WHAT: The 70th Discover Boating® New England Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive®, returns to Boston’s Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center (MCEC) January 7–11, 2026. As New England’s largest boat show, it’s the perfect winter escape for boaters and families, featuring hundreds of new boats and top brands to shop, exclusive deals, and on-the-water fun indoors—all under one roof! Tickets can be purchased at NewEnglandBoatShow.com.
Tens of thousands of New Englanders kicked off their New Year at the boat show in 2025, and with five days of summer fun in store, 2026 is set to be a hit with those who want to enjoy more of life on the water. Plus, the Boat Show equals big business for Boston and beyond, driving significant economic impact for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its local businesses.
2026 New England Boat Show Highlights:
- Experience the #BoatLife in Real Life! With more boats to see and shop, stand up paddleboard demos and yoga at the Float & Flow indoor pool, the Discover Boating Beach Club, and free education for boaters of all levels, one of New England’s best winter indoor events has something for everyone!
- Boat hop the coolest new vessels, from center consoles and wakeboats to tugs, inflatables, pontoon boats, and more!
- Get your Zen onat the Float & Flow indoor pool with an intro to paddleboard yoga or just take a paddleboard out for a short spin.
- Learn to Fish with the pros atop a 30ft tank where you can learn the art of casting from the experts! Plus, check out the top names in saltwater fishing gear, products, and services.
- Kick back and relax at the Discover Boating Beach Club to bring the summer vibes to your winter with music, drinks, beach games, and more.
- Buying a Boat? With more than 500 boats on display, and for sale, the boat show is the best place to see and shop the best deals on the most comprehensive selection of boat brands and types in New England - from motor yachts, center console boats and wake boats to family cruisers and pontoon boats. Plus, cruise aisles and aisles of exclusive Show specials on the newest boating accessories, marine electronics and on-the-water must-haves.
- Tour the Queen of the Show & her Court of Beauties – Boat Show tradition dictates that the largest yacht at the?show each year is named the?Queen, with a special look at those in her court.???
- The Queen of the Show is the Albemarle 45 Carolina Fisharound – this stunning center console combines a spacious and well-appointed interior, Triple 600 HP Mercury power and all of the hardcore fishing features to make the most of your offshore adventures.
- HCB Campeón 48 – from the sophisticated hull design to luxurious capabilities, this yacht is engineered for ultimate speed and elegance throughout.
- Axopar 45 – the world’s first outboard-powered, fully enclosable walk-around cabin boat in its size, the Axopar 45 brings innovation and customization to the next level.
- Kid-friendly fun. The boat show inviteslittle skippers to build their own toy boat and climb aboard hundreds of boats to play captain for the day!
- New to Boating? Improve your nautical knowledge with free education for boaters of all levels and experts available to answer all your questions!
- NEW “Ask Me Anything” with Bashon Mann! Don’t miss the chance to meet Navy Veteran and lifelong boater, Bashon Mann, who will be stationed at Progressive® Point all weekend long hosting a series of fireside chats and sharing his vast boating knowledge and expertise.
- Stop by Fred's Shed How-To Center, presented by Progressive® for free“Boating 101” education for new boaters.
- Get “hands-on” boating practice at America’s Boating Club® Boating Simulator including docking, pivot turns, and more.
- Attend Saltwater Fishing Seminars with expert anglers to learn tricks and tips to improve your catch.
WHEN: Wednesday-Sunday, January 7-11, 2026, Weds-Fri:?12:00pm-8:00pm; Sat: 10:00am-8:00pm; Sun:?10:00am-6:00pm
WHERE: Boston’s Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center (MCEC), 415 Summer Street in Boston’s Seaport District
TICKETS: Tickets are $20 for adults. Children 12 & under get in FREE when accompanied by a paid adult. Buy online at NewEnglandBoatShow.com or via contactless payment onsite – no cash accepted. And it pays to bring friends with escalating discounts when you buy 3 or more tickets!
FREE admission for active/veteran military, active/retired first responders and USCG & USCGA members on Opening Day: Wednesday, January 7. Simply show valid identification along with photo ID on entry.
WEB/SOCIAL: Visit NEBoatShow.com; Facebook & Instagram
U.S. & NEW ENGLAND BOATING BY THE NUMBERS**
- Consumers spent more than $1.3 billion on marine products – new boats, engines and aftermarket accessories – in 2024, generating big business for the region’s recreational boating industry.?
- The Discover Boating New England Boat Show drives approximately $2.3 million in spending in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts during the five days of the show alone.
- Spending across the five days of the Show is just a portion of the $5 billion economic impact generated by the recreational boating industry in Massachusetts, supporting more than 1,000 businesses and 17,614 jobs.
- Estimated sales during the show in 2024 amounted to $58.7 million, with an additional estimated $85.1 million generated post-show.
- In 2024, U.S. recreational marine retail expenditures totaled $55.6 billion. New boats generated $16.7 billion from 238,117 units sold (-7.5% compared to 2023 total units sold).?
- An estimated 85 million Americans go boating each year.??
- Ninety-five percent of boats sold in the U.S. are American made.??