5 Can’t-Miss Features at the New England Boat Show

There is so much to do at the boatshow.

If you’re a boater who is heading to the New England Boat Show this month, smart move. If you’re a boater who isn’t planning to attend the show, you need to change your plans. That’s because the New England Boat Show is the premier can’t-miss event of the season for boaters — even if you’re not in the market for a new boat.

While the show is known for its huge number of boats of all shapes and sizes, as well as its hundreds of exhibits of the latest must-have marine products, it also has a ton of fun and unique offerings to entertain attendees and help them level up their boating and fishing knowledge.

Here are five can’t-miss features that all boaters will love at the upcoming New England Boat Show.

Kids will enjoy the the lake in a paddleboard.

Float & Flow Indoor SUP Pool
New for the 2025 boat show, the Float & Flow Indoor SUP Pool will allow attendees to experience zen on the water. Certified instructors guide participants through an easy intro to paddleboard yoga. Yoga not your thing? Just take a paddleboard out for a short spin, courtesy of SUP YO Adventures. On-water demos are available on a first-come, first-served basis Wednesday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids can also splash around a mini lake in a paddleboat or build their own toy boat.

Jigging Techniques Tank
Work on your jigging techniques with the help of experts. Pro anglers will demonstrate the basics of jigging, covering types of jigs, best techniques, and the fish species you can expect to catch by jigging.

America’s Boating Club Boating Simulator
This boating simulator gives participants “hands-on” practice in such boating skills as docking, pivot turns, stopping, and more using a real Mercury throttle and steering wheel.

Get some answers at. Fred’s Shed

Classic & Wooden Boat Collection
Attendees can step back in time to admire the craftsmanship and beauty of a variety of vintage boats dating back 80 years.

Fred’s Shed How-to Center
Visit Fred’s Shed How-to Center to learn tips, tricks, and DIY advice for every boater, regardless of whether you’re a first-timer or experienced captain. Have a boat or engine problem you haven’t been able to fix? Stop by and ask a tech expert about it. Daily seminars and demos cover everything from getting started to service, maintenance, updating, and operating.

These five are just a taste of what boaters can experience at the New England Boat Show. Visitors can also tour the show’s largest boats, enjoy live music, beach games, and chef tastings at the Discover Boating Beach Club, and much more.

The 2025 New England Boat Show takes place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center from January 8 to 12.

Learn more about the New England Boat Show.