"You can do a month's worth of boat shopping in one day under one roof" has been for the past 67 years the motto of the Jacksonville Boast Show presented by the Jacksonville Marine Association.
The show allows North Florida marine dealers to exhibit the latest models of vessels of all sizes. Accessories and boating-related services also are showcased, including financing and insurance.
Kenny Sherwood, show manager, said nearly 300 boats will be on display at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.
"If you can pull it on a trailer, it's here," he said.
"Hook the Future" fishing seminars for children will be at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
"That's when the kids get their free rods and reels," said Sherwood.
Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament past Chairman Bob Gipson said he has been coming to the show for 34 years. He has seen it evolve and move as Downtown's venues improved.
Gipson said the first show was set up under the steel stands at the old Gator Bowl stadium, and then the show moved to the municipal coliseum when it opened. When the riverfront civic auditorium opened in 1963, the show moved into the exhibition hall, where it remained until the former Union Terminal was converted into a convention center.
"We've been here since the Prime Osborn opened," he said.
The show is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. For ticket information, visit boatjax.com.
(904) 356-2466