Catawba Boat Show Will be the First in Over a Year
Published: Monday, April 19, 2021
In what will be the first in-person boat show held anywhere on the Great Lakes since the pandemic-shutdown nearly 14 months prior, the 17th annual Progressive Insurance Catawba Island Boat & Yacht Show has confirmed plans to return Friday to Sunday, April 30 -May 2.
The announcement comes from the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, the show producer, explaining that this is an all-outdoor event with most boats displayed in the water. Accessory exhibits, marinas, services, and boating information displays are positioned around the rim of the marina basin located at the prestigious Catawba Island Club. It’s also the only time each year the public has access to CIC.
“For more than a year, all in-person boat shows, either indoor or in-water in the Great Lakes, have been scuttled by Covid-19,” said Michelle Burke, LEMTA president. “In Ohio, for example, the last in-person show was held in Cleveland last January, 2020. The same was true for the major shows in Detroit and Chicago. In fact, the pandemic forced cancellation of four of the shows that LEMTA stages annually in northern Ohio.
“But outdoor in-water shows have continued to be held in the warmer southern states without problems,” Burke continued. “They’ve all observed applicable safety protocols and been welcomed by the boaters. So, we’re excited to bring back to our boating families a big in-person show once again.”
The docks are expected to be filled with more than 125 power and sailboats ranging from small center console fishing machines to luxurious motor yachts. A big draw to the show this year will be the first public showing of many 2021 models that have been arriving at dealerships and would have been shown in the traditional indoor winter show. Moreover, the in-water format also allows selected pre-owned boats to be displayed.
Over the years, the Catawba show has become known in boating circles as the kick-off event for the northern Ohio boating season. A distinctly festive atmosphere has become a show trademark including live music on the entertainment deck overlooking the marina and even a “Discover Sailing” special feature that takes visitors desiring to sample sailing for the first time out on a sailboat.
Perhaps the best feature of the Catawba show is that serious prospects can be offered a chance to sea trial a boat. That’s unlike most other in-water shows where the boats are pinned in and can’t be run.
For hours and information, visit www.catawbaislandboatshow.com today.
A version of this article appeared in the Spring Issue (Mar/Apr) 2021 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
