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mall town with a big show. The numbers aren’t yet in, but Oriental In-Water Boat Show organizer Sam Myers counts it a success: for attendees, vendors, and students who will receive Rotary scholarships from the proceeds of the event.

Trailerable boats lined Hodges Street before show opening on Friday.

Boats lined Hodges Street and were docked in slips in the marina. Vendors were in the lot behind The Bean, on the lawn of the Oriental Marina and Inn, and under tents on the asphalt.

At the Nautical Flea Market, Billy Creech tries to figure out how to get home.

Yes, boats were for sale. But so were composting heads, bags made from old sails, engines, paddleboards, and a variety of handmade dragon or nautical themed items.

Used treasures for sale in the Nautical Flea Market.

Several first time vendors were in the show: Collins Inc, Burleson Marine, Black Dog Sail Loft, Bishop’s Marina, Marine Craft Marina and Boatworks, Timeless Yacht Sales, Mason Creek Designs, S&J Yachts, Sunshine Cruising, and Sail Air Watercraft.

Though Friday brought morning rain, clear skies defined the afternoon. Myers thinks the weather may have deterred some of the longer distance travelers, but “it was a respectable gate” nonetheless.

Talk to Sam Myers for a chance to win a 5 hp motor or an inflatable kayak.

Integrity Sales invited attendees aboard their Grand Banks trawler.

A look at the Grand Banks, inside and out.

Fish on a stick. They were popular items – Critter Creek Artistry arrived with around 50 and had less than 15 remaining.

Bow to Stern had three charter vessels available to view, including a Monk 36, at the town dock.

In the seminar tent, attendees learned about safe docking & engine maintenance, and how to buy or sell their boat. Presenters are: John Rahm, Darrell Foster, Julie Rahm, and Curtis Stokes.

Ham radio operators Charlie Overcash (& Paul Jodin, inside) successfully prevented North Korean missiles from entering the boat show.

Naval architect Graham Byrnes of B&B Yacht Designs, with vessel Carlita.

Art Halpern advertising his interest.

Life saver mints and a chance to sign up for Tow Boat US.

A 2018 Legacy 36, Linda Lou was brokered by Triton Yachts.

Not just boat bits, but nautical themed items were also for sale.

Ben Chapin holds a bag, made from old sails, by boat show vendor 3rd Reef. He was delighted to find the logo from his late father’s sail loft on it.

The Key West stairs… to freedom.

The logo of a Blackjack fishing boat.

Not the titular black dog of Black Dog Sail Loft, but still one of the gang.

On the asphalt, St. Barts Yacht Sales shows off a Beneteau Antares 8.

Visitors take a walk on catamaran Antipodes.

David of Timeless Yacht Sales gives TownDock a tour of Antipodes.

New vendor, broker Sunshine Cruising: Melanie, Emily, Maryann (with Maggie the dog), Riley, and Henley.

Discussing home made boats with B&B Yacht Designs.

Monte extolls the virtues of OGO composting toilets.

A beagle welcomed attendees to the composting toilet booth.

A wooden Dyer Dink grabbed the attention of Lou Ostendorff.

Boone Myers takes tickets for the raffle.

Sam Myers congratulates Mercury outboard raffle winner Ken Jahne. The motor was donated by Sailcraft Service.

The Coast Guard visited Friday, giving tours of one of their smaller vessels. Although “smaller” – it has a 625hp engine.

Hodges Street is closed near the harbor, Thursday through Sunday for the once-a-year boat show.

We won’t leave you hanging – the 2024 Oriental In-Water Boat Show dates are set. April 12-14, 2024.

Posted Thursday April 20, 2023 by Allison DeWeese