The Vancouver International Boat Show takes place from January 17 - 21, bringing with it a slew of different activities to keep boat enthusiasts and new boaters happy until it's time to finally get back out on the water.
Taking place at both BC Place and Granville Island, visitors can expect everything from contests and giveaways to cooking demonstrations, but first and foremost, you'll want to gaze at some of the most immaculate boats on display.
Bluewater fishing, Pontoons, Bowriders, Deck Boats, Cuddy Cabins, and the list goes on. To help you prepare for this fun event, we've compiled a list of this year's best boats. Find more details below.
Sea Ray Sundancer 460
Photo: Vancouver International Boat Show
Since its release at the 2016 Ft Lauderdale Boat Show, the Sundancer 460 has garnered a great deal of attention thanks to an open floorplan and thoughtful amenities. Generous, interconnected social zones make the Sundancer 460 perfect for gathering with friends, while high-end finishes and a sleek, elegant profile instill pride. The Vancouver International Boat Show will serve as the boat's Western Canadian debut.
Sea Ray L650 Fly
Photo: Vancouver International Boat Show
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Sea Ray L650 Fly to be unveiled by M&P Mercury Sales Ltd for the first time in Western Canada. The flagship of Sea Ray’s L-Class Yacht line, Sea Ray’s focus with the L-class is all geared towards the perfect blend of style and substance in the creation of inspired luxury.
Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1095
Photo: Vancouver International Boat Show
Only recently announced at the Paris Boat Show, Milltown Yacht Sales will be bringing the new Merry Fisher 1095 to Vancouver for the first time. Taking full advantage of the new world of outboard engines, the Merry Fisher 1095 does the impossible, being one of the only boats over 10 metres to boast an outboard engine. In addition to this major innovation, the Merry Fisher 1095 features three staterooms for the ultimate adventure at sea.
Sea Ray SPX 230
Photo: Vancouver International Boat Show
Another Western Canada debut, the Sea Ray SPX 230 is a sport boat that looks great regardless of whether you favour fishing, watersports or cruising all day in comfort.
2018 Regal 42 Grand Coupe
Photo: Vancouver International Boat Show
Coming to Canada for the first time, Rayburns Marine and Martin Motor Sports from Kelowna will be bringing the 2018 Regal 42 Grand Coupe to the Vancouver Show. Boasting the largest aft stateroom in its class, the Regal 42 Grande Coupe was designed to escalate what it means to indulge in ultimate entertainment and relaxation.
Princess 68
Photo: Vancouver International Boat Show
A breathtakingly beautiful craft, the Princess 68’s spacious flybridge includes a large sunpad, twin helm and a wetbar for on-hand refreshment. Coming to the Floating Show at Granville Island through Freedom Marine, the Princess 68 promises to be the most technically advanced and spacious flybridge yacht in its class.
Prestige 750
Photo: Vancouver International Boat Show
In another Canadian first, Sundance Yacht Sales & Marinas is bringing the 2018 Prestige 750 to the Vancouver Show. This 75-foot motor yacht upends traditional design and offers sumptuous living spaces. The Prestige 750 also offers a vast cockpit, an impressive terrace on the flybridge and the forward owner’s cabin offers private access to its intimate quarters. Whether on open waters or at anchor the Prestige 750 offers unprecedented comfort and style.
Bayliner VR4
Photo: Vancouver International Boat Show
Debuting at the Vancouver International Boat Show is the all-new model for 2018. Nimble in size, the VR4 is easy to tow, launch and store – and also really fun to use. The smallest VR Series model delivers plenty of interior space for people and gear.
170 Montauk & 150 Montauk
Photo: Vancouver International Boat Show
The Vancouver Boat Show will be the Debut Boat Show for these two newly redesigned models. Boston Whaler’s new 150 Montauk reflects 60 years of heritage, combining time-tested utility and classic lines with modern comfort, design and technology. Incredibly easy to operate, easy to clean, and easy to love, the 150 Montauk excels for both fishing and watersports. The 170 Montauk is the iconic class Boston Whaler. This nimble center console model retains its clean, timeless aesthetic and rugged “hose-and-go” utility while providing enhanced comfort, performance and versatility.
North River 29 Pilot House
Photo: North River Boats
Port Boat House will show for the first time, the all new North River 29 Pilot House. The North River 29 Pilot House offers a large cockpit and full walk around 9’ cabin with a hull designed for the serious offshore fisherman. Featuring the largest bottom width and deepest V in its class, providing a stable and efficient ride in the toughest conditions.
See what other boats will be on display HERE.
Get in the mood for summer at Western Canada's largest boat show. Here are a few other things to get excited about...
Brenda Lowe
Who better to meet than Brenda Lowe when it comes to navigating the open water? Brenda is a celebrity who's spent time stranded on a remote island for Survivor, has filmed with two of Hollywood's biggest names, and started paddle boarding back in 2009. Now you can meet her and hear her stories in a seminar room on the main floor of BC Place every day of the show. For more information click here.
Sport Fishing in BC seminars
Perfect for anyone looking to finesse their sport fishing technique. Topics will range from deep-sea fishing off the coast of Vancouver and Vancouver Island, to freshwater lake fishing, and fishing the rivers of BC. For more information, click here.
Pleasure Craft Operator Card Exams
It's one thing to look at boats, but it's another to drive them! If you haven't already, you can write a Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam at the Vancouver Boat Show to earn your card as proof of competency. The best part? It's good for life. For more information, click here.
Seminars and Workshops
Anyone interested in boating tends to have a lot of questions, but sometimes finding an answer proves to be a bit difficult. Luckily, there will be workshops and seminars at the Vancouver Boat Show. From offshore weather forecasting to a 500 mb Chart workshop, you'll walk away from this event feeling more educated. Please note that these workshops require payment and registration beforehand. For more information, click here.
2018 Vancouver Boat Show
When: January 17 to 21
- Wednesday to Saturday: 10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: BC Place and Granville Island
Price: Adult tickets are $15, buy online.
To learn more, visit vancouverboatshow.ca
