With new innovations in boat design, efficiency and technology, coupled with boaters’ passion for the water, 2017 is expected to be an exciting year for recreational boating. The public is invited to experience some of the trends influencing this excitement during the 2017 DFW Winter Boat Expo at Dallas Market Hall Feb. 3-12.
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the top trends for 2017 are:
Big boats are back: One of the more standout areas of growth in 2016 was among yachts and large cruising boats – a category that has been slower to rebound as high net worth individuals looked to remain more liquid post-recession. New yachts and cruisers are expected to see gains between 1 and 3 percent in 2016, and that trend is likely to continue into 2017 as consumer confidence and spending remain strong.
Affordable, versatile boats helping a new generation become boaters: Manufacturers are making smaller boats (watersport boats, pontoons, day boats, etc.) that are more affordable as they aim to attract new, younger boaters and even more sales. What’s more, boats are also becoming more versatile, providing an all-in-one experience from fishing to cruising to watersports, making them more appealing to a wider audience.
Intuitive marine technology: The boating industry has embraced new technology, from docking a boat with a joystick reminiscent of video games to creating wake surf waves from a wristwatch. As consumers turn to their smartphones to manage numerous aspects of their lives, manufacturers are responding and will unveil boats at 2017 boat shows that provide a more intuitive experience – one that makes certain aspects of operating a boat as simple as pushing a button.
Shared experiences: The “sharing economy” isn’t lost on the boating industry, which is welcoming the opportunity to expose a new demographic to life on the water with everything from boat rental apps to shared boat ownership. Companies like Boatsetter, Boatbound, Sailo and GetMyBoat are some of the options listed on the industry’s DiscoverBoating.com, which helps beginners find ways to get on the water.
The DFW Boat Expo at Dallas Market Hall, the largest boating event in North Texas, has over 650 all new 2017 boat and watercraft models on display and available for purchase from more than 20 North Texas boat dealers. In addition to the display of boats big and small, nearly 150 different vendors will have booths with great deals on boards, skis and tubes, and information on private lessons and camps.
Dates and Times:
Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 3 to 8 p.m. (Free Admission)
Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. *
Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 Closed
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017 Closed
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 Closed
Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 3 to 8 p.m. (Free Admission)
Friday, February 10, 2017 3 to 8 p.m. (Free Admission)
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. **
* Please note early closing Feb. 5 due to Super Bowl
** Please note early closing Feb. 12 due to Show Move Out
Where: Dallas Market Hall
2200 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75207
Cost & Ticket Information:
$12 Adults
$6 Children (ages 5-13)
Free (Children under 5)
Tickets for the show are only available at the door
Parking is free of charge
The DFW Boat Expo is presented by the United Boat Dealers of North Texas. For more information about the expo, go to www.dallasboatexpo.com. Connect on Facebook – www.facebook.com/dfwboatexpo and Twitter – @dfwboatexpo.
Boating Brands Represented
Bennington, Regal, Yamaha, South Bay, Four Winns, Triton, Glastron, Blue Wave, Berkshire Pontoons, Xpress Boats, Sea Hunt, Xcursion, Cobalt Boats, Starcraft, Supra, Moomba, Chaparral, Cruisers Yachts, G3 Boats, Southwind, Skeeter, Nautic Star, Rinker, Hurricane, Sweetwater/Godfrey, Aqua Patio, San Pan, Polar Craft, Malibu, Axis, Correct Craft/Nautique, Legend Boats, Sportsman, Sun Chaser, Avalon, Caravelle, Epic, Clearwater, Veranda, Supreme, Sylvan, Monterey, Crest, Sea Fox, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Harris Flote Bote, Bayliner, Meridian, Grady White, and more.
About The United Boat Dealers of North Texas
The United Boat Dealers of North Texas produces boat shows to support the boating and marine industry in the greater North Texas area; bring together people with a common interest in boating; promote, further and encourage boating through education and outreach programs; and provide exhibitors with a fair and equal opportunity to conduct business with the general public.