Doors open today at annual Boat Show

BOSTON – The 52nd annual New England Boat Show, the largest of its kind in the Northeast, gets under way today at the new Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.The nine-day event will feature more than 1,000 fully-rigged boats and 500 exhibits, showcasing the latest powerboats, sailboats, engines and marine electronics and accessories for 2008.Daily interactive seminars and demonstrations are available to visitors who want to learn about the boating lifestyle and enhance time spent on the water.Last year marked the first time the show was held at the new convention center, which can accommodate larger vessels and sailboats with their masts stepped. The exhibition hall boasts more than 500,000 square feet and ceiling heights of over 90 feet.The show includes powerboats up to 50 feet, sailboats up to 62 feet, sportfishing boats, ski boats, family cruisers, pontoon boats and personal watercraft. It runs through Jan 20.The seminars include topics such as how to read a nautical chart, state boating laws, use GPS chart plotters, learn the requirements for getting a captain’s license, and generally how to leave the shore behind.The show hours are Saturday, Jan. 12, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 13, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 14 through Friday, Jan. 18, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 20, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.Tickets are $13 for adults, $7 for 6-12 years old, and children 6 and under admitted free.The convention center is located off I-93 at exit 18. Parking is available onsite, with complimentary shuttle bus service to the door. For more information, go online to www.neboatshow.com or call 800-225-1577.