Fun Freetime: Progressive Minneapolis Boat Show

Come see the coolest old boats and the hottest new boats! The 2016 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show has more than 500 of the newest boats and watercraft, from regal cruisers to custom-made standup paddleboards. Plus our exhibits this year include many new features with interactive components you’ll have fun trying and readers will enjoy too. And don’t forget, the Upper Midwest’s largest boat and accessories show also includes compelling stories of the people behind the boating industry – those businessmen and women whose perseverance and ingenuity are part of what makes boating such an important industry in Minnesota. 

• VINTAGE BOATS – Among the variety of boats on display is the 1959 Car Aqua. This craft boasts many automotive-related features: headlights with high and low beam settings in six or twelve volts, taillights, two-tone seat covers, faux grill and floor mats. It’s powered by a pair of 45hp Scott McCulloch outboards and made right here in Minneapolis. Plus many more! 
• BOATING SIMULATOR - Take the helm of a virtual boat to practice basic boating maneuvers and improve your boating skills—without leaving dry land. The United States Power Squadrons® new Boating Skills Virtual Trainer (BSVT) makes learning fun! It features a steering wheel and a real Mercury throttle you use to “drive” a 20-console boat on a lake with other powerboats, sailboats, navigation aids and a marina.
• STANDUP PADDLEBOARD LESSONS – Get on top of the water by taking lessons in this hot new core-intensive sport from experts at Silver Creek Paddle and Company.  We’ve even got an expert who can stand on her head on a paddleboard! 
• LITTLEST BOATS – Stories often focus on the biggest boats at the show but there are many stories of individual entrepreneurs making news in the boating world with custom-crafted boats, from one-of-a-kind kayaks to crossover watercraft. Minnesota Shore Boards features hollow SUP custom crafted from the finest wood.  The Go-Float, the tiniest boat in the show is always a media favorite as well. 
• SEA DOO SPARK ICE SCULPTURE – One of the hottest personal watercraft (PWC) around is also the coolest! Check out our custom pair of SPARKS carved entirely out of ice by Minnesota Ice Sculptures using some of the most advanced ice carving technology available. Docked just outside Entrance C, these life-sized ice sculptures are true works of art.

Show details: 
Thursday – Sunday, January 21-24
Thursday 2-9pm
Friday 12-9pm
Saturday  10am - 9pm
Sunday, January 23 – 10am 5pm  
Minneapolis Convention Center