While the February winds continued their relentless howl across the Chicagoland area this past weekend, the atmosphere inside the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont was strictly tropical. The 94th annual Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show dropped anchor from January 28th through February 1st—offering a much-needed sanctuary of gleaming fiberglass, “island-inspired” cocktails, and the undeniable promise of summer.
A Slice of Lake Life in Rosemont
Stepping into the convention center, the transition from winter doldrums to waterfront wonder was instantaneous. The move from McCormick Place to Rosemont has truly revitalized the event—the proximity to the CTA Blue Line, O’Hare International Airport, and the presence of expansive parking lots nearby made accessing the venue remarkably seamless compared to years past.
The heart of the action was the Discover Boating Beach Club, where the sound of live music and beach games effectively drowned out any memory of the snow outside. For those looking for a more active escape, the PaddleFest Pool gave attendees a chance to test their balance on stand-up paddleboards, while kids enjoyed the classic Huck Finn Trout Pond and the high-energy Bumper Boats.
The show also brought some local star power to the water. On Saturday, Chicago football icons Charles “Peanut” Tillman, Israel Idonije, and Jerry Azumah swapped the gridiron for the galley—sharing stories of their own passion for life on the water and proving that even our toughest legends find peace on the lake.
The Standout: The 2026 Chris-Craft Sportster 25
Among the hundreds of vessels on display, one particular beauty at the Gage Marine booth seemed to capture my gaze: the 2026 Chris-Craft Sportster 25. Known for their “timeless stylecand handcrafted luxury,” this model felt like a piece of functional art.
The Sportster 25 perfectly marries vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. From the captain’s chair, the helm feels more like a modern cockpit—featuring dual Garmin displays and an intuitive layout designed for effortless navigation. The blue LED accent lighting throughout the interior, particularly around the premium sound system, gave the boat a sophisticated and electric vibe that looked as good under the convention lights as it surely will on a moonlit cruise.
Key Specs on Display:
● Seating: There is room for 11 of your closest friends.
● Power: It features a Mercury
6.2L B3 DTS engine.
● Length/Beam: It has a spacious 25’0” length with an 8’6” beam.
● Price: While the MSRP sat at $192,250, the “Show Special” price was listed at $172,356.
Beyond the Boats
For those looking to attend, the event was quite accessible with tickets priced at $15 for presale and $17 at the door. For the DIY crowd, Fred’s Shed How-To Center remained a staple—providing hands-on demonstrations on everything from engine maintenance to winterization tips. Whether you were there to drop six figures on a new yacht or simply to “bling” your experience at a local jewelry pop-up, the show remained true to its mission: making the boating lifestyle accessible to everyone.
As the show wrapped up on Sunday evening, the message was clear—summer isn’t just a season in Chicago, it’s a state of mind we are all ready to get back to.