First time at the Annapolis Powerboat Show? Do it this way.

Before you arrive

1. Pick no more than 8–10 priority boats.
2. Write down the dock/location from the live exhibitor list.
3. Separate "must board" from "nice to see."
4. Book dealer walkthrough appointments for the most important two or three boats.
5. Save the ABG comparison pages on your phone so you can compare dimensions and mission while standing on the dock.

What to wear

Wear comfortable, easy-off shoes. Expect to remove shoes before boarding many display boats. October weather can move from warm sun to wind and drizzle quickly, so light layers and a compact waterproof shell are more useful than bulky clothing.

How to evaluate a boat in 10 minutes

1. Helm: sit down, stand up, look aft, check sightlines.
2. Docking: walk from helm to side deck and stern as if grabbing a line.
3. Family use: count forward-facing seats and protected seating.
4. Cabin: lie down on the berth if overnighting matters.
5. Head: physically stand inside it.
6. Service: ask to see engines, batteries, pumps and daily service access.
7. Price: ask for a delivered, commissioned number with engines/electronics/options — not only base MSRP.

What not to do

Do not spend the first two hours wandering randomly. Do not assume the model number equals actual boat length. Do not compare brochure horsepower without comparing weight, hull form, fuel load and mission. And if you are a serious buyer, do not leave without collecting a written configuration or build sheet for your top two choices.

2026-specific warning: the show footprint is different

City Dock construction is forcing a redesigned layout, with traditional exhibit areas shifted and more space extending onto Compromise and Randall streets. Give yourself extra orientation time and use the current show map when released.