Weekend Sailors Can Cruise Over to a Fleet of Boat Shows

Balmy weather’s here, and weekend sailors are starting to get a touch of cabin fever--cabin cruiser fever, that is.

This weekend kicks off a flotilla of spring boat shows, featuring powerboats, ski boats, day cruisers, runabouts, pontoons, fishing boats, yachts, pedal boats--just about every type of boat you can imagine.

Leading the fleet is the 20th annual Anaheim Boat Show, “The Boat Lovers’ Boat Show,” at the Anaheim Convention Center, today from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Anaheim show, hosted by actor Alan Hale Jr., the Skipper from TV’s “Gilligan’s Island,” will also feature marine accessories, including skis and other water toys, as well as high-performance and specialty watercraft.

The convention center is at 800 W. Katella Ave., across from Disneyland. Admission (available only at the door) is $4.95 for adults, $2.25 for children 6 through 15; under 6 admitted free. Information: call (714) 999-8900.

On Thursday, the Newport 15th Annual In-the-Water Boat Shows begin at Newport Beach’s Lido Marina Village. There are three shows, beginning with the Newport Used Power Boat Show, which continues through April 10.

Then, from April 13 to 17, the in-the-water show will feature new and used fancy craft, such as motor-sailers, custom yachts and refurbished classics.

The Newport New Power Boat Show will be open April 20 through 24. Hours for all three shows are: weekdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 6 to 12. A number of restaurants are along the Marina Village waterfront, and free parking is available near Tustin and Avon avenues in Newport Beach. Information: (714) 673-9360.