Lower ticket prices, brokerage boats, free sailboat rides, more marine accessories and a different venue — these are just a few of the changes that await attendees of the new San Diego Sunroad Boat Show. The boat show opens today, Jan. 28 and will continue through Sunday, Jan. 31. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. today through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Sunroad Resort Marina, 955 Harbor Island Drive on Harbor Island’s east end. Slightly larger than last year’s early-January convention center show, the Sunroad Boat Show will feature about 200 exhibits, including 100 in-the-water boats. The Unified Port of San Diego and the Port Tenants Association are partnering with Sunroad Marina to stage the show. For the first time, this year’s show will offer boat buyers the choice of both new and brokerage (used) boats. The show’s previous sponsor, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which represents new-boat dealers only and cancelled several shows nationwide because of the recession, previously barred brokerage boats. Other new features at the Sunroad show include an art show by the pavilion and new and returning vendors offering a greater selection of electronics and boating accessories. Seaforth Boat Charters will provide free sailboat rides and introductory lessons to potential sailors. Another first this year, buyers will be able to do immediate sea trials prior to sealing the deal on their dream boat. In addition to the 27- to 90-foot sail and power boats exhibited in the water, Hipp Marine is showing a range of smaller trailer-capable boats in the paved lot adjoining the exhibits. Boatyards, marinas and vendors of marine services, products and equipment will display their wares under large tents. “All of the major San Diego boat dealers, both power and sail, will be there, as well as some from Orange County,” said show director Jim Behun, who doubles as the Sunroad Marina manager. “People will have a real boat show with more boats in the water.” Also on exhibit will be the solar-powered electric boat which wowed viewers at December’s San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Guests will reportedly also have a wider choice of dining options.  Maria’s Café & Deli located at the marina is offering a calypso band to accompany their barbecue. Chefs from the adjacent Island Prime and C Level Lounge will provide cooking demonstrations. Educational seminars will run throughout the show, according to boat show sales manager Kat Ohlman. A full schedule of seminars is available online. On both Saturday and Sunday, Capt. Debra Marks will offer sessions on dockline handling, while Richard Benscoter will talk about cruising to Catalina Island and Capt. Marty Fogel will present tips on preparing for boat handling in heavy weather. Other seminar topics include “green” boating, knot-tying and computer-based navigation. Parking is available for $10 a day at the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel at the corner of North Harbor Drive and Harbor Island Drive, with shuttles to the show available. Tickets, which include all seminars, are $10. Children 12 and under are admitted free. A $2 discount coupon is online at the show’s website, www.bigbayboatshow.com, where participants can also find details about seminars, exhibitors and discounts. For more information, call (619) 497-5254.