News & Events
Your Guide to the Great Upstate Boat Show
If “Summer Starts Here” has ever felt like more than a slogan, it’s because The Great Upstate Boat Show is built for exactly that moment: when winter finally loosens its grip and you start thinking about the first perfect day on Lake George. This is the largest boat sales event between New York City and Montreal, and it has become a spring tradition for boaters across New York and New England for 18 years.
The Pilot Knob Marina team will be there, and this guide is your easy, no-stress way to make the most of it, plus a way to catch an early glimpse of the boats we'll be featuring.
When & Where is the Great Upstate Boat Show?
When: March 26–29, 2026
Where: Afrim’s Sports (Afrim’s ADK), 326 Upper Sherman Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804
Show hours:
- Thu, March 26: 4pm–8pm
- Fri, March 27: 10am–8pm
- Sat, March 28: 10am–8pm
- Sun, March 29: 10am–6pm
What is the Great Upstate Boat Show?
This is not a small “walk-through in 30 minutes” show. It’s a full, serious look at what’s available right now, when dealer inventory is typically at its strongest.
Here’s what the show says you can expect inside:
- 1,500+ boats for sale (new and pre-owned)
- 175+ boats on display
- 60+ top boat brands from 20+ Upstate NY dealers
- Lifestyle vendors (the gear, dock systems, upgrades, accessories)
- Daily live seminars
- Extras like custom docking solutions, trailers & boat lifts, propellers, and giveaways
How to attend Great Upstate Boat Show
1) Start with your use case, not the boat.
Before you fall for a gelcoat finish (it happens), decide what your summer really looks like:
- Entertaining friends and family
- Quiet sunset cruises
- Watersports and performance days
- Fishing mornings that turn into lunch on the water
Once you have that, the right layout and power package tends to choose itself.
2) Compare by lifestyle, not brand.
At this show, you can evaluate many categories in one place: bowriders, deck boats, jet boats, pontoons, cruisers, personal watercraft, docking systems, and more.
Pro move: step aboard 3–5 boats in the same category back-to-back. You’ll notice the differences instantly.
3) Spend real time in the upgrades zone.
A great summer on Lake George is often about the supporting cast:
- Docking systems and slip fit
- Lifts, trailers, storage plans
- Electronics and comfort upgrades
The show explicitly calls out docks, docking accessories, trailers, lifts, and parts as key components.
4) Use the seminars as shortcuts.
Even if you’re experienced, seminars can help you skip costly mistakes or discover a better setup for how you actually boat. The show lists daily live seminars as part of the program.
Pilot Knob Marina's Showcase
Pilot Knob Marina is delighted to showcase a variety of new Chaparral, Robalo, and Harris models.
| 2026 | Harris Cruiser 190S | #HP5388 |
| 2025 | Harris Sunliner 230LDH | #HP3917 |
| 2026 | Harris Cruiser 210SLDH | #HP6273 |
| 2026 | Chaparral SSX 4 | #R0108 |
| 2026 | Chaparral SSX 8 | #G0116 |
| 2026 | Chaparral 250 OSX | #S0119 |
| 2025 | Chaparral 21 SSi OB | #D0292 |
| 2026 | Chaparral 23 SSi OB | #B40198 |
| 2026 | Chaparral 19 SSi OB | #A0115 |
| 2026 | Robalo R207 | #E0124 |
| 2026 | Harris Sunliner 230SLE | #HP6383 |
If you’re considering a purchase, a trade-up, or simply want to optimize your setup for the season, we’re happy to talk through what matters and what’s just noise.
See you at the show!
If you’re heading to Queensbury, keep an eye out for Pilot Knob Marina. We’ll be showcasing these beauties, talking boats, and thinking about summer like it’s our job (because it is).