Despite this year’s El Niño rains, with the imminent debut of the San Diego Sunroad Boat Show on Harbor Island, it’s time for boaters to start thinking and dreaming about the upcoming spring and summer boating season. The 26-year-old winter boat show, with larger-than-ever in-the-water displays and now in its seventh year at Sunroad, kicks off on Thursday, Jan. 21 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 25 at Sunroad Resort Marina, located at 955 Harbor Island Drive, at Harbor Island’s east end. Show hours are noon to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The show offers guests the chance to experience more than 150 sail and powerboats in every price range, style and size, from trailerable boats and inflatables to yachts over 90 feet, explained show director Jim Behun, who doubles as the marina’s general manager. The show is about equally split between sail and power models, with “first looks” available for many newly introduced boats. Self-propelled vessels, such as kayaks and SUPs, will also be exhibited. “Because it’s the first boat show of the new year, dealers are eager to introduce their latest models at the show,” Behun explained. Among the dealers showing new powerboat models are South Coast Yachts, showing the Bénéteau Gran Turismo 40; Sun Country Marine, introducing Searay’s high-speed L650 Fly and 400 Fly; and Art Brooks Sea Company, exhibiting the Johnson 65. West Coast Multihulls is introducing the Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 sailing catamaran. Another trend Behun has noticed is that financing is now readily available. Many people are buying new boats, he said, another indication that the Great Recession is mostly behind us. Boating education will again play a significant role. On Saturday and Sunday, the pavilion will host seminars on subjects, including high-speed Internet for boats, green boating and nonskid surfaces. Representatives from 12 Mexican marinas and boatyards will be on hand explaining their available facilities and amenities and will present seminars on Mexican boating, as will Capt. Pat Rains, author of “Mexico Boating Guide.” Along the docks, Seaforth Boat Rentals will provide sailboat and electric boat rides for the entire family. Unlike many boat shows, the Sunroad show offers new and brokerage boats in the water. The show’s exhibits under a festive tent include more than 100 vendors offering wide-ranging marine services, electronics, products, supplies and accessories. Show tickets are $12, with children 12 and under admitted free. Active-duty military, police, EMTs and fire personnel with ID are admitted free Thursday and Friday. Because of crowded docks, show staff ask guests to leave pets and strollers at home, with service animals always welcome. Paid parking is available next to the Sheraton Hotel, with shuttle service provided. Sunroad’s Island Deli and food trucks will offer varied menus, all to the accompaniment of steel drums. The adjacent Island Prime/C Level Lounge and Coasterra Restaurant will provide alternate dining options. For latest details on seminars and exhibitors, visit bigbayboatshow.com or call (619) 497-5254.
