Spring boat shows are an awesome way to check out what’s hot and what’s new in the world of powerboats, and the Bay Bridge Boat Show is one of the largest such in-water events north of Florida. There will be over 250 powerboats on display at the show, which takes place at the Bay Bridge Marina docks on the Eastern Shore of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay.





You'll find boats of all shapes, sizes, and types at the 2024 Bay Bridge Boat Show. Photo via Bay Bridge Boat Show.




Boats at the Bay Bridge Boat Show





There’s plenty to see and plenty to do at the Bay Bridge Show, but naturally, the number-one attraction is row upon row of gleaming fiberglass powerboats. You’ll find all sorts of boats at the show — fishing boats, cruisers, bowriders, you name it — and in the past we’ve spotted such showstoppers as amphibious boats driving around on dry land and electric-powered surf boards zipping around the marina. For 2024 a highlight is the premier of the Pescador 35. Being brought to the show by Lazzuri Atlantic, an Annapolis-based boat dealer specializing in Turkish and European luxury yachts, the Pescador 35 features a two-stateroom cabin; a fully enclosed helm deck with a dinette, galley, and 360-degree visibility; and a cockpit with an L-shaped settee and plenty of room for casual fishing or just relaxing in the great outdoors.





A highlight of this year's show: Lazurri Atlantic will be premiering the Pescador 35. Photo via Lazzuri Atlantic.




Unlike many in-water boat shows, the Bay Bridge show also gives shoppers the ability to sea trial some models. Though many of the boats on display are blocked in, there’s a special PropTalk Demo Dock where boaters can actually cast off the lines and see how a boats perform. There will be center consoles, bowriders, and even a tricked-out electronics demo boat from Furuno USA.





There are plenty of accessories and services on display in the tents and booths. Photo via Bay Bridge Boat Show.




Along with the boats there will be dozens upon dozens of accessories and services to check out. Whether you need to find out about boat insurance options, financing opportunities, marinas, or electronics installation and repairs, you’ll find perusing the on-land displays almost as interesting as checking out the boats. There will also be plenty of booths where you can see the latest boating goodies ranging from marine binoculars to foul weather gear.





Educational Opportunities at the Bay Bridge Boat Show





Being at this show also brings with it the opportunity to grow as a boater. There’s a long list of educational experiences and seminars, including a series by BoatU.S. with Intro to Boating, Women Making Waves, Precision Docking, and Open Water Boat Handling courses. You do have to register in advance for these classes so visit the boat show’s Education page to find out the details asap. There are also classes on safety put on by the USCG Auxiliary, plus free public seminars on multiple maritime matters like top “dock and dine” options, VHF etiquette, and fishing — including a seminar on light tackle jigging for Chesapeake Bay rockfish by FishTalk Magazine Angler in Chief Lenny Rudow. Again, check out that education page to see the full seminar schedule for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.





Fun at the Bay Bridge Boat Show





A new feature that’s sure to prove a draw at the 2024 show is the Chesapeake Invasives Corner. Sponsored by FishTalk Magazine, there will be a coalition of organizations on hand to show boaters how they can find restaurants serving invasive species. Meanwhile, the kids will want to visit the interactive Fun Zone, and representatives from the Coastal Conservation Organization of Maryland (CCA-MD) will be on hand to help educate anglers and get them involved in the Great Chesapeake Invasives Count, a free season-long fishing tournament where anglers catch invasive fish, win prizes, and help scientists gather data on invasive species all at the very same time.





Enter, the Fun Zone! Photo via Bay Bridge Boat Show.




Walking the docks and checking out all this cool stuff you’re sure to build up an appetite. And that’s no problem, because the food vendors at this show will be serving up goodies like pit beef and real Maryland seafood. (It’s real — for real — believe it or not, folks. We’ve tried it). If you’ve ever been to a boat show in a convention center, you know we mean it when we say that boat show food is generally not to be eaten, versus not to be missed. Rest assured, that is not the case at the Bay Bridge Boat Show.





All these boats and boating goodies in one place, at one time? We've gotta be there! Photo via Bay Bridge Boat Show.




Added bonus: there are door prizes for show attendees, including a grand prize inflatable stand-up paddleboard. Added double bonus: there’s on-site parking and free off-site parking. Added triple double-whammy bonus: you’ll spend a day surrounded by boats, boats, and more boats!


Written by: Lenny Rudow
With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.