In exactly one week the doors will open at SBS BoatLife 2023 to display an incredible 200+ boats and over 150 exhibitors at the NEC in Birmingham from 16-19 February.

This year sees a great range of UK and global debuts, with one standout being the highly anticipated UK launch of the Sealine S390 from TBS Boats. There will be a worldwide first look at the Waterspoor 717 and Alonsea 600, a relaunch of the classic Salcombe Flyer and the luxurious new Waterlodge Eden 14. First time exhibitors will be Thanes Marine and the Aluminium Boat Company who are looking forward to their debut with some exciting brands. In the busy equipment sector, pre-orders are available with Water Freedom for their innovative water solutions, Vanclaes is showcasing their latest coil spring axle system and Marine Energy Systems are set to launch new products U SAFE and Molabo.  Finally there will be a reveal at the Extreme Boats stand of the eagerly awaited Sea Angling Classic prize boat. The full list and more can be found in Show Exclusives. 

Sponsored by marine finance business SALT, the Live Stage will be jam-packed with great names from different sectors. To name just a few, William Croxford is talking through his preparations for the Global Solo Challenge this September, where he will sail non-stop around the world with no fossil fuels whatsoever on board. Orla Lifeboat, aka Johnny, is set to outline the motivation, progress and plans behind his current lifeboat restoration project and author, podcaster and SUP record holder Jo Moseley will be sharing her love of the UK’s waterways and her paddleboarding journey.  

Taking to the stage in the Marine Power Suzuki Angling Zone will be Gary Palmer to talk all things river fishing, there will be kayak angling chat with Steve Beard and Ian Harris as well as appearances from Anglers Against Pollution, UK Bluefin Tuna and Inflatable Boat Fishing. Thursday and Saturday also provide opportunities for visitors to meet and greet the five amazing ambassadors. Full timetables for pool, stage, ambassadors and more are found in What’s On. 

Neville Williams at Ideal Boats, who will be bringing Chaparral, Saxdor and Finnmaster to their stand summed up the anticipation, “We are very much looking forward to SBS BoatLife 2023 where we will be showcasing an impressive line-up of nine boats which are a great representation of the incredible products idealboat.com has to offer. The organisers have worked extremely hard to make this year’s show amazing for both visitors and exhibitors alike and it is a great event to find out exactly what the UK marine industry has to offer. Get in touch to make a personal appointment to view any of our boats.”

If you have not already done so, media registration is open here to receive a digital pass for the show. The Media Team will be based in Room 17.1 by Hall 19 with meeting facilities and refreshments. They will be happy to help with any requests to arrange interviews with exhibitors, ambassadors and partners as required.