Another year, another boat show! While we may be lamenting the soon-to-be end of summer, fall brings its own set of charms to Chesapeake Country. The beginning of October often still feels like summer, but usually without the humidity. And of course, early October heralds the return of the Annapolis Powerboat Show to City Dock (October 2-5).
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again—this show is truly for everyone: the serious boat buyers, the dreamers, those seeking to expand their boating knowledge, the ‘I just want to sip a cocktail while strolling the docks’ attendees, and everyone in between. Bring your family, bring your friends, and meet new ones during this annual boater mecca.
You may notice that things look a little different this year as part of the ongoing Annapolis City Dock Project (learn more below).
The old Annapolis Harbormaster building has been removed, and Team PropTalk/FishTalk has a new booth location for the first time in many, many years. But I promise, we won’t be hard to find. If you enter at Dock and Craig Street, near where the Harbormaster used to be, you’ll find us at Land space 22.
As always, we welcome readers to come by and say hello. Grab the latest issues of the magazines, adorn yourselves with our fun tattoos (they’re temporary), bring your story ideas and photos from a summer spent boating on the Bay, and meet our team. We love getting to see everyone in person! And even better, you can stop by our booth on Friday, October 3 at 5 p.m. for a casual gathering to celebrate PropTalk's 20th anniversary. We would love for you to join us.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to the show. Be sure to read it before you head to Annapolis so you can get a plan in place; we want to make sure your visit is both productive, and most importantly, fun. At the show gates, grab the official show guide which also includes an exhibitor and boat list and the official show map.
For more information and to pre-purchase tickets, click to annapolisboatshows.com. And stay tuned to this page for updates as we get closer to the show dates. You can also sign up for our email list at proptalk.com/email-signup and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest intel.
Let’s send summer off with a bang and celebrate the fall season the right way—at the Annapolis Powerboat Show!
Dates and Times
Thursday, October 2: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 3: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 4: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 5: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets
The box office is located at Dock Street (exit the bus at the second stop).
Preview Day (Oct. 2): $45 at gate
Two-Day Preview Day Combo Ticket (valid Oct. 2 and one general admission day): $72
Two-Day General Admission Combo Ticket (valid Oct. 3-5, not valid Oct. 2): $59
General Admission (Oct. 3-5) – Adults: $32, children ages 7-15 (Oct. 2-5): $10; children under 6 are free
Military Personnel Day (Oct. 5) – $20 (tickets available online but must present valid ID at gate)
VIP Experience: $201.75. Sponsored by Axos Bank. If you’re looking to be pampered then the VIP experience is for you. Each ticket includes boat show admission and exclusive access to the VIP lounge, which features a mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.), a full bar opening at noon, breakfast, a buffet lunch, afternoon appetizers, and comfortable seating. There will also be live music and the chance to speak with financing representatives about obtaining the boat of your dreams.
Parking
Boat show visitors are encouraged to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401) and take a free shuttle to and from the show. Shuttles will run one hour prior to show opening through one hour after the show closes. Pre-sale of Stadium parking is offered at the discounted rate of $23 pre-paid (visit the ABS website) and $30 day-of event parking. Oversized vehicles cost $45, paid at the stadium. There is no overnight parking at the stadium.
Pre-sale of parking closes at 10 p.m. the evening prior to the day you plan to attend. After that, you may purchase parking onsite at the Stadium Gate 5 entry, credit card only. No cash will be accepted.
Note: On Saturday, October 4 parking will NOT be at the stadium but at the Board of Education: 2644 Riva Road in Annapolis. Cash only.
Additional parking is available in the parking garages in downtown Annapolis. Be sure to plan ahead as parking garages downtown fill up fast. Also at Eastport Elementary (420 Fifth Street October 2, 4, and 5) and St. Mary's Parish (109 Duke of Gloucester St. on October 4 for $30 - cash and card).
Dingy Parking: Prince George St. Dinghy Dock will NOT be open during the Boat Shows: 9/29 – 10/15. There will be a dedicated dinghy dock at the end of Shipwright St. for boaters to utilize.
Answers to FAQs:
- Boat Show staff encourages guests to skip the lines and buy tickets online. If you do need to purchase tickets at the gate, please exit the shuttle bus at the second stop. The Box Office is located on Dock Street.
