San Diego Sunroad Boat Show Opens Jan. 26
January 23, 2012
Byline: Taylor Hill
SAN DIEGO — Back in action Jan. 26-29, the San Diego Sunroad Boat Show looks to be bigger and better than ever.
With in-water displays continuing to be a point of emphasis for show organizers, this year’s San Diego Sunroad Boat Show will feature more powerboats and sailboats along the easily accessible docks of Sunroad Resort Marina, giving show-goers the opportunity see the widest selection of brand-new and ocean-tested boats.
Since changing locations in 2010 from the San Diego Convention Center to the spacious Sunroad Resort Marina — located at the east end of Harbor Island on San Diego Bay — the 22-year-old show has also changed its focus, allowing for better balance between in-water and on-land displays.
Show-goers can expect to see more than 130 powerboats and sailboats from 8 to 90 feet in length at Sunroad’s 610-slip marina and at an on-land display showcasing trailerable boats, as well.
“In addition to the boats on the water, we have more than 100 landside booths and exhibits that will be showcasing true boating gear, including the latest nautical products and marine services,” said Jim Behun, show director and Sunroad Resort Marina general manager. “Our show is a boat show for boaters, by boaters.”
This year, additional floating docks have been brought in to add space for larger boats, and a new walking bridge has been installed between the M and L docks, allowing more space to accommodate boats and giving show-goers a more convenient way to navigate the venue.
While multiple dealers will be displaying their latest and greatest models, West Marine will be giving free rides to show attendees aboard the new lineup of Zodiac inflatable boats. “There should be about five or six in the water that you can test ride,” Behun said. “And they are also planning on bringing in a Raymarine electronics trailer, where they will put on demos of their products for show-goers,” Behun said.
Additionally, Seaforth Boat Rentals — located at the end of M dock — will be giving free boat rides to show attendees.
The Port of San Diego, which has partnered with Behun for the show, will host seminars on alternatives to copper-based bottom paint for boaters. Seminars will be held at noon Saturday and Sunday, and will discuss the Hull Paint Conversion Project grant designed to help San Diego boaters offset the cost of switching their bottom paint to new non-biocide coatings.
Boaters looking for information on cruising south of the border can attend Dick Markie’s “Cruising Mexico” seminars at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Markie designed, built and managed Paradise Village Marina in Puerto Vallarta and has years of experience cruising in Mexico.
Both seminars will be held in the pavilion located in front of the Sunroad Marina main office.
The San Diego Sunroad Boat Show location is at 955 Harbor Island in North San Diego Bay, across the street from the San Diego International Airport.
Show hours are noon-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Parking is available in the lot directly adjacent to the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel — on the corner of North Harbor Drive and Harbor Island Drive — for $10. Shuttle service will be available to and from the Sheraton parking lot each day.
Entrance fees are $10 for adults; free for children 12 and younger with a paid adult admission. Military, EMT, police and fire personnel will be admitted free on Thursday and Friday, with I.D.
For more information, visit bigbayboatshow.com.
