Your Complete Guide to the 2026 Charleston Boat Show (January 23-25)
The 46th Annual Charleston Boat Show returns January 23-25, 2026, to the Charleston Area Convention Center, and this year promises to be the biggest yet. Whether you’re shopping for your first boat, upgrading to a dream vessel, or simply looking for a fun family weekend activity, this three-day event kicks off the 2026 boating season in style.
Show Hours & Ticket Information
When:
- Friday, January 23: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday, January 24: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday, January 25: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where:
Charleston Area Convention Center
5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418
Tickets:
- Onsite Adult: $15 ($13 before Jan 22)
- Children 4-12: $7
- Children 3 & Under: FREE
Save money by purchasing tickets online before January 22nd. Free parking available in the garage and lots A, B, & C.
Senior and Military discounts available.
What to Expect: Indoor & Outdoor Displays
Indoor Convention Center
The climate-controlled interior showcases:
- Fishing boats and center consoles
- Ski and wake boats
- Pontoons and bay boats
- Smaller cruisers and day boats
- Marine electronics and safety equipment
- Boating accessories, water toys, and lifestyle gear
- Food vendors and family activities
Outdoor Parking Lot Displays
Don’t miss the outdoor area. This is where you’ll find:
- Larger cruisers and express boats
- Offshore fishing machines (30+ feet)
- Luxury yachts and pocket cruisers
- PowerTime Charleston’s display (more on that below)
The outdoor section gives you a real sense of scale for larger vessels and lets you walk through spacious cockpits and cabins without feeling cramped. Check the boat show floor plan to locate your favorite dealers and plan your day.
Top Brands & Dealers at the 2026 Show
Over 25 marine dealers will showcase hundreds of boats from leading brands, including:
Fishing & Center Consoles: Sportsman, Blackfin, Yellowfin, Grady-White, Sea Hunt, Boston Whaler, Scout, Tidewater, Sea Fox, Pathfinder, Maverick, Invincible
Cruisers & Yachts: Sea Ray, Regal, Pursuit, Tiara, Chaparral, Chris Craft, Jeanneau (NEW), Cutwater, Beneteau, Ranger Tugs
Pontoons & Family Boats: Bennington, Godfrey, Hurricane, Tahoe, Sun Tracker
North Point Yacht Sales will debut at this year’s show, representing Beneteau powerboats, following its acquisition of long-time Charleston dealer, St. Barts Yacht Sales, last year. Look for popular models like the Beneteau Flyer dayboat line and Antares weekend cruiser series on display.
This year also welcomes Dunbar Yachts, bringing their exclusive Jeanneau powerboat lineup to Charleston for the first time. As the closest Jeanneau dealer to Charleston, Dunbar Yachts specializes in yacht customization and long-term cruising outfits. This is perfect for anyone dreaming of Lowcountry adventures or extended trips along the coast.
Other regional powerhouse dealers like MarineMax Charleston, Hanckel Marine, Seel’s Outboard, Butler Marine, and Coastal Carolina Yacht Sales will have their best inventory on display.
Smart Shopping Tips: Maximize Your Boat Show Experience
Friday (10 AM – 6 PM): Best Time for Serious Buyers
The Friday opening offers the least crowded experience. Dealers are fresh, boats are pristine, and you’ll have uninterrupted time to:
- Test drive features and electronics
- Ask detailed questions about performance specs
- Negotiate deals without competing buyers
- Get personalized attention from sales staff
Saturday (10 AM-6 PM): Family Day
Saturday brings the biggest crowds and most energy. Expect:
- Family-friendly activities and kids’ zones
- Boating seminars and fishing clinics
- Food vendors and live demonstrations
- Show-only financing specials announced
Arrive early (10-11 AM) for better parking and dealer availability before the afternoon rush.
Sunday (11 AM-5 PM): Last Call for Deals
By Sunday afternoon, dealers are motivated to move inventory. However:
- Popular models may already be sold
- Some brands might have limited display boats remaining
- Shorter hours mean less time to compare options
Pro tip: Use Friday or Saturday to research, then return Sunday to close your deal.
Why Boat Shows Matter for Charleston Boaters
The January timing isn’t accidental. For Lowcountry boaters, late winter is when ownership decisions crystallize before spring inventory tightens and seasonal demand spikes. The Charleston Boat Show serves as a practical entry point into the boating season, offering:
- Regional Expertise: Dealers understand Charleston’s unique waters from shallow creeks around Folly Beach to offshore fishing grounds 50+ miles out
- Face-to-Face Access: Ask about docking logistics at Charleston marinas, hurricane prep, and navigating to local sand bars
- Show-Only Deals: Exclusive financing, manufacturer rebates, and dealer incentives that are only available during the three-day event
The Hidden Costs of Boat Ownership (What Dealers Won’t Tell You)
Before you sign on the dotted line for that beautiful 30-foot center console, let’s talk numbers. Boat ownership involves more than the purchase price:
Annual Ownership Costs (Conservative Estimate for 30′ Boat):
- Marina slip: $7,200-$9,600/year ($600-$800/month)
- Insurance: $1,500-$2,500/year
- Maintenance & repairs: $2,500-$5,000/year
- Fuel (moderate use): $2,000-$4,000/year
- Registration & fees: $300-$500/year
Total: $13,000-$20,000+ per year (excluding your boat payment!)
