More than 60,000 Michigan residents are expected to visit the 52nd annual Detroit Boat Show, which runs Feb. 13-21 at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit.

"The Detroit Boat Show is a great event to attend whether you are in the market to buy a boat or if you are just looking for an opportunity to have some family fun," show manager Van Snider said in a statement.

"We bring hundreds of boats for fishing, skiing, wakeboarding, pontooning and cruising to Cobo for easy comparison shopping and we also fill the hall with great activities and promotions for those looking for some entertainment or something to do with their families, friends or kids. Excess inventory is sure to result in incredible savings opportunities and financing is available at the show," he added.

* * *

The National Houseboat Expo starts March 5 at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center in Louisville.

Unlike other boat shows that can include everything from four-wheelers to RVs, the National Houseboat Expo specifically caters to the houseboat niche, organizers said.

Some of the manufacturers committed to bringing houseboats include Destination Yachts, Gibson Boats, Horizon Yachts, Sailabration, Sharpe, Stardust and Thoroughbred.

"This particular show offers boats that have never been built before, new floor plans that have never been seen and features new to the industry. The builders bringing boats have really stepped it up," show producer Greg Larsen said in a statement. "Watch for further updates as the list of builders bringing boats continues to grow. Come tour the latest and see just what these manufacturers have been up to lately."

* * *

The 28th annual New York Sportfishing Federation Forum & Auction returns this weekend to the Freeport Recreation Center.

The show, which runs Friday through Sunday, features seminars by the top fishermen in the region.