Boat shows can be overwhelming — dozens of vessels, hundreds of exhibitors, endless stimulation. A well-prepared visit, though, lets you get a lot out of them: compare boats in person, ask the right questions and move closer to a decision about your own yacht. Here’s a practical guide.
Before you go
Start with a goal. Visiting “for inspiration” is very different from arriving with a budget and a boat type in mind. Before you walk in, answer three questions: sail or power, how you’ll use the boat (weekends, longer cruises, living aboard) and your rough budget. That narrows down the stands actually worth your time.
What to bring
- comfortable shoes — at large shows you’ll walk several kilometres,
- a notebook or phone for notes and photos (shoot the model name plates),
- your list of questions and budget written down,
- business cards or contact details if you represent a company.
How to talk to exhibitors
Sales teams and manufacturers are there to answer questions — use that. Ask about lead times, customisation options, running costs and service. If you’re considering a custom vessel, ask at what stage you can still influence the design. Don’t be afraid to say you’re just looking — a good exhibitor will treat you seriously at any stage.
What to look at on board
When you step aboard, look beyond square metres — look at quality: consistent proportions, detail finishing, ergonomics and how light falls. These are the things that separate a bespoke vessel from a mass-produced one — we wrote about it in why two yachts of the same size can look completely different.
Etiquette at the show
Boarding often means taking off your shoes or putting on covers — respect the crew’s requests. If you want a longer conversation with a specific builder, arrange it by email in advance; at peak times the busiest stands get crowded.
After the show
The most important part happens back home. Organise your photos and notes, compare vessels calmly, and follow up with the exhibitors who interested you. If no stock boat fits your expectations, it’s a good moment to consider a custom design — and to read how to choose a yacht design studio.
Not sure which show to start with?
See our guide to which yacht shows are worth visiting. And if you’d like to talk about designing your own yacht, get in touch.