KNOXVILLE -- The Downtown Knoxville Boat Show kicks off on Thursday, March 7, at the Knoxville Convention Center. Beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, 93 marine related vendors, boat manufacturers, boat dealers, and agencies will offer services and products at the show. Some of those include the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, area marinas, and boat care products.

A variety of boats and watercraft including runabouts, sport fishers, high performance ski boats, cabin cruisers, jet boats, and personal watercraft will be featured.

Show attendees will have an opportunity to meet professional wakeboarder Josh Palma of MasterCraft Boat Company's stable of excellent pro wake boarders. Palma will also be signing autographs.

“This year’s Boat Show is going to be even bigger and better than the last,” said Knoxville Convention Center General Manager Mary Bogert. “It’s the perfect way to cast away those winter blues and get excited for some fun in the sun.”

Boat manufacturers on display will include Cruisers Yachts, Kawasaki, Mastercraft, Monterey Boats, SeaRay Yachts, Stingray, Yamaha, and many others. Dozens of marine related vendors will also be present offering services and products. Professional wakeboarder Josh Palma of MasterCraft Boat Company’s stable of excellent pro wakeboarders will also be in attendance to say hello and sign autographs.

Admission is $7 for adults and free for children age 10 and under. Tickets (cash only) will be available at the door. Show hours are:
• Thursday, March 7 – 3-9 p.m.
• Friday, March 8 – noon-9 p.m.
• Saturday, March 9 – 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Sunday, March 10 – noon–5:30 p.m.