With over 35,000 attendees and 400 boats on display, the 2025 St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show Presented by Progressive once again proved why it remains the premier event on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The event wrapped up another successful year from January 16-19, 2025, at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. As the largest boat show on Florida's Gulf Coast, this year's event attracted thousands of visitors, all eager to explore the latest advancements in the boating industry.
Record Attendance and Expansive Exhibits St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show
According to the event's organizers, Informa Markets, the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show welcomed an estimated 35,000 attendees, marking a significant increase from previous years. With over 400 boats on display, ranging from luxury yachts to sport fishing vessels, the event covered a wide spectrum of boating interests. A highlight of the show was the 40,000-square-foot exhibition tent, housing cutting-edge marine technology, accessories, and services from top industry players. Attendees explored the latest innovations in navigation systems, electric propulsion solutions, and high-performance watercraft accessories, with a growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly designs.
Major Industry Announcements That Stole the Show
Following exciting announcements from Garmin and BMW, several other top-tier brands also unveiled groundbreaking innovations at the show. Yamaha Marine introduced their latest outboard engines, emphasizing fuel efficiency and low emissions, while Sea Ray unveiled a new line of luxury yachts featuring enhanced smart technology integrations and improved hull designs for smoother rides. Mercury Marine showcased their cutting-edge V12 Verado outboard engines, which promise unparalleled power and torque for serious offshore boaters.
Attendees also had the opportunity to explore new sustainable product lines from Torqeedo, a leader in electric propulsion, who revealed their expanded range of high-performance electric motors designed for a variety of vessels, from kayaks to yachts.
This year’s exhibitor lineup featured major industry names such as Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Jeanneau, and Prestige Yachts, offering a glimpse into the future of recreational boating. Progressive Insurance, the event’s title sponsor, showcased its latest marine insurance solutions and safety programs.
BMW's Sustainable Marine Vision
A major highlight of the event was BMW's unveiling of its latest electric marine engine concept, which aims to revolutionize the boating industry by integrating cutting-edge automotive technology into marine applications. The electric propulsion system introduced by BMW boasts a high-efficiency electric drivetrain that promises zero emissions without compromising on performance.
BMW representatives emphasized the company's commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce the carbon footprint in marine transportation. The engine features advanced lithium-ion battery technology, offering extended range and faster charging capabilities. With this launch, BMW seeks to cater to eco-conscious boaters looking for innovative, greener alternatives without sacrificing power or reliability. "We’re thrilled to see how the 2025 St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show set new standards in sustainability and innovation," said an Informa Markets representative. "Next year, we’re bringing even more exciting advancements."
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to witness live demonstrations of BMW's electric marine engines, experiencing firsthand the quiet yet powerful propulsion. Industry experts lauded the development as a significant step forward in sustainable marine solutions, and many expect the technology to become a game-changer in the coming years.
Garmin's Breakthrough in Marine Navigation
Another key announcement came from Garmin, which introduced its latest advanced marine navigation system, designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and convenience for both recreational and commercial boating.
One of the most anticipated features of Garmin's new system is its Augmented Reality (AR) technology. Designed to enhance navigation safety, this cutting-edge technology ensures safer voyages, even in challenging weather conditions.
Garmin also unveiled new integration options with smart wearables, allowing boaters to monitor key metrics such as fuel levels, weather updates, and system diagnostics directly from their smartwatches or mobile devices. This interconnected approach to boating technology signals Garmin's commitment to making boating smarter and more accessible to a broader audience.
Industry professionals at the show were impressed by the capabilities of Garmin’s system, predicting it will set a new standard for navigational technology and significantly enhance on-water safety.
Learn and Explore: Seminars & Interactive Experiences
The St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show also featured instructors from the renowned Annapolis School of Seamanship provided hands-on training in seamanship fundamentals, advanced navigation, and offshore safety techniques. Their mission to 'create confident, capable mariners' came to life through expert instruction and real-world demonstrations, reinforcing their commitment to boating education.
Additional seminar topics included:
Sustainable Boating: Experts discussed best practices for eco-friendly boating, covering alternative fuels, solar power solutions, and responsible waste management on board.
Fishing Techniques: Top anglers shared insights into advanced saltwater fishing tactics and the latest gear advancements.
Yacht Maintenance Tips: Industry professionals offered practical advice on maintaining engines, electronics, and hull integrity to extend the lifespan of vessels.
Panel discussions with marine industry veterans explored the future of the boating industry, with a special focus on automation and artificial intelligence in marine navigation systems.
Special attractions included:
Kids' Fishing Clinics: Hosted by Hook the Future, teaching young anglers essential fishing techniques.
On-Water Training Sessions: Providing attendees with hands-on experience in docking, maneuvering, and handling different vessel types.
VIP Lounge Experience: Offering exclusive access to networking opportunities and premium hospitality.
Boosting the Economy & Giving Back to the Community
The 2025 St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show continues to be a major economic driver for the region, contributing an estimated $50 million to the local economy. The influx of visitors provided a substantial boost to hotels, restaurants, and local marine businesses, further underscoring the show’s importance to the region.
Organizers emphasized their commitment to community engagement by partnering with local charities and offering discounted tickets to military personnel and first responders. Additionally, initiatives to support local businesses, such as featuring local vendors and artisans in the exhibition space, were well received by attendees.
The Future of Boating: What to Expect in 2026
Exciting innovations are on the horizon for 2026—stay tuned for more updates!
Mark your calendars for January 15-18, 2026, as we unveil groundbreaking innovations, including hydrogen-powered boats, AI-driven vessel maintenance solutions, and expanded smart marina services—each designed to enhance efficiency and revolutionize the boating experience.
As the boating industry evolves, the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show remains at the forefront, delivering an unmatched experience year after year.
Key Stats Recap:
35,000 attendees
400 boats on display
$50 million economic impact
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