More than 25,000 expected at St. Pete boat show

The largest boat show on the Gulf Coast returns to St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront next week with a bevy of free seminars, hundreds of vendors and a few surprises.

Now in its 48th year, the annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show will take over the area between Al Lang Stadium and Albert Whitted Park from Thursday, Jan. 15, through Sunday, Jan. 18. Event organizer Informa U.S. Boat Shows expects over 25,000 attendees – a number that could increase significantly with ideal weather.

Nick Pantner, business development manager, said Informa has a “few different debuts within the show” this year. France-based Groupe Beneteau, a global boat designer and manufacturer, recently relaunched Delphia Yachts with a focus on eco-friendly and electric-powered inland cruising vessels.

“They’re going to bring two new power boats into the U.S. that have never been shown at any of our boat shows,” Pantner said. “I don’t think they’ve been around in Florida at all. So, that’s going to be something pretty neat for the show.”

The longstanding event offers something for everyone. Hook the Future will present a Kids’ Fishing Clinic for children aged 4 to 16.

Capt. Don Dingman, a local television broadcaster, will host the clinic Jan. 17 and Jan. 18. “That one is loved by the kids, because at the end, every single one gets a free fishing pole,” Pantner said.

Two siblings seize an opportunity to climb into a new speedboat at the 2025 show.

Expert captains and industry professionals will conduct a series of nautical seminars covering docking, anchoring and mooring techniques, marine weather, diesel engine maintenance, navigation and a wide range of other topics for adults of all boating levels.

The prestigious Annapolis School of Seamanship (ASOS) has again partnered with Progressive Insurance to provide attendees with complimentary on-water training courses. Participants will learn key boating aspects from U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains.

“We’re thrilled to be leading the education program at this year’s show,” said Capt. John Martino, founder of ASOS, in a prepared statement. “Our mission is to help boaters deepen their knowledge, build confidence and get even more enjoyment out of every experience on the water.”

Pantner expects over 300 vendors, whether on land or in the water, to attend the event. A 40,000-square-foot tent will feature nautical clothing, gear, equipment, electronics, art and “anything marine related.”

The boat show also benefits the local economy.

Fort Lauderdale-based Informa also relies on local labor to help build temporary docks and run the show. Pantner noted that detailing businesses will receive a boost, “as we’re going to have about 200-plus boats in the water, alone.”

“We have the capability of making the show bigger every year, or obviously changing the dynamic of things due to the fact that we build our own marina,” he added.

Informa began building the docks Tuesday and will complete the massive job Wednesday. Boats begin arriving this weekend.

Pinellas is home to over 54,000 registered boats, the second-most in Florida. Hundreds were lost during a devastating 2024 hurricane season.

Many marine enthusiasts were still recovering from the storms at the January 2025 boat show, which led to multiple vendors reporting a decrease in high-end sales. Others said interest in used vessels and safety equipment increased.

A 40,000-square-foot tent (right) will house hundreds of marine gear, equipment and accessory vendors.

Pantner believes that many home and boat owners have since received insurance payments, which could increase sales at the show. He noted that dock builders will also showcase their services at the event.

General admission to the boat show is $24, and free for children aged 15 and under. Active duty military members and veterans can also receive a complimentary ticket, which must be claimed or purchased in advance. 

A portion of ticket sale proceeds will benefit Tampa Bay Watch, a local nonprofit that provides community-driven restoration projects, education programs and outreach initiatives. The organization operates a marine Discovery Center near the event, at the St. Pete Pier.

Informa has also invited a group from Lighthouse of Pinellas, which provides free supportive services for the blind and visually impaired, to attend the event and participate in on-water courses. “A lot of them have never been on a boat, so it’s obviously good for them to experience that,” Pantner said.

“I’m pretty stoked to be back in St. Pete, to be honest,” Pantner concluded. “I love going over there every year. It’s always a good time.”