Spring Is Near And So Is The Great Northeast Boat Show
by Brendan Smith
Weirs Times Editor
***UPDATE: SHOW RESCHEDULED TO OCT. 2-4, 2020***
The 11th Annual Great Northeast Boat Show, also known as the New Hampshire Boat Show, will be held at the NH Sportsplex in Bedford, Friday through Sunday, March 20-22nd. UPDATE: SHOW RESCHEDULED TO OCT. 2-4, 2020
The Great Northeast Boat Show (GNEBS) has the distinction of being the largest Spring boat show north of Boston. A celebration of the boating lifestyle featuring everything needed, wanted or desired by the boating enthusiast.
With this year’s mild winter, boating enthusiasts are itching to get out on the water and GNEBS will offer a one stop shop, showcasing everything from power boats, jet skis, cruisers, docks, canoes, kayaks runabouts, fishing boats, jetboats, paddle boards, pontoon and deck boats.
Every aspect of the boating industry will be represented from 25 boat dealers offering over 75 brands and more than 200 boats all under cover in a convenient location less than one hour from most major areas in the northeast.
“This really is a relaxing and affordable boat show,” said Blair Anthony, organizer of GNEBS along with his wife, Suzette. “Unlike the Boston Boat Shows, there is plenty of free parking right on site and the dealers are very accessible for one on one meetings to answer all your questions. It’s real hands on. Plus there aren’t any million dollar boats, these are all first class and very affordable boats that fit most any budget.”
As GNEBS has grown over the years, so has its offerings in response to what attendees have requested in the past.
“There will be more fishing boats this year by many dealers,” said Anthony. “There will also be more ocean boats as well. And for the first time we will have electric boats as Duffy Electric boats will be at the show.”
Among the many boat dealers are Fay’s Boat Yard located in Gilford, NH. Fay’s will be displaying eight boats at the show including the new 24-foot Glastron GTD-240. “It’s a roomier deck boat,” said Melissa Higgins of Fay’s. “It has the layout of a pontoon boat with the hull design of a runabout.”
Fay’s will also be showcasing Pontoon boats by Avalon, a Fishing Boat by Wellcraft and Glastron Bow Riders.
Winnisquam Marine, will have a larger display area at this years show, said Executive Director Julie Marsh. “We will have 20 boats on display from our two locations on Lakes Winnisquam and Winnipesaukee, including Bennigton Pontoons as well as Crownline Bow Riders from 23 to 33 feet.”
Winnisquam Marine will also be faeturing Crownline and Bayliner Center Console boats and a Heyday surf boat that allows surfing behind the boat without a rope.
Other boat dealers at GNEBS include Goodhue Boat Co., Rockingham Boat, Monadnock Boat, Meredith Marina, Trexler’s Marina, East Coast Flightcraft Irwin Marine, Contoocook Canoe, DaSilva Motorsports, Paugus Bay Marina, New Hampshire Electric Boats and Port Harbor Marine.
“The NH Sportsplex provides us with an acre and a half to bring the best in boats, jet skis, canoes and even boating and lake apparel. It really is a big assortment,” said Anthony.
Other exhibitors are Bass Pro Shop, Lake Life Brand, New Hampshire Marine Patrol, Shore Side Docks and TowBoat USA.
Even if you’re not in the market for a new boat there will be informational presentations by the New Hampshire Lakes Association and the New Hampshire Marine Patrol. There will also be food, beer and wine for purchase on site.
“This really is a boat show for the whole family which is very accessible and fun,” said Anthony.
Hours for the Great Northeast Boat Show are Friday, March 20th 12-8pm; Saturday, March 21st 10am-8pm and Sunday, March 22nd 10am-4pm. Admission is $10 for adults children 12 and under are free). The NH Sportsplex is locate at 68 Technology Drive in Bedford.
For more information visit greatnortheastboatshow.com
