You really don’t need a special reason to visit Seattle; it’s one of the most interesting cities in the world. But if you need an extra nudge, you might want to make some plans for the Lake Union Boats Afloat Show, running from Thursday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 15. It’s certainly easy to get to, since it’s on Chandler’s Cove in South Lake Union, almost in the middle of town. (If you can’t find it, just follow the float planes.)
In addition to the 225 boats on display, there’s plenty to see and do at the show. There’s a women’s docking clinic, for example, and free, 45-minute boat rides, and a center where kids can build their own boats, operated by Seattle’s Center for Wooden Boats.
If you just want to find new powerboats, here are some you can see there:
The Ocean Sport Roamer 30 is making its West Coast debut at the show. It’s the first Ocean Sport to have twin 350-hp Yamaha outboards; they produce a top speed of more than 50 mph. And it holds 400 gallons of fuel for extra range.
The Cutwater 32 Command Bridge is an outboard-powered family cruiser with twin 300-hp Yamahas and the potential for panoramic views from the bridge. Flagship of the Cutwater fleet, the 32 has a master and a mid-ships stateroom plus a convertible dinette, so you can take your entire family or lots of friends on your next cruise. The specially designed swim platform has 20 square feet of level, unobstructed decking with no outboard well or rigging tubes to trip over.
The Coastal Craft 33 Express is a cruising version of the company’s popular 33 ProFish. Powered by twin 350-hp Mercury Verados, the aluminum Coastal Craft has a top speed of 40 knots and a range of 400 nm at 30 knots. There are two berths forward, the salon has an opening moonroof for light and air, and there’s rear seating in the cockpit.
The outboard-powered Lindell 38 has the seaworthiness and stability of the company’s 46 and 42, but in a shorter package. Designed by naval architect Greg Marshall, the Lindell 38 has a 20-degree deadrise at the transom to provide both speed and stability. The boat is filled with family-friendly amenities, and the hull, laid up with vacuum infusion technology, is light and strong.
The Ranger Tugs 41 Command Bridge is the largest Ranger ever, as well as the most elaborate and luxurious. It’s powered by twin Volvo IPS pod drives, with cruising speeds of about 20 knots. The Ranger 41 had two staterooms and two full heads with showers, and it comes cruising-ready with a washer-dryer, electronics, and lots of space for relaxing and entertaining.
For cruising in luxury, the Regency P65MY has heated floors, a flybridge sunroom, and a day head on the aft deck. It comes with a Garmin 8000 nav suite, KVH satellite TV, hydraulic thrusters, stabilizers and CAT diesels. And there are four types of handpicked granite on board.
The show is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Tickets are $14 for adults, and $5 for anyone from 13 to 17 years old. Children 12 and under are free.
