The third edition of the BoatLife show has kicked off, running 15-18 February 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham, UK.

BoatLife 2024 has a packed four-day programme of activities, launches, speakers, and awards, including the YJA Awards for Yachtsman of the Year, which will be presented on the BoatLife Live Stage on Saturday (17 February 2024) at 3pm.

Entering its third year, following growth in 2023, BoatLife promises an ‘unforgettable mix of boats and products under one roof’. Industry support comes from headline sponsor Suzuki as well as partners Elite Dynamics and SBS Trailers. There are more than 220 boats on display, marking a 25 per cent increase from last year.

BoatLife Ambassadors

The 2024 event will introduce four new themed days. Innovation Day today (Thursday 15 February) highlights cutting-edge technology and pioneering trends, while Friday 16 February is Wellness Day, offering a focus on relaxation and wellbeing activities. Saturday 17 February brings Discovery Day, for newcomers to discover boating, and finally, Sunday 18 February champions Sustainability Day, with a spotlight on eco-friendly practices and responsible boating.

The lineup of over 100 powerboat and RIB models will include brands from companies such as Idealboat, Boatpoint, TBS Boats, Offshore Power Boats and Yamaha, with several global launches as well as UK debuts.

Global launches at BoatLife 2024 include the new Vantage range from Excel Leisure and the unveiling of a ‘secret project’ from SF Marine alongside a new Hellraiser launch.

UK exclusives include the UK launch of the Rebel Superyacht Series of tenders; the Nordkapp Airborne 8 from Wills Marine; the fully electric version of the popular Balt Yacht 818 and the UK reveal of Mercury’s Avator 75e and 110e electric outboards.

Suzuki’s new DF250AUNX ‘Kuro’ series will be making its UK debut at the show, alongside the new ePropulsion eLite 500W electric outboard, introduced at Boatlife by EBoat.store.

Technical Marine Supplies is using Boatlife to launch six new products for the UK, including the Acro Zeus Alternator BlueNav Hybrid, the Aquabase range of Watermakers and new Selden winches.

A brand new company, Dekology, also launches in the UK at the show, along with its new product, Marine Mat Fibre Reinforced EVA Foam.

SBS BOATLIFE

Following a successful launch last year, the dedicated boat angling zone is back for 2024. This sector showcases vessels designed for fishing such as Tracker Boats, Smartliner & IBF, alongside products and equipment for the angling sector, including On Top Angling, Penn and Cox & Rawle.

There will also be a lineup of angling ambassadors at the show, with meet and greet and stage talks planned. These include John Locker – The Fish Locker; Squidward 3 – Fishing Adventures; Mark Fairhurst – Manic Fishing; Adam Jones – London Perchfinder; Jamie – Shaky Angler; and Will Parkinson – Smartfish.

The inland waterways zone hosts brands including Adam Lind from Floating Home and David Johns from Cruising the Cut, Tingdene, ABC Leisure Group and Midland Chandlers.

Watersports enthusiasts can visit the activity pool zone, sponsored by GJW Direct, which will offer kayak and paddleboard demonstrations by Rockley Watersports professionals. The visitor have-a-go sessions return, with options to try new activities and promote the fun of watersports.

BOATLIFE boat show entrance

Supporting these areas will be equipment suppliers, manufacturers and green tech businesses, including the likes of Beta Marine and Seadek, which will rub shoulders with Ship Shape Bedding, Navico Group and Sleipner on the NEC Floor.

“We are delighted with the interest for the third BoatLife show, which has certainly been embraced by the UK boating community,” says Richard Dove, director at BoatLife Events. “Last year proved a highly popular event, with exhibiting brands remarking on the great atmosphere, promotional opportunities and quality customer interactions. As the show is bigger and better than before, we’d encourage any marine brand to quickly reserve their space and take advantage of the fantastic potential our marketing programme offers.”

As well as the focus on boats, a list of familiar faces and marine professionals will take to the BoatLife stage. The ‘inland pub’ again provides a meet up spot to enjoy live music with a drink. BoatLife is supporting the Fire Fighters Charity as its chosen cause for 2024.

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