TrawlerFest

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.