WEST ALLIS, Wis. — If you’re on the fence about purchasing a boat for this summer, dealerships said winter is the perfect time to buy. 

That’s why thousands of people attended the Milwaukee Boat Show at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds over the weekend.

What You Need To Know

  • Milwaukee Boat Show Manager, Ben Nielsen said half of boat sales happen in January and February 

  • The show offered a variety of Wisconsin vendors and dealerships 

  • Mike Tuttle purchased a brand new boat for his family to enjoy 

  • The Milwaukee Boat Show will be at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds from Jan. 24 through Jan. 28

Mike Tuttle and his wife made a trip down to West Allis from Adams County to browse boats. 

“We just moved back here to Wisconsin, Castle Rock Lake in Wisconsin, and we knew we were going to get a boat, so here we are,” said Tuttle. 

He said it was convenient having different options all under one roof. 

“Different makes, models and brands,” said Tuttle. “We looked at all of them. We had in mind one particular brand, but we went with another one, so it was very helpful.”

They decided on a Bentley pontoon, not only because of the added bells and whistles, but the extra space for the whole family to enjoy. 

“We’ve got grandkids that come up for the summer and we want to pull them around,” said Tuttle. 

Show manager of the Milwaukee Boat Show, Ben Nielsen, said winter is the perfect time to purchase a boat. 

“Nationally, over half of boat sales happen in the months of January and February,” said Nielsen. “This is the time of year you want to get out there and look for that boat.”

Another reason Tuttle attended the boat show was to be prepared for the first warm weekend of the season to make memories with his family.  

“I came out here to text them and let them know and the first thing they said was we can’t wait to get on it,” said Tuttle. “So that made my wife and myself’s whole day right there.” 

The Milwaukee Boat Show will be at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds from Jan. 24 through Jan. 28.