Boats of all shapes and sizes will be shown in 2008. Whether you like fishing, sailing, cruising, skiing, wakeboarding, or just going really, really fast, the boat show will have something for you!

For information on all exhibitors, both on land and in the water, click here.

Queen of the Fleet

Boat dealers and manufacturers use fall shows to trot out their latest products, and the docks at Michigan City will be full of brand new models to be shown for the first time.

Leading the way as the 2008 Queen of the Fleet will be the Hampton 580 Pilothouse displayed by Anchor Yacht Sales on Pier 1.

Hampton 580 Pilothouse

The boat features twin-715 horsepower Cummins QSM-11 engines and a wide 17-foot beam, which allows for a three-stateroom, two-head configuration below deck. A custom-designed stairway winds itself all the way up from those staterooms through the pilothouse and onto the flybridge, where entertaining is easy with a refrigerator/freezer, wet bar, and grill. Redwood burl can be found on the table tops and ceilings throughout the interior. The salon features a 37-inch LCD television, Bose surround sound system, leather upholstery, and frameless windows.

On Pier 3, Spring Brook Marina will be showing the new Carver 44 Sojourn for the first time at a boat show. The Seneca, Illinois, dealer will also bring the Marquis 500 SC and the Cruisers 420 Coupe, both to make their Midwest debuts

Carver 44 Sojourn

The Fathom 40 fast expedition yacht has been making waves in the boating industry lately and will be exhibited at Michigan City by HarborView Yacht Sales on Pier 4. Its classic profile blends style with speed in a fuel efficient package.

Fathom 40

Also on Pier 4, Holland, Michigan-based Tiara Yachts will premier the new 3900 Open. The 3900 is the latest in a line of boats that combine cruiser amenities with the needs of serious anglers.

Tiara 3900 Open

Last year’s queen was displayed by Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales, which will return in 2008 with the bold new Viking 52S and the luxurious Sunseeker Portofino 53.

For sailing fans, Karma Yacht Sales will show the new Alerion Express 33, the first of its kind on Lake Michigan. The boat blends the easy-to-use features and performance of a day sailor with the elegance of some of its larger neighbors on the Sail Pier. Karma’s display will also include the new Beneteau 31 and 37 models.

Nearby, longtime exhibitor Larsen Marine will display a Valiant 42 for the first time at the show and a pair of Jeanneaus: the Sun Odyssey 45DS and 42DS.

All these boats, plus hundreds more, will be ready for you to board and inspect for the first time in Michigan City!

E-mail or call the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association at (440) 899-5009 (weekdays 9am - 5pm EST).