- Pets are not allowed inside the show due to safety and health reasons, unless it is a certified service animal.
- Strollers are not allowed inside the show due to safety issues. Please park your stroller in the designated stroller parking area.
- It is recommended that all children wear lifejackets for their safety.
- The Boat Show is open rain or shine.
- You do not need to print out your ticket; all tickets may be scanned from your phone.
- Backpacks and bags are allowed.
- You may leave the show and re-enter; you will receive a hand stamp to re-enter the show without your ticket.
Getting Around
On land, it’s easy to hop on the Annapolis Free Downtown Shuttle that has regular stops around the downtown Annapolis area. This service begins at the Park Place Garage located off West Street and connects several parking garages and surface parking lots with local restaurants and businesses. Wheelchair lifts and bike racks are available on the shuttle buses. The shuttle runs Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find a full list of stops at and a route map at annapolisparking.com/free-downtown-shuttle. You can also track the shuttle in real-time at that link, or download the mobile app.
You can also use the Maryland Avenue/State Circle and Eastport 10-minute trolleys, which are a convenient (and free!) way to get around. Just flag it down and hop on. The trolleys run every 10 minutes and are 100-percent electric. The Maryland Avenue/State Circle Avenue Trolley services Gotts, Whitmore, and Calvert Street parking garages to the shops and restaurants along Maryland Avenue and State Circle. It runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Electric Trolley is an open-air vehicle and therefore will not operate during inclement weather. This includes temperatures below 30 degrees, heavy rain, snow, or ice.
On the water, we love the water taxis. If you’re at the show, the easiest place to catch them is at the water taxi stop between the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel and Spa Creek Bridge. You can also call (410) 263-0033 or hail “water taxi” on VHF radio channel 68. Tickets cost $4 to $9 per person, depending on the destination (minimums apply in Back Creek and upper Spa Creek; rates are for one-way transit). For cashless water taxi fare payment, download the Where in Annapolis app and click on the water taxi icon in the bottom right. The water taxis run Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visiting From Out of Town?
It’s never too early to start making plans to come to the show. If you would like to extend your stay, there are a multitude of overnight accommodations available. Visit boatshowhotels.com/apbsb25 (you can also find the link on the ABS website) for the Annapolis Boat Shows list of official show hotels. For more ideas on where to stay, eat, and things to see and do in town, click to visitannapolis.org.
Show Map
For a map of the show, click here.
On Display
Click the links below for links.
Insider Tips for the Boat Show:
Serious boat buyer? Preview Day, Thursday, October 2, would be a great day to attend as it is generally less crowded and thus easier to make appointments/chat with dealers.
Wear the right shoes: Choose a pair that is comfortable (you’ll be doing a lot of walking) and easy to slip off and on (heels don't do so well on the floating docks). Remove shoes when boarding boats. If it’s cold or rainy, wear rain boots.
Getting Around: Always plan to give yourself extra time to get where you are going, especially if you have a seminar or appointment. Be prepared for crowds on the streets, on the docks, and potentially a wait for the shuttle bus.
Share and save information: Bring your phone, notepad, pens, boat cards, and business cards to share and save information. Bring photos of your boat projects to show the experts. At the show, snap pictures of favorite boats and cool products. Serious buyers should make appointments with the boat brokers.
Dress in layers: October in Annapolis can be sunny and warm, crisp and cool, or sometimes rainy. Anything is possible. Bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a long-sleeved fleece, and a rain repellent top layer. A small backpack or tote can be very helpful for storing extra layers and any goodies you pick up at the show.
Bathrooms: Fancy port-a-johns are centrally located within the show. Check out the show map in the official Boat Show guide for specific locations.
What’s New This Year?
Before we jump into show highlights, we wanted to take a moment to discuss a few new things this year. First up, PropTalk and FishTalk are in a new location: Land 22, which isn’t too far from our old spot along Ego Alley. We’ll be located near the show entrance on Dock and Craig Streets, near where the old Harbormaster building used to be. Which brings us to our next point: if you’re thinking it looks like something is missing… you would be right. The Annapolis Harbormaster building is no more, part of the ongoing City Dock construction. Before you go lamenting the loss of the restrooms, we promise there will be plenty of porta potties within the show gates.
