CATAWBA ISLAND BOAT SHOW IS SEASON OPENER

Thousands of Ohio’s boat lovers are expected to converge on the 17th annual Progressive Catawba Island Boat and Yacht Show when it cruises into the exclusive Catawba Island Club marina for 3 days, April 29 – May1.

“While this show keeps growing in popularity,” says Michelle Burke, president of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association that produces the show, “our continuing addition of entertainment and special events for visitors to enjoy when they’re not climbing aboard boats really makes it a boating season kick-off party.”

 

It’s the largest spring in-water show anywhere on the Great Lakes. The dockside format allows the display of boats ranging from kayaks to large motor yachts and sailboats. In addition, more than 50 nautical accessory and service displays ring the picturesque marina basin which is only open to the public during the boat show each year.

This year more special events and entertainment will add to its festive atmosphere. Topping the list will be On-The-Water-Ohio new “Discovery Center,” presented by the Bauman Auto Group. It will boast a first-ever Paddling Pavilion that will feature paddleboards, kayaks and related accessories, plus in-water demonstrations by paddling pros. In addition, expert Lake Erie Kayak Fisherman, Chuck Earls who will be in the Paddling Pavilion daily talking kayak rigging and fishing techniques.

Show goers will also find included in the “Discovery Center,” a new On-The-Water-Ohio Market curated by Cuyahoga Collectives and featuring local and regional crafters and artisans.

More opportunities to learn will be found on the Progressive Main Stage when Capt. Ross Robertson (www.bigwaterfishing.com) presents the top Walleye Fishing Techniques Seminars and the fishing outlook for 2022. Capt. Robertson’s seminars are scheduled for Saturday at 3:00 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm.

Also new this year will be the “All-Family Patio” presented by the Firelands Auto Group. This kick-back area will boast lounge seating, family games, even a fire pit and smores for all, and more.

Sailing is an important focus of this show, too. And there’s special emphasis on newcomers desiring to find out if sailing might be right for them. A traditional show feature dubbed “Discover Sailing” will again offer a unique chance to get out on a large sailboat and experience it first-hand.

As part of the sailing exhibit from Harbor North, a “Discover Sailing” boat manned by a licensed captain will take prospective sailors out on the lake. The would-be sailors will raise sails and take the helm for a true taste of cruising with the wind. Overall, sail brands represented by dealers at the show are expected to include Hunter, Hanse, Jeanneau as well as a group of select pre-owned brands.

Fun and entertainment aside, the stars of the show remain the wide variety of boats that will be dockside, open for boarding and even available for sea trials where applicable. For example, a large fleet of fishing machines will present a choice from compact center consoles to triple-engine high performers, all ready to chase Walleye, Perch and Smallmouth this season.

In many cases, in spite of supply chain problems and limited inventories, new models that dealers from across northern Ohio continue to receive weekly will be displayed for the first time. Many of the boats will also be cruisers too large to be transported to the winter indoor shows. And, at this show a limited selection of pre-owned boats will be on display, too.

The Catawba Island Club is located on the northwest side of the Catawba peninsula, off Northwest Catawba Road in Port Clinton. All Show Parking areas and Show Shuttles are FREE, courtesy of Firelands Auto Group.

Show hours will be: Friday (April 29), 12 Noon to 6 PM; Saturday (April 30), 10 AM to 6 PM; and Sunday (May 1), 11AM to 5 PM. Advance discount admission tickets are available online.

For complete show information, go to: www.catawbaislandboatshow.com