TrawlerFest hosted by the popular magazine, PassageMaker. TrawlerFest is an annual in-water boat show designed for cruising enthusiasts in an intimate rendezvous atmosphere.
- Demonstrations & Educational Classes
- Hosted in Anacortes (WA), Baltimore (MD) & Stuart (FL)
- Marine Gear & Service Exhibitors
- Showcases New & PreOwned Cruising Powerboats
I don’t recall what year when we began attending TrawlerFest but it’s been many years! Appropriately said, we were “trawler dreamers“. We personally have found our attendance granted us the opportunity to board several trawler brands in one place, whether new or used. We highly recommend “trawler dreamers“ to do the same.
Biannually we try to combine our attendance with classes. In 2022, we took several classes: Couples Cruising (Janet), Diesel Engine Troubleshooting & Maintenance (Jacques) and Maritime Medical Emergency Management (both), just to mention a few.
After years of attending in-water boat shows, it was actually during a boat show that the quality of Nordhavn stood out for us. Personally for me, it was walking around the vessel amongst other attendees without a squeak and the solidness of the doors slammed.
Tips
- Browse the Exhibitor List before attendance as exclusive boat show discount and prices apply.
- Check Nebo whether your member associations’, like America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) and/or Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) vessels are nearby and coordinate a meet up.
- Exhibitor business cards are far lighter than any brochure(s) and information can be easily accessed online post the show.
- Enjoy our favorite eateries: Häagen-Dazs (ice cream), Harbor East Deli (lunch), Lebanese Taverna (lunch, dinner), Monarque (dinner) and Oceanaire Seafood Room (dinner). All within walking distance to/from TrawlerFest.
- Leave your valuables behind (at home and secure).
- Pack rain gear. Honestly, I’m convinced it has rained every year during the Baltimore, MD show.
- Some boater YouTube channels attend and coordinate a “Happy Hour” meet up.
- Take photos as a visual reminder of your likes and preferences.
- Take your own breathable backpack to carry personal belongings and material collected. Most comfortable and secured with a zipper.
- Time permitting, make a weekend getaway.
- Tour your preferred vessels when the show begins or towards the end of the day. Crowds usually commence an hour post show start time.
- Vendors tend to vacate booths during lunch time and the hour before the exhibitor time ends. So go mid morning or afternoon.
- Wear easy slip on and off shoes.