Annapolis City Dock Project
Starting in 2019, the City Council-appointed City Dock Action Committee (CDAC) was formed to address the urgent issue of more frequent and more intense flooding in Annapolis’ historic downtown waterfront. Through a series of public meetings and work sessions, the group identified a clear path forward for action to reimagine Annapolis City Dock as a more resilient and inviting public space. The City Dock consensus plan calls for transforming the existing asphalt, an environmentally unsustainable heat island, into an elevated active park with resiliency features that run from Gate 0 to Newman Street.
The new City Dock will create a hub that brings people together and provides direct access to the water for all. The City’s rich and diverse history will be honored and celebrated throughout the park and promenade. Construction began last year and is ongoing, hence the demolition of the Annapolis Harbormaster’s office (their new location is 4 Dock Street, Suite 100).
For more details, visit accessannapolis.com.
Show Highlights
USNA Yard Patrol Craft: Step aboard a working U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol (YP) Craft at the Annapolis Powerboat Show in celebration of the Navy’s 250th Anniversary. These 108-foot training vessels help midshipmen master seamanship, navigation, and leadership—often on weeklong missions up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Fun fact: they can cruise 1800 nautical miles without refueling! This is a rare chance to explore the bridge, meet the midshipman crew, and see how the Navy trains future officers.
Demo Dock: Try before you buy! The Demo Dock gives potential buyers a chance to sea trial a variety of boats to help make an educated decision on what engines, electronics, and other functions work best for them. Visit the demo dock early in the day to set up an appointment. At print time, this was the current lineup of boats slated to be on display but be sure to check the Boat Show website for updates and detailed descriptions.
- 32 Sportsman Featuring Seakeeper
- Aspen C128
- Calcutta 323 powered by Honda BF350
- Grady White 180
- Hyfoil 22
- Moose Boat M-2
- Regulator 35
- Seakeeper and Seakeeper Ride
- Tender OCT from ZeroJet
Door Prizes: Register at the Vacation Village display, located at the Dock St. and Vacation Basin gates, to win amazing door prizes generously donated by ABS exhibitors. Prizes include a Bay Life apparel swag basket, Weems Wayfinder binoculars with compass, a Helly Hansen jacket, and more.
Meet Team PropTalk/FishTalk: We saved the best for last! As mentioned previously, we’re in a new location this year, Land 22. We are no longer in our spot along Ego Alley, but if you enter by Dock and Craig Street, you’ll find us just past the show entrance. Come meet our team, share your story ideas, grab the latest issues of the magazines, and don’t forget to show your love with a temporary tattoo. We also hope you’ll join us Friday, October 3 at 5 p.m. for a little anniversary party—help us celebrate 20 years of PropTalk!
There will also be hundreds of boats on display, including new and premiering boats, educational opportunities, new products, and more. Read on for additional details.
Educational Opportunities and Special Events
BoatUS On-Water Training
Chesapeake Boating Academy in partnership with BoatUS On-Water Training will host three family-friendly introductory boating courses during the show, including Intro to Boating, Precision Docking and Boat Handling, and Open Water Boat Handling. Gain real life boating practice with a licensed and trained USCG Captain Instructor. Each three-hour course costs $199 and includes entry to the show on the day of the course. Guests must be 12 years of age or older, and there is a three-person minimum (some courses have prerequisites).
Free, Daily Seminars
The Boat Show will feature daily seminars presented by show partners. Seminars are free for all attendees to enjoy, and are located by the Compromise Street entrance by the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. You can find them on the map by looking for the large ‘S.’ Be sure to check the Boat Show website for any scheduling changes and/or updates.
Thursday, Oct. 2
- 11-11:45 a.m. What to Know Before You Go! Presented by Sarah Lawrence of Chesapeake Boating Academy.
- 12-12:45 p.m. Cruising the Great Lakes. Presented by Joe and Meredith McKeown of the Great Lakes Cruising Club.
- 1-1:45 p.m. What is Better—Chartplotters, Apps, or Both? Presented by Jeff Foulk and Dave Rowe of ArgoNav.
