As the Annapolis Powerboat Show draws near, the Covid-induced boat-buying boom is finally over. Ever since the scourge burst onto the scene people began snapping up boats left and right, as three things we dedicated anglers already knew became apparent to the rest of the world—nothing beats fishing, a fishing boat boosts your catch rate, and boats are a healthy place to be. We love that so many people joined the fishing fold, but for years now the immense demand pushed pricing to the brink. Well, no more. And that means that this fall is our opportunity to make a deal.
Lucky for us, fall is also when we can attend the king of all boat deal-making venues in the Mid-Atlantic region, the Annapolis Powerboat Show. This year it takes place October third through the sixth at the City Dock in downtown Annapolis, MD. You’ll see all sorts of fishing boats here, ranging from skiffs to sportfishing yachts. But remember, different boats are right for different folks. So, the big question is: which will be the best pick for you?
You’ll see Bay Boats and Hybrid Bay Boats from builders like Caymas, Pathfinder, Scout, and Sportsman. These offer the very best of light-tackle angling attributes, like minimal draft, exceptional stability, elevated casting decks, and low-slung gunwales that make it easy to reach the water for landing and releasing fish. Today’s bay boats can ride shockingly well in a chop, and many offer hat-stripping performance. For most anglers their biggest downside is the same as one of their advantages, those low gunwales, which can be a bit unnerving if you often carry multiple small children and want them surrounded by a chest-high wall of fiberglass.
You’ll see traditional deep-V Center Consoles like those from Grady-White, Key West, May Craft, and Pair Marine, which are unquestionably the most popular type of fishing boats on Chesapeake Bay. Savvy anglers will be looking for big livewells, lots of rodholders, good onboard tackle stowage, and maximized deck space. Family anglers will also be eyeballing features like comfy seating, console head compartments, and freshwater systems with transom showers. Larger models will have offshore capabilities and potentially cabins in the console, but it will be tougher to reach the water than on bay boats, they’ll require a bit more depth under the keel, and have a bit less stability.
You’ll see Dual Consoles from builders like Boston Whaler, Cobia, and Robalo, which are a top choice for anglers with kids. Not only do the full windshield and door provide far more protection from the elements than other open boats, but on top of that, most DCs can be rigged with a ski-tow pylon so you can pull the kids around on tow-toys when the bite is slow. The dual console design does mean the loss of some fishing space and 360-degree fish-fighting abilities as compared to a design utilizing a center console, though often it also means gaining additional cruising perks like convertible loungers and wet bars.
You’ll see Cabin Boats thanks to manufacturers like Bayliner, Parker, and North Coast. When it comes to all-weather fishing these can’t be beat since having an enclosed helm (and in some cases even climate control) means cruising in comfort even when it’s snowing or blowing. Added bonus: owning a fishing boat with a cabin opens up opportunities for long weekends away from port—and away from reality. The natural downside is trading out the bow cockpit and 360-degree fishability for cabin space.
You’ll see lots of other boats, too, ranging from jet-powered Yamaha center console fishing boats to big Pursuit offshore fishing machines to high performance center console yachts from Mag Bay and Solace. You’ll spot aluminum rigs that are uber-easy to trailer, launch, and load. You’ll spot skiffs that are easy on the bank account. Oh, and you’ll also see those non-fishing boats like bowriders and cruisers, though we suggest you block them from your consciousness.
Affordability is always a consideration when purchasing a boat, and for several years now with demand running so strong it’s been tough to find good deals. Well, those days are over, people. It’ a buyer’s market out there—and this fall at the Annapolis Powerboat Show is your prime opportunity to take advantage of it.
Annapolis Powerboat Show Details
The Annapolis Powerboat Show runs October 3 – 6, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday. You can pre-order tickets (and save five bucks off the gate price!) and there are discounts for kids and for military personnel on Sunday. Parking is available at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Ave, with free shuttles running to and from the show from an hour prior to the show opening to an hour after close.
Hot New Fishboat Premiers at the Annapolis Boat Show
In addition to all those boats on display, there’s a nice selection of new models premiering at the show this year which we think area anglers will find particularly interesting. Be sure to keep a sharp eye peeled for:
The Arrowcat 20
If you want an angling powercat under 24’ your choices have ranged between limited and nonexistent—but now Arrowcat has a new 20-footer to check out. The 20CC can be powered with a pair of 90-hp outboards to enjoy speeds in excess of 40 mph, drafts a mere 10”, and boasts Kevlar reinforcement in the bow areas of the keel.
Bayliner T25PH
The T25 Pilothouse is a larger version of the T23 (you can see our video of that model at FishTalk’s YouTube channel), with highlights like an enclosed head compartment, overnighting capabilities, fold-out cockpit seating, and Mercury Vesselview.
Grady-White Canyon 386
There’s a new Grady in town, people! The 386 is one big, bodacious triple-engine center console, but once you get a peek inside the big, bodacious console cabin you’ll want to spend all weekend aboard. Angling accoutrements include copious onboard tackle stowage, a mega-fishbox that you chill by setting a digital thermostat, and 70 gallons of livewell capacity. Red alert: the Seakeeper 4.5 gyroscopic stabilization system comes standard.
Key West 291 FS
Now the biggest center console from Key West, the 291 FS has some high-end perks like boarding doors and fuel fills on both sides, a freshwater sink in the console head compartment, and slide-out lounge seating. Performance is impressive, too, with a top end breaking the 60-mph barrier.
NorthCoast 415HT
You want over 100 square feet of cockpit space? A climate-controlled helm surrounded by full protection for all-weather fishing? A yacht-quality interior with mahogany veneered bulkheads and a full galley? The 415HT, Northcoast’s newest and biggest model, has it all—and then some.