Plan a Break from the Winter Freeze at the Hartford Boat Show

Featuring all aspects of Boating Fun Under the Sun in Connecticut, the Hartford Boat Show (HBS20) will lead the prominent Northeast winter boat show schedule when it harbors at the Earth Expo Center at Mohegan Sun January 16-19, 2020. This is the second year that the 51 year old Hartford Boat Show will dock at the casino property in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Produced by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA) and powered by Evinrude/BRP, the Hartford Boat Show will feature over 125 exhibitors covering approximately 150,000 square feet of the Earth Expo Center, with over 400 boats and water craft being featured. Over 35 dealers, representing at least 95 different brands of boats, motors and trailers are participating. All available exhibit space has already sold out. Additional sponsors include Helly Hanson/Landfall, Renewal by Andersen, and KinderCare.

The Hartford Boat Show exhibitor list reflects every element of recreational boating in the state, for those enjoying Connecticut’s waterways from the sound to the lake and rivers, as well as experienced navigators to new boaters. HBS20 visitors can expect to see boats, jet skis, personal watercraft, paddle sports, kayaks, marinas, motors, slip rentals, servicing, fishing gear, educational programs and materials, insurance, trailers, electronics, sanitation, air conditioning, attire, nautical home décor, decking, dock building, winter storage, financing, shore side activities, destinations and attractions and boating food and beverage.

“January is an optimal time to look for a boat and start to think about warmer weather – all indoors and under the Mohegan Sun. Many dealers will be offering season and show promotions, with delivery timing to meet the opening of the boating season, and our visitors will be able to take advantage of the 2.99% state sales tax rate on boats, motors and trailers.” said Kathleen Burns, Executive Director, CMTA. She added that since the Show falls over a holiday weekend, many visitors can extend their visit and enjoy repeated visits to the exhibit hall at their leisure and also enjoy all the other attractions that Mohegan Sun offers as a destination.

Because the Hartford Boat Show is produced by the industry trade association, every year specific aspects of recreational boating and industry initiatives are featured. HBS20 will include special sections and educational sessions focused on marine trades workforce development, boat safety, and environmental projects. Visit www.hartfordboatshow.com for program details.

This year the Show celebrates family boating with a special Kid’s Cove section dedicated to youth and boating activities. Children’s professionals from KinderCare will lead activities for the junior skippers including boating art activities, fishing, sand art, sea themed jewelry making and more. The Seatow Foundation will be sponsoring an exciting Passport to Safety Scavenger Hunt which will promote safe boating by learning safety fun-facts throughout the Show. In addition loaner life jackets will be available for children to wear around the Show to help them learn about the importance of wearing a life jacket on any boat.

“As a tribute to how inclusive recreational boating is in Connecticut, we are happy to welcome so many diverse partner organizations this year to participate in our educational sessions and special sections throughout the Show, including the Annapolis School of Seamanship, Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environment, The Norwich Power Squadron, The Seatow Foundation, MudRatz GreenFlash, the Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development, the Lower CT River Valley Council of Governments, Boat Safe Connecticut, Cedar Island Research Lab, and The Sound School, among others.” said Burns.

Hartford Boat Show visitors will have the opportunity to get certified for their boating license at the Show. A boat safety and licensing session presented by Boat Safe Connecticut, and its Captain Mark Vining, will be conducted on Saturday, January 18 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Advance registration is required for the class at a discounted rate of $75 per person, which includes admission to the show, and a license certificate issued upon completion. For further information and reservations, contact the CMTA at 860-767-2645 or email [email protected].

Tickets for the Hartford Boat Show may be purchased at www.hartfordboatshow.com. Pre-show online tickets are $13. During The Boat Show, general admission is $15, with children under 12 accompanied by an adult admitted free. A Senior/Military one-day pass is $10. A Two Day Pass allowing access to the show any two days is available at $20. Group sales for groups over 15 people may be arranged by contacting CMTA Show Staff at 860-767-2645. Follow the Hartford Boat Show and get the latest updates at #HartfordBoatShow @BoatShowCT @HartfordBoatShow and on Facebook.