The 64th Annual BIG Seattle Boat Show 2011 continues for 10 days over two full weekends. From kayaks to mega yachts and everything in between, this show has it all.
The one and only BIG Seattle Boat Show is set to get underway at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 21st. The annual show with two locations – at Qwest Field Event Center and South Lake Union – is the West Coast’s largest boat show with 1,000 boats and yachts and more than three acres of accessories, electronics and boating gear. This year the show runs for 10 days, through Sunday January 30th, which means two full weekends to take it all in. And what a lot there is! From runabouts to houseboats, fishing boats to float planes, kayaks to mega yachts and everything in between, the 2011 show has it all. And if you already own the boat of your dreams, come hone your skills at one of the 200 free seminars or check out the latest gear and technologies.
64th Annual BIG Seattle Boat Show 2011
But boats and accessories are just one part of the big show. Attractions this year include:
Opening Day Festivities
Starting at 4pm on January 21st at Qwest Field, there will be live music from Broken Trail, Fahrenheit Steel and Dave Calhoun, special guests, and at 6pm, a formal proclamation by the Lieutenant Governor, Brad Owen, recognizing the opening of the region’s largest and most popular boating event.
If Money Is No Object
The largest in the show is 100 feet and asking price is $7.2 million. Tour it and a host of other luxury boats at South Lake Union and dream a little.
Budget a Little Smaller? Build Your Own Cardboard Boat.
They are 8-feet long, weigh about 25-pounds, and can accommodate a 250-pound person. And yes, they are waterproof and float. David W. Friant, author of The Cardboard Boat Book will be on hand with some of his boats and to give tips and demonstrate how easy it is to be build an environmentally-friendly, highly-economical boat from 21 pieces of cardboard. Located at Qwest Field Event Center.
Outdoor Line Family Trout Pond
This fun, catch and release trout pond puts the thrill of catching the big one in kids’ hands without the worry or trouble of taking it home. Rods and tackle are provided. Located at Qwest Field Event Center.
Dock a 40-foot Yacht on South Lake Union
Discover how easy docking and maneuvering can be with new technologies like the Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) joystick. It makes docking a boat easier than parallel a parking your car. In-water demonstrations aboard a new SANJUAN 40 foot luxury cruiser will be held at South Lake Union, courtesy of San Juan Yachts. Space is limited. Sign up early at the San Juan Yachts display. Demos will be every hour on the hour, beginning one hour after show opens.
Hitch a Houseboat to Your Wagon
A first in the houseboat industry, this unique houseboat sleeps up to three couples, is solar-powered and can be pulled on a trailer behind your truck. Tour it at Qwest Field.
Come Fly With Me: Two Weeks to Taxi
Need a plane to get to that yacht you just bought or to your wilderness cabin? See the kit built plane that you can build in two weeks. And the wings fold up for tight spaces. The ultimate DIY project. Located at Qwest Field Event Center.
Boat Show Gallery
The highly popular Boat Show Gallery has been the art component of the show since 2004 and features many of the best artists and craftspeople in our region. The gallery features a wide selection of jewelry, carved masks, photography, glass, pottery, sculptures, chart art and maritime prints. Located at Qwest Field Event Center.
Take Advantage of Oceans of Knowledge
No other show in North America offers the quality, variety and volume of educational seminars from world class speakers and boating experts. In addition to the 200 free seminars, Boat Show University – now in its fifth year – is a series of intensive seminars for those wanting to immerse themselves in advanced marine topics.
Spin to Win
For those that love boats but don’t have one, or simply want to try out a different boat, they have the opportunity to win a one week cruise from Bellhaven Yacht Charters by spinning the prize wheel at South Lake Union. The lucky winner of the Spin to Win Grand Prize will be able to choose from a fleet of both power and sail ranging in size from 28 feet to 47 feet.
Where:
Qwest Field Event Center
800 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle
South Lake Union
901 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle
Free shuttle running continuously between both locations
Hours:
Qwest Field Event Center:
Weekdays: 11 a.m. – 8 pm
Saturdays: 10 am – 8 pm
Sundays: 10 am – 6 pm
South Lake Union:
Weekdays: 11 a.m. – 5 pm
Saturdays: 10 am – 5 pm
Sundays: 10 am – 5 pm
(Due to weather and visibility issues, the outdoors Afloat portion of the show at South Lake Union closes at 5pm every day.)
ADULTS: $12
YOUTH (11-17): $5
KIDS 10 and under: Free
Special 5-DAY BIG show pass: $24
