The 2023 Seattle Boat Show will once again include numerous events, featured days, and exhibits to entertain the whole crew.

The 76th annual Seattle Boat Show is set to sail into town on Friday, Feb. 3 and through Saturday, Feb. 11. This year’s show will feature nearly 300 exhibitors with more than 800 new and brokerage boats — indoors at Lumen Field Event Center and on the water at Bell Harbor Marina —  and the latest in marine accessories and technology.

In addition to being a place to shop for the boat of one’s dreams, the show has always been a celebration of boating and a place for boaters to rendezvous with friends, plan for summer adventures, and have some fun. The 76th show will be no different, with many features and events including:

Wine Down at Uncorked, the Seattle Boat Show’s Opening Night Event — Friday, Feb. 3

Massive Rube Goldberg-inspired Boating Machine — All show days

Over the course of the nine days of the show, Zach Umperovitch, the world’s leading authority on Chain Reaction Machines and two-time Guinness World Record holder, and Co-Host of Discovery Channel’s “Contraption Masters,” will invent and construct a Rube Goldberg-inspired machine for boaters. The final machine will measure more than 100 feet in length and, when completed, it will be the longest spanning machine Zach has built in his 30-year career. Zach’s contraption will use kinetic energy and audience participation to string, couple, and join together boat parts, fishing rods and reels, crab pots, life jackets and other random boating-related items to launch a kooky succession of chain reactions, culminating  in the launch of a boat. Here’s an example of one of Zach’s Contraptions:

Showgoers can stop by anytime to chat with Zach, watch him in action and even make suggestions on materials to use. Additionally, at 4 pm. everyday Zach will start the machine to demonstrate the progress. He will choose two members from the audience, one to be a ‘human interaction point’ in the chain, and one to help launch it. On Thursday, Dogs on Deck day, one lucky pooch will also be chosen to help!

Women’s Day — Monday, Feb. 6

Women can attend the show for free 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. The special Women’s Day pass is available on the show’s website. (Women are free at both locations. Seminars are at Lumen Field Event Center)

On-Water Rescue Dog Demo at Bell Harbor Marina  — Wednesday, Feb. 8,  3pm

Water rescue dogs from the the American Academy of Canine Water Rescue — a nonprofit organization that breeds and trains dogs to perform water rescues—will be at Bell Harbor Marina with Newfoundlands Oakley and Angel to demonstrate their impressive cold water rescue skills. These specially trained dogs can tow up to 5,000 lbs and are trained to jump from search and rescue helicopters.

Showgoers can also meet Oakley and Angel at Lumen Field during  Dogs on Deck on Thursday, Feb. 9 and chat with their trainers who will share tips and tricks for training dogs and helping them become comfortable on boats and around water.

Before or after watching Oakley and Angel perform, stop by Anthony’s Bell Street Diner for a free cup of their award-winning creamy clam chowder. It’s also available weekdays from 11:30am – 2:30pm to all ticketed show attendees.

Dogs on Deck — Thursday, Feb.9

There’s a special day at Lumen Field Event Center just for furry first mates. Dogs accompanied by their owners can stroll the red carpets, meet and greet with dog trainers, get a photo in the Photo Booth, have a custom dog tag made, and sniff out their favorite boats. One lucky pooch will also be chosen to participate in the daily launch of the Rube Goldberg machine at 4 p.m.

Note: dogs need their own (free) ticket which can be obtained here. Dogs are welcome every day of the show at Bell Harbor.

Sails & Ales Craft Beer Night — Friday, Feb. 10

Boating and fishing seminars — All show days

Entertaining and educational, the seminars are always one of the most popular features at the show.  For 2023 there will be 110 hours of seminars, of which 25% are new. The boating and  fishing seminars can be attended in person, and, with a special Seminar Package ticket, viewable online for three months post show. Boat Show U webinars are available in person and online for those who purchase a Seminar Package ticket.

Youth Boating Center –  All show days

Young sailors and their families are invited to stop by the Youth Boating Center to start their boating adventures. An introduction to sailing, STEM, and the marine world, the staff at the Youth Boating Center will educate kids and families on the wind, propulsion, local sailing opportunities, knot tying, and more through daily  fun hands-on activities.

Tickets:

$20 Adult Ticket

$40 Multi Day Ticket, good for all 9-days of the show

$119 Seminar Package (includes: access to all Boat Show U webinars  (online and in person); Waggoner 2023 Cruising Guide ($45 value); and a multi-day ticket good for all nine days of the show ($40 value)

Free Kids 17 & Under

A free shuttle runs continuously between both show locations.

For specific details about hours, exhibitors, seminars  and attractions, visit www.SeattleBoatShow.com.