Attendees climb aboard for Suncoast Boat Show

The event at Marina Jack returned with more boats and gear than previous years.

By Ian Swaby
| 8:30 a.m. April 23, 2023

7-year-old Jett Claymore, Kristen Shepherd, and 5-year-old Bodhi Claymore

Sarasota
Neighbors

Joe Grodzik said he couldn't afford a yacht, but he was still eager to explore the yachts included in the more than 200 boats on display at Marina Jack during the Suncoast Boat Show, April 21-23.

“Beautiful stuff — you can’t beat it," he said. "It’s a pleasure to come out and enjoy this beautiful day and beautiful show.”

Business Development Manager Nickolas Pantner said the selection this year at the Suncoast Boat Show marked an increase over previous years, a change which did not go unnoticed by guests.

“It seems bigger and better than it has in years,” said Paul Bloom. “There are more boats, and there are larger boats.”

Pantner said in addition to featuring a large number of boats, the show was also intended to offer something for every guest.

“We have everything from the smallest paddle board to an 80-foot yacht,” he said.

He said visitors can buy whatever supplies they may need in addition to simply obtaining a boat, describing “hats, fishing poles, you name it — all that good stuff."

The event also offered extra entertainment for kids, with a daily fishing clinic that supplied a free rod and reel for participants to keep.

Leslie O'Connor and Brian Langowski at the Suncoast Boat Show, held April 21-23, 2023.

10-year-old Morgan Welling fishes using a pole he gained from the fishing clinic.

Erik and Karen Bergenholtz browse woodcarvings at the boat show.

The Suncoast Boat Show was held from April 21-23 at Marina Jack.

Stella Barone and Dana Gliniecki test a boat's relaxation factor as they talk with James Engelder of Cortez Cove Yacht Sales.

Joe Grodzik and Cathy Roberson explore a yacht.

Logan Gardner and Lauren Uslin browse the boats on display.

Madeline Giordano, Guy Salani, and Jenna Salani

6-year-old Vivian Koller, Ross Koller, and 3-year-old Colette Koller

Anthony Mottaz helps Becky Mottaz onto a boat.

Walter Turek and Paul Bloom discuss the boats on display.

Boats line the docks beside Marina Jack.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.