- 2-2:45 p.m. The Great American Loop. Presented by Kim Russo of America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association.
- 3-3:45 p.m. What is the Florida Loop? Presented by Kim Russo of America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association.
Friday, Oct. 3
- 11-11:45 a.m. Playing it Safe on the Water. Presented by Sarah Lawrence of Chesapeake Boating Academy.
- 12-12:45 p.m. Navigation Apps—Boat Smarter and Safer. Presented by Jeff Foulk and Dave Rowe of ArgoNav.
- 1-1:45 p.m. Dock and Dine on the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Presented by John Stefancik of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland.
- 2-2:45 p.m. Light Tackle Jigging for Rockfish in Rocktober. Presented by Lenny Rudow of FishTalk Magazine.
- 3-3:45 p.m. How to Keep Your Boat Looking New All the Time! Presented by Christian Buchleitner of Mad Soaps Boat Detailing.
Saturday, Oct. 4
- 11-11:45 a.m. Photography Tips From an Expert While Out Boating. Presented by Walter Cooper of Walter Cooper Photography.
- 12-12:45 p.m. Tips From a Professional When Buying a Used Boat. Presented by Scott Berg: CBW Marine Surveyor, Consultant, and Captain.
- 1-1:45 p.m. Maneuvering Strategies in Close Quarters. Presented by Phyllis Woolwine of Shearwater University.
- 2-2:45 p.m. Light Tackle Jigging for Rockfish. Presented by Lenny Rudow of FishTalk Magazine.
- 3-3:45 p.m. What You Should Know About Boat Insurance. Presented by Kerry Gonzalez of AMG Insurance International.
Sunday, Oct. 5
- 11-11:45 a.m. Docking for Two People and One Line with Full Control. Presented by Phyllis Woolwine of Shearwater University.
- 12-12:45 p.m. Empowering Women on the Water as a Captain or Crew. Presented by Captain Deb Marlor of Simplicity Coaching.
- 1-1:45 p.m. Weather 101 for Boaters. Presented by Captain Deb Marlor of Simplicity Coaching.
- 2-2:45 p.m. Crabbing for Newbies. Presented by Captain Bill of the Chesapeake Boating Academy.
Cruisers University
The fall 2025 semester of Cruiser University will be held Monday, October 6-Friday, October 10 at The Historic Inns of Annapolis. More than 75 classes are available for sailors and powerboaters alike who have an interest in learning the fundamentals of bluewater cruising. The curriculum includes classes such as marine weather forecasting, traditional navigation techniques, electronic tablet navigation, diesel maintenance, heavy weather sailing, electrical systems, and more. Registration is now open. Visit cruisersuniversity.com to learn more and sign up.
Weems & Plath Tent Sale
October 2-4 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., October 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., October 9-11 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and October 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This annual warehouse sale offers big discounts on discontinued, overstock, and sample items, including navigation tools, clocks, barometers, lamps, binoculars, compasses, navigation lights, exquisite gifts, nautical décor, and garden accessories. Attendees can also enjoy a complimentary shuttle ride that will transport you and your friends to and from the shows to the Weems & Plath headquarters at 214 Eastern Avenue in Eastport, Annapolis. Free street parking is available on Eastport Avenue and the surrounding streets. Ten percent of all sales made on Saturday, October 4, will be donated to a local charity dedicated to making a difference in the community. This year’s recipient is Adaptive Rowing Annapolis.
PropTalk Anniversary Party
As mentioned previously, if you’ll be at the show on Friday, October 3 at 5 p.m., be sure to stop by our booth (Land 22) to help us celebrate our 20th anniversary!
New and Premiering Boats
For the most up-to-date list as well as descriptions of each model, visit the Annapolis Boat Show's website. For a list of new products, click this link.
- Aspen C128
- Bayliner V20
- Blackfin 262 HB
- Bulls Bay 255 Center Console
- EagleCraft 42' Cruiser - Parker Edition
- Everglades 375CC
- Fleming 55
- Formula Boats 360 CBR
- Lancia Aprea 52
- MJM 38RS
- Monterey Elite 25 OB
- Monterey Elite 30 OB
- Sportsman Heritage 321