Boat show season isn’t just about new models and shiny displays—it’s the unofficial kickoff to the boating year. Even if you didn’t attend Vancouver or Toronto, the conversations that happen at boat shows are a great snapshot of what boaters are thinking about heading into spring: what they’re worried about, what they’re excited about, and what they want to do differently this season.

1) Boaters are planning earlier than ever

One thing we notice every year is that experienced boaters don’t wait until May to start thinking about summer. They plan in winter—because winter is when you can actually get ahead.

By the time the first warm weekend hits, marinas get busy fast. Service schedules fill up, parts can take longer to arrive, and the “quick jobs” suddenly aren’t so quick. Boat show season tends to trigger that planning mindset:

• What upgrades do we want to do this year?
• What maintenance did we put off last season?
• What safety gear needs replacing?
• Are we boating more locally, or doing longer trips?

2) The theme we keep hearing: value + confidence

Whether someone is buying a boat, upgrading electronics, or stocking up on gear, the underlying goal is the same: more time on the water and fewer stressful surprises.

A lot of members tell us the best money they spend on boating isn’t the flashiest purchase—it’s the one that protects their weekends. That might be:

• maintenance that prevents breakdowns
• safety gear that makes the crew feel comfortable
• or getting a C-Tow membership for when/if things go wrong!

3) The “real” boating season starts before launch day

Here’s the truth: most mid-season headaches are created in the shoulder season. Not because people don’t care—because life is busy, and it’s easy to assume you’ll deal with it later.

But “later” often turns into:

• the first long weekend
• a packed marina
• a weather window you don’t want to miss
• and a boat that suddenly won’t cooperate

C‑Tow takeaway: protect your time on the water

Boat shows are exciting, but the biggest win is what happens after: getting set up for a season that feels smooth and confident.

If you do one thing this month, make it this: pick one small task you’ve been putting off and get it done now. Your spring self will thank you.