The Seattle Traveler

“The boat show, the boat show. . . . “

I remember when those words, set to a catchy little tune, were run on the radio to announce that the Seattle Boat Show was about to burst onto the scene. 

I’m not sure how long ago those spots ran (showing my age, I guess), but the Seattle Boat Show is now in its 60th year.  It is the largest west coast boat show, and attracts visitors and participants from across the country.  Like all shows of this type, the Boat Show will have lots of give-aways and prizes, including a 20 foot Chris Craft Speedster, valued at $44,000. 

This year’s show runs from January 25th-February 3rd, with displays at the main exhibition center Qwest Field, and also at a satellite water-based Boats Afloat location at South Lake Union.  On display will be some dynamite recreational watercraft, along with over 200 seminars and educational programs.  One that interested me was for women in boating – presented by and for women.  Boating is no longer a “guys only” club.

And, if you liked A Week of Bond, you won’t want to miss the Boats of Bond, a display of watercraft used in James Bond movies.  You’ll see: Bath-o-Sub used in Diamonds are Forever (1971), an underwater Tow Sled featured in Thunderball (1965), a villain’s chase boat in Live and Let Die (1973), and Q’s Jet Boat from The World is Not Enough (1999).

When you’re at the South Lake Union site, check out the Ocean Alexander 98’, the most expensive boat at the show.  Priced at a mere $6,987,538 dollars, the boat is turn key and ready to motor away.

Location:  Qwest Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Avenue South, and South Lake Union at 901 Fairview North.  A free shuttle operates between the two venues.

Hours:  At Qwest Field:  Weekdays, Noon – 8 pm; Saturday, 10 am – 8 pm; Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm.  At Lake Union:  Weekdays, 11 am – 5 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Admission:  One ticket gets you into both venues.  $10 adults, $5 youth (ages 11-17), children ages 10 and under are free.  A 3-day flex pass is also available.  With all online ticket purchase, you’ll receive free parking at Qwest Field Event Center, a free cup of clam chowder from FX McRory’s, and a 1-year subscription to Yachting, Motor Boating, or Salt Water Sportsman magazine.

Photo credit:  Seattle Boat Show

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