Now factor in:
- 70% of boat owners use their boat fewer than 10 days per year
- Boats depreciate 8-10% annually in the first 5 years
- Unexpected repairs (electronics, engines, gel coat) add thousands more
For a $150,000 boat with financing, you’re realistically looking at $25,000-$35,000 annually to keep it on the water. That’s assuming everything goes right.
The Smarter Alternative: Fractional Boat Membership
This is where PowerTime Charleston offers a fundamentally different approach. Our approach eliminates 90% of ownership headaches while giving you more actual time on the water.
How Fractional Membership Works
Instead of buying a boat, you purchase a membership (1/16, 1/8, or 1/4 of available usage) on professionally maintained vessels in PowerTime’s fleet. Your monthly membership covers:
✅ Everything: Slip fees, insurance, maintenance, cleaning, and yacht management
✅ Late-model boats: Well-appointed cruising powerboats, not older charter-grade vessels
✅ Real-time scheduling: Book your time online through the Embark system
✅ No surprise costs: No repairs, no winterization, no hurricane storage nightmares
Membership levels:
- Lite Share: 2-3 outings per month
- Classic Share: 4-7 outings per month
- Premier Share: 8-14 outings per month
The Math That Changes Everything
Let’s compare owning a $150,000 boat versus a PowerTime Classic membership:
Traditional Ownership (10-year total cost):
- Boat loan payments: $120,000+
- Operating costs: $250,000
- Depreciation loss: $75,000
- Total: $445,000+
PowerTime 1/8 Membership (10-year total cost):
- Membership fees: ~$60,000-$80,000 (varies by boat class)
- Additional costs: $0 (everything included)
- Total: $60,000-$80,000
You save $365,000+ over 10 years while spending MORE time actually boating.
Unlike Any Other Boat Club
PowerTime Charleston isn’t your typical boat club. Here’s what makes us different from the national chains:
The Same Boat Every Time
Most clubs assign you whatever’s available. At PowerTime, you’re matched with a specific vessel. It becomes your boat. You know where everything is, how she handles, and exactly what to expect. No re-learning electronics, searching for the first aid kit every time you board, or reconnecting bluetooth for your music.
Guaranteed Access
National chains like Freedom Boat Club often sell 10+ memberships per boat. The result? Members report booking weeks in advance just to get a weekend half-day, only to arrive and find their boat unavailable. We cap at 6 members (plus owner) per boat. That means guaranteed weekend availability and a true shared-ownership experience.
Built for Cruising
Want to spend a long weekend exploring the coast or take a week-long trip? Most clubs restrict you to day trips. Our boats are outfitted with full galleys, comfortable sleeping quarters, and extended range. Combine reservations for multi-day adventures to Beaufort, Georgetown, and even Hilton Head Island.
Local & Owner-Operated
We’re not a franchise maximizing profit for distant investors. PowerTime Charleston is locally owned, and our boats are maintained to the standard we’d demand for our own families. Issues get fixed, not ignored. We know Charleston’s waters, and we know our members by name.
The difference is simple: we’re small enough to care, professional enough to deliver, and local enough to understand what Charleston boaters actually need.
Visit PowerTime Charleston at the 2026 Show
PowerTime Charleston will have boats on display in the outdoor parking lot.
We’re the ONLY boat club in Charleston with actual boats available for membership and ownership at the show. Stop by to:
- Tour our latest addition to the fleet
- Talk with current members about their experience
- Learn about membership levels and pricing
- Discuss boat ownership opportunities through PowerTime
- Get exclusive boat show-only discounts
Our team will be on-site all three days to answer questions about Charleston-specific boating: where to anchor near Morris Island, best restaurants accessible by water, navigating the ICW, and which local marinas offer the best amenities.
Beyond the Boat Show: Charleston’s 2026 Boating Season
Once you’re on the water (whether through ownership or membership), Charleston offers world-class boating:
Must-Visit Destinations:
- Folly Beach: Beach up your boat and grab lunch at Bowens Island
- Shem Creek: Dine at waterfront restaurants in Mount Pleasant
- Bulls Bay: Remote beaches and secluded marshes
- Kiawah & Seabrook Islands: Stunning coastal scenery
- Charleston Harbor: Historic downtown views from the water
Seasonal Highlights:
- Spring: Perfect weather for long cruises and island hopping
- Summer: Raft-ups at No Name Beach and sandbar parties
- Fall: Comfortable overnight trips and extended summer weather
- Winter: A unique way to celebrate the holidays with family
If you’re looking for inspiration, download our cruising guide to find new spots and tips for getting there.
Planning to visit the show? Request more information about PowerTime membership or schedule your complimentary orientation before the rush.