The Hartford Boat Show, which will run from Jan. 28-31 at the Connecticut Convention Center, will highlight new products and family fun activities during its two weekend days.
For boaters and those thinking about getting into recreational boating, winter is prime time to research and plan spring equipment purchases that can enhance or enable family time on the water. Produced by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association, the Hartford show will feature more than 125 exhibitors and 250 boats and accessories.
Jan. 30 and 31, dubbed Sizzling Saturday and Family Funday, will offer demonstrations, special events, seminars, personality appearances and author book signings.
“For 2016 we have moved the show back to our former dates between the National Football League playoffs and the Super Bowl. It’s the perfect weekend to bring the whole family and in the comfort of the warm indoor space start to plan and get excited about the upcoming boating season,” CMTA executive director Kathleen Burns said in a statement.
Sizzling Saturday activities will highlight new products at the show. Some of the special events that day include: NBC CT meteorologist Kaitlyn McGrath presenting a Weather App demonstration; Port Niantic’s basic maintenance session; electronic charting with the Hartford Power Squadron; “A Passion for Sailing,” delivered by sailing consultant and coach Joe Cooper; a fishing seminar by “The Diving Fisherman” author, photographer and videographer Mike Laptew; and authors Paul Krantz of “Riding the Wild Ocean” and Kevin Saulnier of “Bart & The Compass Rose” appearing in the Boat Book Nook.
On Sunday there will be Boat Book Nook appearances by authors Jeremy Pallai (“‘Fish on the Move”) and Lisa Saunders (“Mystic Seafarers Trail”).
Both weekend days’ schedules also include “Ask a Captain,” featuring Coast Guard- certified master captain and sport fisherman T.J. Karbowski and “Catch More Seabass, Cod and Porgy” with Blackhawk party boat Capt. Greg Dubrule.
