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Old 07-10-2024, 09:24   #1
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Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

Hello,

My family and I are planning to start blue water cruising within the next 24-30 months. We have a couple Catamaran manufacturers picked out but would like to see some in person. What are the top 3-6 boat shows with a good variety to choose from? We were thinking of going to the Annapolis show this weekend but they are only showing FP.

Thanks

Jessie
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Old 07-10-2024, 10:38   #2
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

As of one minute ago, there are 56 catamarans scheduled to be on display at the Annapolis Sailboat show this coming weekend. FP was the only power cat in the powerboat show, but the sailboat show has multiple manufacturers represented. Balance, leopard, lagoon, seawind, xquisite, FP, many more.

It’s hard to beat Annapolis for in-water varieties.
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Old 07-10-2024, 10:41   #3
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

The Fall Annapolis Sailboat Show is easily #1 - there will be all four of the "big 4" charter manufactures and another 10-12 smaller manufacturers.

I think Miami in February is probably #2.
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Old 07-10-2024, 12:36   #4
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

Like others have said, it's Annapolis #1 and every other show is a distant 2nd place. It's a fun town and great show, we always enjoy ourselves there, even if the exact boat/manufacturer you are considering isn't there, you need to go to see what else is out there. Lots of innovation and unique features that are worthwhile to see. Plus, the painkillers are pretty tasty!
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Old 07-10-2024, 14:16   #5
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

Well I’m glad I asked! Looks like we’re heading to Annapolis this week. Thanks guys.
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Old 07-10-2024, 16:15   #6
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

Annapolis is also the best place to meet cat owners who will be happy to share both the good points and bad of the boats and the cruising life. Going to Annapolis is an annual pilgrimage for many.

You can find them on the docks. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation.

Also, arrive each day as the gates open. You will find it much easier to talk to people and get on the boats in the first two hours of the day.
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Old 07-10-2024, 17:48   #7
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

Great advice. We have everything booked and reserved. I’m looking forward to meeting some owners. I hope we run into some families. We booked a hotel in Parole and plan to arrive first thing Friday and Saturday mornings.

Are there a lot of kids there? Just asking out of curiosity. This is our first boat show.
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Old 08-10-2024, 11:12   #8
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

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Originally Posted by Keeping it Keel View Post
Great advice. We have everything booked and reserved. I’m looking forward to meeting some owners. I hope we run into some families. We booked a hotel in Parole and plan to arrive first thing Friday and Saturday mornings.

Are there a lot of kids there? Just asking out of curiosity. This is our first boat show.
If your interested in seeing some of the smaller brands I would suggest trying to get appointments booked if you can, they fill up fast. The big guys (FP, Lagoon, Leopard, Bali) will not be any problem getting on without an appointment, but others may be tough.

Some kids, on Friday - very few on Thursday. This will be the first year we go on Saturday but guess it will be like most shows where there is a decent number of them.

Get on as many boats as you can no two are alike and none are "perfect".
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Old 08-10-2024, 20:14   #9
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

My industry knowledge doesn’t stretch much farther than the major manufacturers unfortunately. If you had to list the top 3-6 cool smaller brands who would they be?

What’s the easiest way to schedule appointments?

Thanks!
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Old 08-10-2024, 21:07   #10
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

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Annapolis sailboat show has all you need in one place. Just spend a couple of days.
Why not take a class from cruisers university? Keep in mind the sailing cats you see there are going to $1 mil and up.
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Old 09-10-2024, 07:13   #11
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

Thanks, my wife and I have been working on this for a couple of years. We’re definitely not buying anything new. We both like the FP Saba 50. 2016-18 is around our budget depending on build out. However, we haven’t stepped foot on one yet so this will be very helpful.

I emailed Tara on a the Hands On cruising course but children are not allowed unfortunately.
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Old 09-10-2024, 11:33   #12
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

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Originally Posted by Keeping it Keel View Post
My industry knowledge doesn’t stretch much farther than the major manufacturers unfortunately. If you had to list the top 3-6 cool smaller brands who would they be?

What’s the easiest way to schedule appointments?

Thanks!
Go to the show website boat list and filter on Multihulls you will see a list of all the models.

https://annapolisboatshows.com/sailboat-show/boat-list/

As for which ones are cool depends on your budget and if you want to sail more or be more comfortable. As a first timer get on as many as possible even the ones that are 3+ times your budget.

Appointments are usually made through whatever sales or marketing email is public or look on the manufacturers websites/facebook pages for links.

Some companies do demo sails during the show but I would assume most are filled up by now. Some also do demo's the day after the show.

My best advice is don't buy until you have done at least one weeks charter of a boat as similar to what you think you want as possible. Its cheap compared to the costs of buying the wrong boat for you. You will learn a lot about what you like/dislike in a week - way more than a few hours at a show or demo sail. If your not qualified to charter your probably not qualified to get insurance on a boat anyway so take a "fast track" style cruising course and then charter on your own as a way to gain experience.

Weather is looking fantastic - enjoy your time there.
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Old 10-10-2024, 05:35   #13
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

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Originally Posted by Keeping it Keel View Post
Great advice. We have everything booked and reserved. I’m looking forward to meeting some owners. I hope we run into some families. We booked a hotel in Parole and plan to arrive first thing Friday and Saturday mornings.

Are there a lot of kids there? Just asking out of curiosity. This is our first boat show.
There will be kids. Note that strollers are not allowed into the boat show.
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Old 16-10-2024, 10:43   #14
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

Curios if the OP made it to the show and what your thoughts were?

This was our third year in a row, first time being there on a Saturday - man its crazy on Saturdays!

There were some super nice boats on display, we only saw a few that had not been at previous shows - we spent the majority of this year in the tents.
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Old 16-10-2024, 17:37   #15
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Re: Top 3 Boat Shows in US for Catamarans

It was a blast. I agree Saturday was pretty crazy, especially with two kids. We made the mistake of skipping nap time and paid for it all afternoon. Sunday we got wise and ventured out after naps and it went much smoother. The crowd had died down a little too.

We had the pleasure of touring the top 3-5 cats on our list: Bali, FP, Lagoon & Leopard. We also got to see some beautiful alternatives like Catana and Nautitech that will work in our budget.

We ate a good amount of crab cakes and slipped in a couple painkillers. All in all it was a success.
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