This year’s 11th annual San Diego Sunroad Boat Show returns to Harbor Island, Jan. 23-26, with about 185 boats of all sizes on display on both land and water. Now the largest on the West Coast, the boat show has something for everyone in the recreational boating world. Offerings range from trailerable and inflatable boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards shown on land to sail and powerboats ranging from 30 feet to yachts over 80 feet exhibited in the water.
The ever-larger winter boat show runs from Thursday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 26 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 provides visitors the opportunity to tour both new and used power and sailboats in every price range, style, and size, explained show director Jim Behun, who doubles as the marina’s general manager.
“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 has spilled over to more temporary docks.
One of this year’s highlights is a sleek gray-hulled Italian-built 82-foot Pershing motoryacht capable of cruising at 50 knots and described as “a missile disguised as a yacht,” said Sun Country Marine’s VP Jeremiah Parkinson. His company, which boasts the show’s largest in-the-water display, will exhibit models from Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Riviera, Prestige, and Ferretti as well.
Also staging large exhibits are South Coast Yachts, showing Bénéteau’s sail and powerboats plus other lines, Cruising Yachts’ Jeanneau, Elan and Island Packet models, and Alexander Marine’s Ocean Alexanders. Numerous sailing catamarans are also featured.
During the show, the pavilion will host seminars on subjects including boating in Mexico, presented by representatives from the Mexican Marinas Association, visual distress signals, anchoring tips and techniques and offshore sail repair. Check the show website for details.
Unlike many boat shows, the Sunroad show offers both new and brokerage boats shown in the water. The show’s tented exhibits include over 100 vendors offering widely ranging marine services and equipment, electronics, nautical products, boating supplies, and accessories.
Show tickets are $15, with children 12 and under free. Active-duty military, police, EMTs and fire personnel with ID are 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 on Harbor Island Drive. Several vendors will offer varied food menus. Nearby, Island Prime/C Level Lounge and Coasterra Restaurant provide alternate dining options.
For the latest information on seminars and exhibitors, visit bigbayboatshow.com or call 619-497-5254.
