Rain or shine, the San Diego Sunroad Boat Show returns to Harbor Island, Jan. 26-29, bringing with it aspirations for the upcoming recreational boating season.
The 27-year-old ever-larger winter boat show, now in its eighth year at Sunroad, begins on Thursday, Jan. 26 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 29 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 tour both new and used sail and powerboats in every price range, style and size from trailerable boats and inflatables to yachts over 80 feet,” explained show director Jim Behun, who doubles as the marina’s general manager. The show is equally split between power and sail boats, with “first looks” available for many newly-introduced models. Self-propelled vessels, such as kayaks and standup paddleboards, are exhibited on land.
“This is a show organized by boaters for boaters of all kinds. Exhibits and vendors are all boating-related,” Behun said, explaining that the show had grown to a larger tent and more docks.
With the addition of more floating docks for larger yachts, this year’s show will display more than 160 vessels in the water, including 100 new boats.
Among the dealers showing new models are: South Coast Yachts, exhibiting the Bénéteau Oceanis 60 and Monte Carlo 5; Orange Coast Yachts’ Ocean Alexander 80 and Alexander Marine’s Ocean Alexander 70; Bay Yachts 70 by 30 Sun Reef Power Cat; and Hampton Yachts’ Hampton 65. Numerous sailing catamarans are also featured.
Boating education will again play a significant role at the boat show. On Saturday and Sunday, the pavilion will host seminars on subjects including applications of Wi-Fi and video for boats, yacht controller use, trimming headsails and offshore sail repair.
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 free boat rides for the entire family.
Unlike many boat shows, the Sunroad show offers both new and brokerage boats in the water. The show’s exhibits, under an expansive tent include more than 100 vendors offering widely ranging marine services and equipment, electronics, nautical products, boating supplies and accessories.
Show tickets are $13, with children 12 and under 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 adjacent to the marina at the corner of Harbor Drive and Harbor Island Drive with shuttle service provided. Sunroad’s Island Deli and food trucks will offer varied menus. The adjacent Island Prime/C Level Lounge and Coasterra Restaurant will provide alternate dining options.
For latest details on seminars and exhibitors, visit www.bigbayboatshow.com or call 619-497-5254.
