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he 2025 Oriental In-Water Boat Show took over Hodges Street near the harbor for three days.

Over it’s history the boat show has had multiple venues. It started at Pecan Grove Marina, then for several years it was held on Water Street with boats docked at Oriental Harbor Marina near the bridge.

Since 2019, the show has been in “downtown” Oriental. Brokers berth their boats at the Oriental Marina & Inn and the two town docks, with trailered vessels on the hard on Hodges Street. Boats are open for inspection, most available for sale, some for charter and a few just to see.

Ross Pease, with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, demonstrates whipping the ends of a dock line.

As well as the boats at the show, there was line, winches, sails, PFDs & electronics. The Nautical Flea Market had multiple tables of experienced boat bits. Some vendors provide an education – like the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Seminars informed boaters on buying and selling a boat, fishing, diesel maintenance, boat canvas, and even how to dock a boat.

View from the foredeck of a WorldCat power catamaran.

The Rotary Club organizes the event… all from the efforts of Rotary volunteers. Work on the show happens year ‘round, working with vendors and sponsors for the April event. Proceeds from the show help fund scholarships available to Pamlico High School Seniors.

Chuck Forrest won this year’s raffle – a Mercury 4hp outboard donated by SailCraft Service.

There was a lotta line (proper types will scold you for calling it rope) .

Inside the ’89 Yachtfisher 48 Trawler, a Curtis Stokes brokerage boat.

Anchors available, some new and shiny, some experienced with life in the mud.

How long does it take to break down trash thrown in the water? An interactive display from the Coast Guard Auxiliary had some surprising information.

Folks check out the boats on Hodges Street.

Wooden Dragon Art by Heirloom Creations, run by Oriental’s Chaz & Nelda Coats.

It was cloudy & cold Saturday: cold enough that used heaters at the Nautical Flea Market looked attractive.

A line vendor sells signs too. They might have caused real smiles.

Hoff n’ Finch performing in front of Casa Que Pasa, by the Boat Show entrance.

FrequenSea – an Island Packet 420 for sale.

B&B Yachts provides plans and kits for sail, power and paddle vessels. At the show they built a model of a new boat called “The Looper” – designed to efficiently travel the loop.

A mechanical drawing of “The Looper”.

The Coast Guard brought an emergency response boat to the docks, available to tour.

Inside the Coast Guard boat.

Test your life preserver throwing skills.

Kristina Harborne of Evolution Sailmakers/Latell & Ailsworth. Kristina operates the Oriental office for Evolution, who have a sail loft based in Deltaville, VA on the Chesapeake.

Triton Yachts showcased its boat brokerage and logistics/boat hauling services. This is Triton’s Julie Rahm & Danny Jones.

Signal flags, in stained glass.

Pete Waterson of Seacoast Marine showed RayMarine electronics.

Pete also had new electronic safety equipment – he explained how it works:

Catamaran Amazing Grace, for sale through Marine Craft Marina & Boatworks. This is inside S/V Amazing Grace.

Critter Creek Artistry’s fish creations.

Chris Daniels of Daniels Sound provided sound re-enforcement for the show.

Pocket Yachts brought a couple Ranger Tugs to the show: this is the R-31 CB.

Based in Minnesott Beach, Beta Marine provides diesel engines & generators.

At the Nautical Fleamarket, it’s OK to wheel & deal.

Old sails become bags, by Sunset Canvas Bags

Posted Wednesday April 16, 2025 by Allison DeWeese