Detroit Boat Show is back to two halls and still growing!

LIVONIA, Mich., Jan. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The original, biggest and best boat show in Michigan, the Detroit Boat Show is premiering new boating products and accessories at Cobo Center, February 16-24. More than 60,000 attendees are expected to fill the bigger show at Cobo Center during its nine day run.

"Boating is back, nationwide the industry saw a 10 percent increase in powerboat sales in 2012 and we're expecting another 10 percent increase in 2013," said Show Manager Nicki Polan, with statistics reported by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. In Michigan, boating is a $3.9 billion industry with nearly one million registered boats and four million active boaters.

The Detroit Boat Show is significantly larger than the last four years, moving to two halls and increasing the number of exhibitors and past exhibitors increasing square footage of their displays. "More boats means more boat types and brands for buyers to see and purchase at the show," said Polan. "The show offers boats of all types and for all budgets: cruisers, fishing boats, runabouts, pontoons, ski boats, personal watercraft, yachts, and more for attendees to see and purchase."

Featured attractions include: appearances by Trigger Tommy and Trapper Joe from the hit television series Swamp People (Feb. 16&17); kids can meet SpongeBob SquarePants (Feb. 16&17); immerse yourself in history at the Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Pavilion offering a step back in time to the war of 1812; climb in the Waterwalkerz and rock and roll on water; get a sneak peek at the new Quadski concept boat that goes from land to water in 4 seconds; take a free boaters safety course and get free admission; street teams from different radio stations will provide games and entertainment; rendezvous weekend (Feb. 22-24); meet a mermaid; free giveaways & prizes; tiki bar and much more!

Throughout the week, Detroit Boat Show-goers and exhibitors will give back to the community with two charitable promotions. Tuesday, Feb. 19 - Save the Buoys, breast cancer awareness day, where ladies get in free and participating dealers will donate $100 per boat sold to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Wednesday, Feb. 20 is "A Boat Load of Food" dedicated to helping those in need. Attendees who donate 5 or more non-perishable food items to Gleaners Food Bank between 3pm to 6pm will receive free admission to the show.

The 55th annual Detroit Boat Show is February 16-24 at Cobo Center in Detroit.  Admission to the boat show is $12 for adults; children 12 and under are free with an adult, and seniors over 62 receive free admission on Monday. Discount tickets, other special admission days and discount hotel accommodations provided by Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Detroit are available at www.detroitboatshow.net.  HOURS: Saturdays, Monday and Friday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sundays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Parking is available at Cobo Center and surrounding lots. The Detroit Boat Show is sponsored by Great Lakes Scuttlebutt, Official Magazine of the Detroit Boat Show.  FOR MORE INFORMATION visit www.detroitboatshow.net, or call 1.800.932.2628.

SOURCE Michigan Boating Industries Association