rudow, Angler in Chief of FishTalk Magazine.
- 2:15-3:15 p.m. Places to Cruise and Things to Do on the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Presented by John Stefancik, executive director of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland.
- 3:30-4:30 p.m. TBD; check website for updates.
Sunday, October 11:
Stay tuned for a great lineup!
10:30-11:30 a.m. TBD
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. TBD
1-2 p.m. Weather 101 for Sailors. Presented by Presented by Captain Deb Marlor of Sailing & Boating.
2:15-3:15 p.m. TBD
Cruisers University
After the show, mark your calendars for Cruisers University, held Monday, October 12 through Friday, October 16 at The Historic Inns of Annapolis. These courses offer the knowledge you need for bluewater cruising, a week on the Bay, or exploring the Great Lakes. With more than 75 classes for sailors and powerboaters, expert instructors cover weather forecasting, navigation, passagemaking, diesel maintenance, heavy-weather sailing, electrical systems, and planning trips to dream destinations. Find a full list of classes and information to register at cruisersuniversity.com.