Portland Boat Show Destination Guide

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Between the abundance of natural beauty and all the cultural advantage of a big city, Portland offers visitors the best of both worlds. The craft breweries and upscale restaurants of the city's Pearl District are world-renowned while picture-perfect parks, snow-capped mountains and the swishing waters of the Columbia River are never far away. As one of America's major boating hubs, we're also always on-trend when it comes to boating, even if the area may be slightly unappreciated on the national landscape.

The 59th annual Portland Boat Show is set to take place from January 9 - 13, 2019. Held at the Portland Expo Center, the prestigious 5-day event is the largest off-the water show west of the Mississippi and the biggest boating-related event in all of Oregon. It's all here under one roof that everything from yachts and cruisers to fishing boats and personal watercrafts are celebrated across 250,000 square feet of display space. Many of the world's leading brands will unveil an unbeatable selection of the latest offshore vessels, sport boats, yachts, wake and surf boards and pleasure crafts for you to browse, compare and shop. To complement the outstanding selection of new and pre owned boats, representatives and destination experts will also be present and armed with comprehensive and practical advice.

All in all, there's plenty to look forward to at the upcoming Portland Boat Show. With so much to see, do and experience, the exhibition can almost seem overwhelming. After 45 years of boating experience in the Pacific Northwest, our family here at Sundance Yachts always looks forward to the friendly atmosphere and overall excitement that surrounds the Portland Boat Show. That's why we've put together a few tips to help you make the most out of your visit.

Prestige 460 Running

Prestige 460

The Prestige 460 has reinvented life aboard a 46-footer with its contemporary layout and maximum usage of space for an invitation to complete relaxation. The latest model in this signature Flybridge style is transformable into a large sundeck and an immense swimming platform that holds up to 500 pounds. It handles beautifully, makes precise turns and takes just eight seconds to plane. The overall easy maneuverability of the Prestige line is bolstered by its extremely quiet ride, even at top speeds, bringing a new meaning to the what aspirational boating is. At its core, the Prestige 460 is a on-water revolution in terms of comfort, space and relaxation.

V37F Running

Jeanneau Velasco 37F

The  Jeanneau Velasco 37F  is a stunning and compact model whose beauty truly lies. in the details. Every single detail within the re-imagined interior has been optimized to increase window area space, resulting in a bright living space with magnificent 360º views. With the twin engines with shaft drives and thrusters, the Velasco 37F redefines the modern power cruiser. This elegant attention to detail reinforces a sense of intimacy and well-being, which is complemented nicely by the spacious sundeck and swimming platform.

NC 1095 Running

Jeanneau NC 1095 Legend Version

On the other hand, the comfortable and spacious  Jeanneau NC 1095 Legend Version is the ideal family cruiser that's perfect for a weekend trip or simply a day on the water. Staying true to its roots, the NC 1095 has been optimized for maximum comfort overseas with some clever features such as recessed side-decks that allow for safe movement around the boat with easy access to the helm. The spacious L-shaped lounge comfortably fits a handful of people while the forward sundeck provides additional living space to fully enjoy life on the water.

Courtyard Marriott
Courtyard Marriott

Where to Stay

Taking place at the Portland Expo Center, the prestigious boating event is conveniently located along the Columbia River between downtown Portland and Vancouver, Washington. Sitting pretty right next to the exhibition space, the Residence Inn Portland North Harbor offers spacious suites with separate areas for eating, sleeping and relaxing. The property has a whirlpool and outdoor pool that overlook the Columbia River while you can make use of the lovely picnic area and barbecue facilities. The Fairfield Inn & Suites is another nearby option that boasts a healthy amount of amenities such as a fully-equipped fitness center, indoor pool and hot tub. The comfortable accommodation is rounded out nicely with wonderful views of Mt. Hood and the dazzling Oregon waterfront. The last of the bunch is the Courtyard Marriott, which you can are gaze into the beauty of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood. After a long day, feel free to relax in the heated indoor pool, whirlpool or get things moving in the fitness center.

Irving Street Kitchen
Irving Street Kitchen

Where to Dine

Located along the Interstate 5 and beside the airport, the Portland Expo Center has a notorious traffic problem around the venue, especially during busier hours. With that being said there are a number of nearby restaurants that are worth your time. The ever-popular Stanford's Restaurant and Bar at Jantzen Beach is a casual option with everything on the menu made completely from scratch, complemented by an expansive list of local wines and craft beers. Located on the picturesque waterfront,  Salty's on the Columbia River  is an in-season seafood grill with awe-inspiring 360º views of Mt. Hood.
For those feeling adventurous enough to head into downtown Portland, you can do no better than the Pearl District. The former industrial area is now one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods with a number of outstanding restaurants residing in renovated warehouses and factories. Known for its diverse menu of casually elegant American cuisine, Irving Street Kitchen boasts a grand atmosphere designed specifically for guests to socialize, share and bond. Chef Sarah Schafer has put a lot of thought into a creative menu that does just that while the warm and professional hospitality stretches to its extensive list of local wines and handcrafted cocktails.

Rolex
Rolex

What to Wear

During your time at the Portland Boat Show, you'll want to prioritize comfortable clothing and accessories that are also versatile to take you from day to night with ease. This Valextra Iside Leather Bag is a simple option that will serve you well by carrying the bare necessities during the day, yet it's also stylish enough to complement evening outfits. This Givenchy Double-Breasted Wool is an impeccably tailored option that will keep you cozy throughout the nights in the Pacific Northwest and still give off an aura of timeless and classic style. The Rolex Submariner is a seamless option that will transition you from the show to cocktails and dinner at an elegant restaurant–all without losing its sea dweller heritage. The classic off-duty weekend style of this Thom Browne Two-Tone Quilted Down Vest similarly lends itself well to the nature of the Portland Boat Show.

The Portland Boat Show is the first of three exclusive previews from Sundance Yachts. Stay tuned for our guides for the Seattle Boat Show (January 25 - February 2) and the Vancouver Boat Show (February 6 -10).