The 2026 Boat Show Recap: Why Inflatable Docks Were the Real Stars (And What You Missed)

What a weekend. The lights are off, the aisles are empty, and honestly? Our voices are completely gone. We just wrapped up another massive Boat Show, and if we learned one thing from chatting with hundreds of you, it’s this: everyone is looking for more space.

While the giant yachts were cool to look at, the real buzz was around the smart, modular gear that actually fits on the boat you already own. We had lines around the booth all weekend, and the sales numbers back it up. The breakout stars weren't paddle boards this year—they were Inflatable Floating Docks.

Here’s a recap of what stole the show, the gear you might have overlooked, and why we love meeting you guys face-to-face.

The Crowd Favorite: The "Floating Patio"

We literally couldn't inflate these fast enough. The POP Board Co. Inflatable Docks were the main event. The frustration we kept hearing was that modern swim platforms are shrinking, and you guys just want a place to hang out in the water without tripping over each other.

1. The 14' Aquadock

The POPUP AQUADOCK 14' x 7' x 8" was the heavy hitter. It’s basically 98 square feet of instant waterfront property.

Why you loved it: It turns a 25-foot bowrider into a 40-foot yacht setup instantly. Tying this off the stern gives you a massive lounge, a safe swim station for the kids, or even a solid work bench to scrub the hull without hauling the boat out.

2. The 8' Dock

The Inflatable POP Up Dock 8' x 7' x 8" was the volume seller. It fits perfectly on most cottage docks and is small enough to shove into a boat locker when you're done.

The "8-Inch Difference"

The big question all weekend: "Is this like the cheap ones I see on Amazon?"

The second you step on one, you know the answer is "no." Most budget docks are only 6 inches thick. POP Docks are a massive 8 inches thick.

That extra two inches gives you way more buoyancy. You stay dry, the dock doesn't "taco" in the middle when your buddies jump on, and it feels rock-solid. Plus, with the faux-teak traction pad, it actually looks like part of your boat, not a pool toy.

The Surprise Hit: No Trailer? No Problem.

While the docks were huge, we were surprised by how many of you were hunting for a tender or fishing skiff that doesn't need a trailer. That's where Rover Marine stole the spotlight.

• The Rover Marine Battle Cat: This inflatable catamaran is insanely stable. Fishermen realized they could have a pro-level casting platform that packs down into the trunk of an SUV.
• The Rover Marine Battle Boat: Traditionalists loved the classic V-hull design. It cuts chop like a rigid hull but hides in a closet during the winter.

The One Thing Everyone Forgets (Until They Get Fined)

While everyone was distracted by the big toys, the smartest boaters were quietly stocking up on the essentials over at our Water Safety Collection.

It’s the most overlooked part of boating, but Transport Canada doesn't mess around. Whether it was grabbing a sleek Inflatable Belt Pack PFD (so you don't have to wear the orange donut) or a proper throw line, the experienced captains made sure they were legal before leaving the booth. If you grabbed a boat or a board but forgot the safety gear, do yourself a favor and sort that out now before you hit the water.

Why Buying in Person Matters

We know you can buy gear anywhere, but we noticed a shift this year. People are tired of anonymous drop-shippers. They want to know who they are buying from.

There is a massive value in being able to "kick the tires"—literally standing on a dock to feel the rigidity or lifting a boat to feel the weight. When you buy from us at the show, you're shaking hands with the team that's going to answer the phone if you ever have a warranty issue. We aren't hiding behind an email address halfway across the world; we're right here.

Did You Miss the Show?

The show might be over, but the season is just starting. If you're looking to expand your boat's footprint without buying a bigger boat, that 8-inch POP Dock is the upgrade you need.

As always, Canadian Board Co. offers Free Shipping across Canada on these major items. If you have questions we didn't answer at the booth, just give us a ring at 1-800-399-5260. We're ready to help you get rigged up for summer.