Boat shows are vital gathering places for all boating enthusiasts, from seasoned sailors to newcomers. Whether you want to admire the latest products, dream about your future boat or actually buy your own craft, these events offer a wealth of information, offers and chances to meet fellow sailing fans, all in one place.
But to make the most of your visit, it is always best to come prepared. Schedules, exhibitors, objectives, logistics: a well-planned day can transform a simple outing into a valuable opportunity.
Here are our 5 key tips to prepare for your visit to a boat show.
1. Define your objectives
Before you even step foot in the boat show, take a moment to consider what you are actually looking for. By deciding what you want to glean from the event in advance, you can use your visit to make concrete progress on your project instead of aimlessly wandering around the pontoons and stands.
Ask yourself some important questions:
- Is this my first real immersion in the nautical world?
- Am I planning to buy a boat in the near future?
- Do I need to talk to professionals about a current project?
- Should I compare different models or types of vessel (sailing boats, catamarans, motorboats, rigid-hulled or inflatable boats, flat-bottomed sailing boats or keelboats)?
You can then tailor your plans according to your answers. For example, potential buyers can schedule meetings with specific exhibitors or prepare a list of technical questions. Curious visitors may prefer to take a more general look around, check out some of the equipment on offer, or find out about boat hire or berths.
👉 Band of Boats top tip:
If you already have an idea of the type of boat you’re looking for (new or used, dimensions, intended use, etc.), make a note of these elements before your visit. By keeping your criteria in mind, you can focus on the stands that are really relevant to your project. The vessels on display at boat shows often appear on e-commerce websites such as Band of Boats, or boat show websites such as Le Mille Sabords.
2. Find out more about the exhibitors and boats on show
Good preparation also means checking out the exhibitors in advance. Boat shows bring together dozens, if not hundreds, of brands: builders, dealers, equipment manufacturers, rental companies, insurers and beyond. To avoid getting lost on the big day, take the time to zero in on the stands that really interest you!
Most shows offer a complete list of exhibitors on their website, often accompanied by an interactive map and a search engine to filter by type of boat or service. You can use these tools to:
- identify the brands that interest you
- locate their stands
- prepare an effective visitor itinerary based on your priorities
Advance planning is also an opportunity to check out the boat models on display: some shows feature previews or exclusive new models. Armed with knowledge of the options you will be able to see (and board), you can save precious time on the day.
👉 Before the show:
print out the map or download it onto your phone. This trick will help you save time and avoid missing any key exhibitors. Alternatively, you can go to the exhibition reception desk to get a map.
3. Plan out your day to make the most of it
Without a solid plan, a visit to a boat show can quickly become tiring and confusing. Between the large exhibition halls, the outdoor pontoons, the entertainment and the queues for certain boats, it’s easy to lose track of time or miss the things you actually came to see. Indoor shows can be particularly overwhelming, unlike outdoor shows such as Le Mille Sabords.
To make the most of your visit, plan ahead by:
Drawing up a realistic route
À partir de la liste des exposants et des modèles repérés en amont, déterminez un ordre de passage logique pour optimiser vos déplacements. Si vous êtes intéressé par des essais en mer ou des démonstrations, pensez à vous inscrire en avance lorsque c’est possible.
Planning to arrive early
The first few hours after opening are generally the quietest. You’ll have more time to talk to the professionals and visit the boats with minimal crowds. At the end of the day, the stands are often busier, and the teams are under more pressure.
Kitting yourself out
We have put together a short list to make sure you’re well-equipped to get the most out of your next boat show:
- Comfortable shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking); ;
- Notepad or note-taking app; ;
- Fully charged phone (for taking photos, sharing contacts, checking the map); ;
- Useful documents if you are in the process of buying (ID, proof of financing, etc.).
👉 Band of Boats top tip:
If you are going in with a serious plan to buy, be prepared to discuss your budget and timescale. Some exhibitors offer exclusive “show special offers”, which are only valid at the show.
4. Ask the right questions to the professionals on site
A boat show is the perfect opportunity to talk directly to industry professionals: builders, distributors, brokers, insurers, finance companies, etc. Seize your moment to ask targeted questions related to your project, whether it is still in the planning stages or well under way.
Prepare a checklist of questions before your visit
Adapt it to your desired type of boat or service. Here are a few examples:
- What are the model’s technical specifications?
- What options and engines are available?
- What are the current delivery times?
- What cover is offered?
- What are the maintenance and wintering costs?
- Is there a special offer for the show (reduced price, free equipment)?
Be sure to compare the different answers
Meeting multiple professionals allows you to compare their pitches, prices and services. It also gives you a clearer idea of their professionalism, the quality of their customer support, or the reputation of a given brand.
Write down key information
Ask for brochures, business cards, quotes… And above all, make a note of the important things straight away: it’s easy to forget information after multiple hours of visits and discussions.
👉 Band of Boats top tip:
Showing that you’re well-informed and prepared will make you come across as a credible buyer. This credibility facilitates discussions and sometimes opens the door to preferential conditions.
5. Take advantage of opportunities to realise or refine your project
A boat show is much more than just a simple exhibition. It’s an accelerator for your project. Whether you’re ready to buy or still thinking about it, you are sure to find some unmissable opportunities.
Take advantage of “show special offers”
Many exhibitors offer preferential rates, free equipment or advantageous financing for the duration of the show. These opportunities can represent significant savings if you’re ready to take action. Don’t hesitate to negotiate: it’s the right setting, and salespeople are often more open to in-person discussions. Insurers and banks are on site at the shows to help you compare.
Test in real conditions
Some shows, particularly those on the seafront such as Le Mille Sabords, allow you to carry out sea trials. If you’ve fallen in love with a boat, this is a great opportunity to put it to the test on the water before making a commitment. Remember to register in advance to guarantee your slot.
Gather as much information as possible
Even if you don’t leave the show with a signed order form, you’ll leave with a much clearer vision of your project. Take the opportunity to:
- request detailed documentation,,
- draw up initial estimates
- compare the different solutions (new, used, financing, berths, etc.)
- • make reliable contacts to follow up with your project
👉 Band of Boats top tip
After the show, take stock with a clear head. You can then carry out further research or complete your project via our platform by consulting the ads for new and used boats available throughout Europe.
Conclusion
Going to a boat show is much more than a simple day out: it’s a strategic step for any future boat owner or enthusiast. By following these five tips, you are stacking the odds in your favour for a rewarding and helpful experience that is tailored to your objectives.
Whether you’re looking to discover, compare or buy, good preparation will enable you to better target your priorities, talk to the right people, and perhaps even bring your project to fruition under the best possible conditions.
And don’t forget: after the show, Band of Boats is here to help you think things through, compare offers and find the ideal new or used boat, anywhere in Europe.
