Detroit Boat Show begins this weekend at Huntington Place
Michigan’s original boat show is getting ready to sail in.
For more than 60 years, the Detroit Boat Show has provided boat owners with weeks of shopping for new accessories, marinas, docks, and, of course, new and used boats. Starting Saturday, Huntington Place will be a full-on boat club with free classes, career days, shopping, live music, and even an area for the kiddos.
What to know
Location: Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit
Days: Jan.14-16; Jan.19-22
Time:
- Saturdays: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Sundays and Mondays: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Thursday and Friday: 3-9 p.m.
Ticket prices:
- Adult ticket: $14
- Children 12 and under: Free with an adult
- Free admission for (1) active military, police officers and firefighters
- Free entry on Senior Day (Jan. 16) for visitors 65 and older
- E-tickets are available online for purchase.
Parking:
- Huntington Place Roof Deck, 625 W. Congress. It’s connected to Huntington Place and just requires taking an elevator to the main floor.
- Washington Street Garage, 1 Washington Blvd. It’s located directly in front of Huntington Place.
- Congress Street Garage, at Congress and First Street. It is close to Huntington Place.
- Street parking and nearby parking lots are also options to park vehicles.
What you will be able to buy
The Detroit Boat Show organization has a product directory for potential buyers to check out some of the featured businesses and exhibitors.
Among the exhibitors that will be on hand: Action Water Sports of Fenton Inc., Blue Lagoon Boating Center, Motor City Power Sports LLC, American Custom Marine and Silver Spray Sports.
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Items from Michigan boutiques will also be available for purchase including canvas, nautical goods and decor, apparel, and more.
Events
The Tiki Bar featuring live music from Ohio guitarist Scott Sopata and Indianapolis band Circle City Steel. Performances are as follows:
- Scott Sopata: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday; noon- 5 p.m. Sunday
- Circle City Steel: Noon-7 p.m. Jan. 21; noon-5 p.m. Jan. 22
At the Kids Zone, children can create nautical crafts, indulge in face painting and will have a chance to meet a real-life mermaid and pirate. Only available during the weekends.
Free T-shirt giveaway when boaters post about stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species, on their social media.
Free boater safety courses to learn the basics of staying safe while boating. Boating classes are only on Saturdays (Jan. 14 and Jan. 21), doors open at 8:30 a.m. and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children under the age of 12 must have a parent or guardian during the class. It’s required that registration is done in advance.
In addition, the show will feature:
- Paddle painting for $10, while supplies last.
- Lawn games like corn hole, giant beer pong, hula hoops plus giant Jenga.
- Career days to learn more about training and career opportunities because there is a critical need for more people to work in the Michigan marine society. These days are Monday, Jan. 19-20.
Typical boating costs
On average, a new boat costs $60,000 to $75,000, according to an article by online mortgage company Lendingtree.com.
Boats.com suggests that before you buy a boat, do your research: Know what kind of boat you are looking for, decide whether you’re going to purchase it used or new, attend boat shows and inspect it before you buy. It’s also ideal to understand the particular features on the boat.
Boating benefits
The National Marine Association published an article in 2018 that featured research from marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols that found:
- Boating resets our brains.
- Boating is meditative.
- Boating is awe-inspiring.
- Boating promotes play and induces creativity.
- Boating appeals to our senses.