Catamaran Buyer’s Guide to the Annapolis Boat Show

[Catamaran Article By Wiley Sharp + Tom Houtenbrink]

In October, the city of Annapolis will transform yet again from a small sailing community to the largest sailboat show in North America, with sailors from around the globe gathering on miles of docks in the historic town for the 2018 United States Sailboat Show.

With that said, attending the event can be a bit overwhelming, so the Denison Yachting Catamaran Team wanted to offer some tricks of the trade for getting the most out of the show.

Logistics

It’s always a good idea to buy your tickets in advance. While the show doesn’t sell out, the lines to purchase tickets can be fairly long. Denison Yachting does have spare tickets from time to time, so please email Denison’s Catamaran Team if you need some extras, and we’ll be glad to help.

Plan Ahead

The best days for smaller crowds during the show are typically Thursday and Friday, while the weekends can be a bit crazy. It’s probably best to tour the docks on the less packed weekdays and walk the vendor tents and various displays on the weekends. Also, there tends to be a lull during the lunch hour, so that’s usually a great opportunity to jump on a catamaran or two.

Parking

If your accommodations are within 20 minutes of the show, you’re better off grabbing an Uber, as opposed to trying to find convenient parking. If you choose to drive in, don’t count on a spot being available in the historic part of Annapolis. It might be best to park at the Naval Academy Stadium, and take a bus over to the show.

Dining Out

There are a ton of great restaurants around the boat show, all of which will be very busy throughout the days during the show. For a true Annapolis dining experience, try Middleton’s or Boatyard, for either lunch or dinner. For breakfast, we love to grab a crepe from Sofi’s Crepes before the show opens. Make sure to stay hydrated, too. Throughout the event, there are plenty of places to buy water. We will also have a cooler of water at our display, so stop by and say hello.

Catamaran Viewing 

1. Bring a written list of priorities that you can refer to as you go through each boat. Look at the finer details, and ask yourself questions like, “Will my clothing fit in the hanging locker?” or “How will this galley work for me?”
2. Boat shows can be a fairly high-pressure sales environment. If you’re feeling pressured to do something, walkaway and come back later. Over the years, Denison’s Catamaran Team has negotiated new and brokerage catamaran deals around the world. If you’d like us to offer guidance or review your contract or the deal you’re being offered, we’re happy to lend a hand.
3. Feel free to open lockers and hatches, but remember to respect the catamarans in the show. These cats are mostly privately owned and on loan from the owners. If you’re traveling with kids, please don’t allow them to climb on the beds, jump on the trampolines, or slam doors/cabinets.
4. If there’s a specific catamaran you’re coming to look at, let Denison’s Catamaran Team know ahead of time, and we’ll help schedule a private showing.

Vendors

1. There are a LOT of items a new catamaran owner will need before leaving the dock on their new yacht. The vendor tents are a great place to buy that gear. Most new catamaran owners will need a tender, outboard, entertainment system, water-toys, flatware, linens, etc. Make a list of what you need for your boat in advance to maximize your time at the show.
2. Think storage: we all know that space is at a premium, no matter how large your catamaran may be. Keep that in mind while shopping, too!
3. Have stuff shipped, or order the items after the show. These days, most vendors have websites and, if you really like the product, it’s much easier to have it shipped home (or directly to the boat) – rather than carrying stuff around the boat show or figuring out how to fit your new gear in the car or on the plane.

Like most new things, attending a boat show can be a little daunting, especially if you’re there on a mission to make decisions about which boat is right for you. Hopefully, these tips will help make your trip to Annapolis more enjoyable. Whether you need guidance on a new catamaran, a brokerage catamaran, or have questions about how best to outfit your catamaran, Denison Yachting’s Catamaran Team is here to help.