January 30 – February 7 at Lumen Field
There is something special about being in a room full of people who genuinely love the water. From January 30th through February 7th, we had the chance to experience exactly that at the Seattle Boat Show at Lumen Field, and it was one of those weeks that leaves you energized, inspired, and already looking forward to next year.
For us, it was more than just a boat show. It was a week of meaningful conversations, exciting product demos, new friendships, incredible food, and a little bit of classic Seattle rain to round it all out.
The Show Floor: Community, Conversations, and Argo 3.0
The energy on the show floor was steady all week. We met so many passionate boaters, from seasoned captains to families planning their first big cruising adventure. Some stopped by out of curiosity, and others had been following along with Argo and wanted to see what was new. Every conversation reminded us why we build what we build.
One of the highlights was meeting our neighboring booth, Nautilus Filter. It was their very first boat show, and we loved experiencing the week alongside them. There is something uniquely bonding about long show days and comparing notes on the best questions you heard that day. Watching them navigate their first show was fun, and we were genuinely excited to see their success throughout the week.
We also had the chance to listen to our very own Captain Dave and Captain Jeff give talks. Both were packed with practical insights and real-world experience. There is something powerful about hearing directly from captains who have spent years on the water. Their talks blended storytelling with technical expertise in a way that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
And then there was Robert Youens, also known as the Ageless Wanderer. Hearing him speak was one of the most fascinating moments of the show. He shared the story of how he went from casually planning to spend a month in the Bahamas drinking margaritas to deciding he might break the overall Great Loop record in a jon boat. After seeing others’ records during the Great Loop Challenge fundraiser, he looked at it and thought, “This thing’s doable in my jon boat.” That pivot completely shifted his focus. Drawing on his history and experience, he turned what started as a relaxed plan into a serious record attempt. It was bold, slightly wild, and deeply inspiring. Exactly the kind of story that makes boating so compelling.
We also had the opportunity to demo Argo 3.0 throughout the week. The response was incredible. The new base map, performance improvements, and added capabilities truly feel like a step change. It was exciting to watch people’s reactions in real time as they saw how much faster and clearer everything felt. Being able to show boaters what is coming next and seeing their genuine enthusiasm reminded us why we work so hard behind the scenes.
To top it off, on the final day, I won a pair of sunglasses from Costa Del Mar. It was such a fun way to close out the week and a perfect little celebration moment.
Exploring Seattle: Pike Place, Glass, and Hidden Tunnels
We made sure to take full advantage of being in Seattle.
A visit to Pike Place Market was a must. It was busy, lively, and full of personality. We watched the fishmongers toss salmon through the air like it was second nature and wandered through the maze of vendors. Of course, we also visited the infamous Gum Wall. I fully intended to chew a piece of gum and stick it on the wall for the full tourist experience, but once I saw it up close, I just could not do it. Nick from SpotOn, however, had no hesitation and proudly contributed to the wall.
Another standout experience was the Chihuly Garden and Glass at Seattle Center. The exhibition brings together Dale Chihuly’s drawings, iconic glass creations, architectural installations, and personal collections. The indoor galleries were stunning, and the Glasshouse installation was breathtaking, but my favorite part was the live glass demonstration. Watching molten glass transform into intricate shapes in real time was mesmerizing. I have never seen anything like it. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the artistry and precision involved.
We also took the Seattle Underground Tour in downtown. The 75-minute guided tour begins beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House, then weaves through Pioneer Square before plunging underground into the preserved storefronts and sidewalks buried after the Great Fire of 1889. It was equal parts history lesson and comedy show. The storytelling was sharp, funny, and full of fascinating details about how the city quite literally rebuilt on top of itself. We laughed the entire time and walked away with a much deeper appreciation for Seattle’s resilience and quirks.
The Food: A Seattle Dream
Seattle’s food scene absolutely delivered.
One of our top favorites was The Pink Door, right next to Pike Place Market. The atmosphere alone made it memorable, with a live jazz band playing while we ate. I ordered the Lasagna Pink Door, made with fresh spinach pasta layered with besciamella and pesto, topped with marinara sauce. It was, without exaggeration, the best lasagna I have ever had. Rich but balanced, comforting but refined. It is the kind of dish you think about long after the trip ends.
We also stopped by Rachel’s Ginger Beer, and the blood orange ginger beer was my favorite. It was crisp, bright, and perfectly balanced. As someone who does not drink alcohol, finding fun, flavorful non-alcoholic options is always a win, and this one was exceptional.
And of course, we had to try Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. The cheese was incredible. Fresh, rich, and deeply satisfying. It felt like a true Seattle staple.
The Weather: A Welcome Change
Seattle gave us classic Pacific Northwest vibes. We had some rain, of course, but overall it was partly cloudy and in the 50s most days. Compared to the harsher winter weather back on the East Coast, it felt like a refreshing change. Cool enough for a jacket, mild enough to comfortably explore the city between show days.
Looking Back
The Seattle Boat Show was a week of momentum. We strengthened relationships, built new ones, shared what we have been working on, and gathered invaluable feedback. We met innovators, storytellers, first-time exhibitors, seasoned captains, and passionate boaters who reminded us that this industry is as much about people as it is about boats.
From demoing Argo 3.0 and listening to inspiring talks, to eating unforgettable lasagna and walking through buried city streets, the week was full in the best way.
Seattle, you were a great host. We will absolutely be back.
