Annapolis Boat Shows will be hosting the 2024 Bay Bridge Boat Show April 12-14 at the Bay Bridge Marina in Stevensville, Maryland. This year, there are expected to be over 250 powerboats on display and close to 200 total exhibitors. Educational programming continues to be a central focus of the show with paid courses and free seminars from Cruisers University, BoatUS, and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Angler-oriented programming has
seen a significant expansion and a shift in focus towards invasive species – the most notable addition being the public kick-off of CCA's (Coastal Conservation Association Maryland) revamped Great Chesapeake Invasives Count. One thing that certainly has carried over from last year is the show's broad appeal, drawing in anglers, pleasure boaters, and landlubbers with a vast array of activities, giveaways, food, drink, and music.

Boats in the Show

There are expected to be over 250 powerboats on display at the show (see boat list) with around 75% of them being in-water. Around 10% of the featured boats this year will be brokerage vessels and 56% will be under 30'. 

Sea trials will be available for attendees via the PropTalk Demo Dock. A selection of 16 vessels will be available for test drives on a first come first served basis (see Demo Dock list). A notable inclusion is the SuperRib Open 30 SO which will be premiering to the US market at the show.

US Debuts

• Pescador 35 – Lazzuri Atlantic
• SuperRib Open 30 SO – Dour Yacht Sales

Mid-Atlantic Debuts

• Sirena 48 – Chesapeake Yacht Center

One of the great advantages of in-water water shows is that they allow attendees to experience a vessel in its natural habitat. At the Bay Bridge Boat Show attendees can board practically every boat. Additionally, the show offers an unparalleled opportunity to compare boats of different makes and classes side by side. Buying a boat at the show often offers the added benefit of reduced pricing.

Exhibitors & Vendors

The 2024 Bay Bridge Boat Show will feature around 200 exhibitors – a quarter of which are bringing boats. The remainder offer a wide variety of goods and services that cover every facet of the marine sphere and beyond (see exhibitor list). 

New and Notable Exhibitors

• BLU3 – Manufacturer of portable tankless dive systems. Their Nomad and Nomad Mini offer the functionality of compressor-style hookah diving systems with a sleek and simple form factor.
• SOS Swimshirt – Makers of a lightweight, inflatable rash guard designed to function as a PFD. They offer models that are ISO and Coast Guard approved.
• SeaPen – A floating fabric alternative to traditional boatlifts.
• Hook Optics – A Marland-based manufacturer of sunglasses specifically designed for anglers.

Educational Programming

Education is central to the mission of Annapolis Boat Shows. As such, the Bay Bridge Boat Show offers an ample selection of courses that are tailored to benefit boaters with any level of experience.

Free Boating Seminars

These seminars are free to all attendees and cover a wide range of topics to help boaters make the most of their time on the water. The 45-minute sessions, organized by Cruisers University, are led by industry experts (see full schedule). Here are a few highlights:

• Dock and Dine on the Upper Bay – (Friday & Saturday) John Stefancik of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland (formerly of Chesapeake Bay Magazine) shares the best boat-accessible spots to enjoy a meal.
• The Complete Guide to your Pet Coming Aboard – (Sunday) Stephanie Sadler of PetMedic Urgent Care covers how to keep your four-legged friends safe and happy while aboard a boat.
• Docking Without a Divorce – (Sunday) Captain Boomies of Internet fame shares tips and tricks couples can use to coordinate their docking efforts.

BoatUS On-Water Training

BoatUS and the Bay Bridge Boat Show have partnered to provide three-hour on-water training courses. Each course costs $175 per person and includes admission to the show and a one-year basic BoatUS membership. All classes are limited to students 18 years of age or older. Class sizes do not exceed four students (learn more).

• Women's Intro to Boating – (Friday & Saturday) This women's only introductory course covers shifting, steering, and close-quarters boat control.
• Intro to Boating – (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday) This course covers the foundations of powerboating: shifting, steering, and close-quarters boat control.
• Precision Docking and Boat Handling – (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday) This class covers 180-degree turnarounds, docking, casting off, and the SCAN technique.
• Open Water Boat Handling – (Sunday) Students will come away from this course with a practical understanding of trim, planing, ferrying, and emergency stopping.
• Open Water Advanced Maneuvering – (Sunday) This course covers crossing waves, MOB retrieval, high-speed turns, and advanced avoidance techniques.

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Class

This two-hour family-friendly class is led by Lynn Disque of the USCG Auxiliary and will be held Saturday, April 13th from 9 am-11 am. Topics include VHF radio operation, using emergency equipment, handling adverse weather, trailering, and much more. The class costs $23 and includes Saturday admission. Children 12 and under get in free (learn more).

Expanded Angler Programming 

This year, the angling programming at the Bay Bridge Boat Show is all about invasives. Natural pressures, changes to the striped bass fishery, and state initiatives are changing the species that anglers are targeting – particularly, snakehead, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. In response to these shifts, the Bay Bridge Boat Show has partnered with FishTalk Magazine (presenting sponsor), the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland, and Fish and Hunt Maryland to create the Chesapeake Invasives Corner. 

Programming includes the public kick-off of the CCA's revamped Great Chesapeake Invasives Count, invasive species cooking classes, prepared invasives tastings, Fish and Hunt Maryland seminars, workshops with FishTalk Magazine, and the Kid's Fun Zone (learn more).