The red carpets, the drool-worthy new boats with a freshly buffed sheen, the cheery din of old friends greeting one another and budding enthusiasts exploring their dreams… Friends, it’s Seattle Boat Show time!

I’m coming to you live from the West Hall of the Lumen Field Event Center, and I can confirm that indeed the boat show is on. It is big. It is bright. It is boat show glorious!

48° North is pleasantly settled into our booth (West 3, come say hello and pick up the latest issue or the SARC!) and we’re happy to be among friends old and new. For longtime boat folk and industry pros, the the boat show is a homecoming reunion of sorts, with folks catching up on the latest in life and adventures, business and boats (in other words, I’m showing a lot of baby pictures).

Genuinely, I love this event. For all of its tradition, it still has that bottled fresh energy of new: new products, new learning, new boats, a new season of possibility, and new folks ready to plant their flags as lifelong boat people.

Of course, 48° North is here with a few thousand magazines. We think we have the best job at the show, because our whole purpose is to give stuff away (though we’ll gladly sell you a hat, subscription or cruising rally registration!). Come on down, check out the wares, see the smiling faces, and explore the latest and greatest. We’ll be here to welcome you. Happy boat show, everybody!

Here’s some of the latest info from the Boat Show producers themselves:

The 78th annual Seattle Boat Show, the largest on the West Coast, spans two locations—Lumen Field Event Center and Bell Harbor Marina—and features 290+ exhibitors, over 800 new and brokerage boats, and the latest in marine gear and technology. Whether you’re in the market for a fishing rod or a $4.9-million, 95-foot yacht, or anything in between, or want to level up your nautical knowledge at one of the 150 free seminars, the 2025 Seattle Boat Show has you covered.

However, the show isn’t just about boats—it’s a celebration of the boating lifestyle. Don’t miss these exciting features and promotions:

Crack the Code for a Chance to Win a Dream Boat Worth Up to $535,000

Feeling lucky? Showgoers can stop by the Union Marine display and test their luck by cracking the 6-digit code on the digital vault. The prize? A brand-new boat of their choice, to be special ordered to their specifications, from three options:

• 2025 MasterCraft XStar 23
• 2025 Sea Ray 310 SLX
•  2025 Boston Whaler 285 Conquest

These premium models are valued between $460,000 and $535,000—making this the most exciting giveaway at the show.

Pluck a Duck for Charity

“Little Toot”, a 20-foot tugboat, will be filled with 2,000 rubber ducks. 15% of the ducks have prize codes. Showgoers can purchase a duck for $5, then pluck a duck from the tugboat and see what they win. Prizes include wakeboards and tubes, fishing rods, propane grills, crab pots, boat show shopping sprees ($250 or $500!) and Seahawks tickets. 100% of the proceeds go to Salmon for Soldiers, a nonprofit offering free fishing events for our veterans and active duty military.

Boating and Fishing Seminars

Entertaining and educational, the free seminars are always one of the most popular features at the show. Whether you’re new to boating and want to learn the basics, or planning on pursuing your dream to sail around the world, there’s a seminar for you among the 150 boating and fishing seminars. Those looking  for more  in-depth learning can sign up for Boat Show University courses (fee required).  View seminar schedule.

Kids Zone

Little mariners (ages 3-8) can paddle around the Aqua Paddlers pool (life jackets required and provided) or on Saturdays and Sunday join the Center for Wooden Boats to build toy boats and learn nautical skills like knot tying and propulsion.

Bubbly at the Boat Show (Sunday Feb. 2)

The first 1,000 guests (21+) at Lumen Field Event Center on Sunday morning between 10 AM and noon can enjoy a mimosa, served in a stylish souvenir wine flute, included with admission. Choose from refreshing flavors like zesty orange juice, tropical guava, sweet pomegranate, or juicy peach.

Women’s Day (Monday, Feb. 3)

Women can attend the show for free with a Women’s Day ticket (must be ordered  online in advance) and enjoy a slate of seminars designed specifically for women, by women boaters. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet, learn and get inspired by some of the most talented women boaters around.

Dogs on Deck (Thursday Feb. 6 )

Families can bring their furry friends for some tail-wagging fun and have a custom dog tag made.  They can also create a personalized talking dog video and check out other offerings from Paws with Cause including animal art portraits and paint kits. Proceeds from sales go directly toward helping shelter animals in need.

Show Details

Tickets:

• Adult: $20
• 9-Day Pass: $40
• Kids 17 & Under: Free

Special Ticket Promotions:

• Women’s Day (Monday, Feb. 3): Free admission for women (online ticket required)
• Two-for-One Tuesday (Feb. 4): Buy one ticket, get one free (online only)
• Military Wednesday (Feb. 5): Free admission for active-duty military and veterans.
• Boating is in Our Blood Wednesday (Feb. 5): Sign-up for the Seattle Boat Show Blood Drive at the show and receive two free tickets https://forms.gle/cw2ULF9DvcoyJXbN9
• Boat Show ticket-holders can enjoy a free cup of Anthony’s clam chowder when visiting Bell Harbor Marina at the Port of Seattle on weekdays from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

For hours, ticket pricing, more details about exhibitors, seminars, features and promotions, visit www.SeattleBoatShow.com