Start with the boats that clarify your buying decision
The live 2026 exhibitor list is already extensive. ABG prioritizes boats that help answer a specific buyer question: how much weather protection do you need, how much offshore capability matters, whether you prefer outboards or inboards, and how much family-cruising utility you want.
Latest exhibitor-list changes that matter to ABG buyers
The Sep. 25 live list confirms a deep Scandinavian and protected-cruising cross-shop: Axopar 29/38/45 (Dock A1), Targa 37/41/46 (Dock A1), Saxdor 400 GTC (Dock B), Nimbus T9/W9/W11 plus the newly listed Nimbus T11, Navan C30/S30 (Dock C), Pursuit OS445 (Dock B) and Back Cove 372/39O. Nord Star and Sargo still do not appear on the official boat list.
Best protected-helm and adventure boats
| Boat | Length | Why board it | Listed location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axopar 38 | 38.9 ft | Fast enclosed crossover; direct Nord Star 36+ context | Dock A1 |
| Targa 37 | 41.2 ft | Traditional Nordic all-weather benchmark | Dock A1 |
| Targa 41 | 45.3 ft | Larger pilothouse cruising reference | Dock A1 |
| Axopar 45 | 46.5 ft | Large modular outboard crossover | Dock A1 |
| Saxdor 400 GTC | 40.7 ft | Terrace-heavy all-season crossover | Dock B |
| Navan C30 | 33.5 ft | Mainstream U.S. cabin-adventure concept | Dock C |
| Jeanneau NC 895 Weekender | 30 ft | Family cabin ergonomics and weather protection | Dock E2 |
| Jeanneau NC 1295 Coupe | 42 ft | Large enclosed family cruiser | Dock E2 |
| Cutwater C308 | 31 ft | Compact American protected cruiser | Dock F2 |
| Cutwater C-32 | 33 ft | Owner-operated cruising utility | Dock F2 |
| Back Cove 372 | 42 ft | Downeast enclosed-helm benchmark | Dock F2 |
| Back Cove 39O | 43 ft | Outboard Downeast alternative | Dock F2 |
Best offshore U.S. cross-shops
| Boat | Length | Buyer question it answers |
|---|---|---|
| Pursuit S328 | 34 ft | How does a premium U.S. open-outboard layout trade weather protection for deck utility? |
| Pursuit OS445 | 46.6 ft | What does a large premium offshore express deliver? |
| Grady-White 336 | 33 ft | What does a premium U.S. offshore center console feel like? |
| Regulator 35 | 36 ft | How does a serious deep-V offshore platform compare on ride and cockpit? |
| Regulator 37 | 38 ft | How much fishing-first utility are you willing to trade for enclosure? |
| Everglades 367 | 37 ft | Premium family/offshore center-console execution |
| Tideline 365 Offshore | 38.5 ft | Catamaran ride and efficiency alternative |
| World Cat 280CC | 29 ft | Smaller catamaran alternative for Chesapeake/offshore use |
| Formula 387 CCF | 41.2 ft | High-end performance center-console alternative |
| Wellcraft 38 T-Top | 38 ft | European/U.S. crossover brand in an open performance format |
| Marex 375 | 39.6 ft | Interior-focused European family cruiser |
| Hinckley Picnic Boat 40 | 42 ft | Premium U.S. craftsmanship and Downeast ownership experience |
If you are shopping a Nord Star 36+
ABG would board the Axopar 38, Targa 37, Saxdor 400 GTC, Nimbus T11 and W11, Navan C30, Pursuit S328, Regulator 35 and Back Cove 372. Together they frame the tradeoffs Nord Star addresses: protection vs open-air use, inboard vs outboard propulsion, family cruising vs fishing bias, and premium exclusivity vs mainstream U.S. availability.
See the Nord Star 36+ Annapolis comparison plan →
Primary sources
- Official 2026 Annapolis Powerboat Show ticket page
- Live 2026 exhibitor boat list
- City of Annapolis 2026 boat-show information
- Visit Annapolis show overview
- Aug. 29 City Dock layout update
- 2026 show experiences and premieres
ABG checked these sources Sep. 4, 2026. Always verify final parking, dock locations and schedule immediately before traveling.