January is THE month for the boat show season. With over 45 boat shows around the country, including the Houston International Boat Show, 105th New York Boat Show, the 80th Chicago Boat Show and the Seattle Boat Show, January promises to be the best month of the year to attend a boat show.

Why attend a boat show even if you don't plan to purchase a new boat this year? Boat shows are still a great opportunity to meet dealers, see new products and become more familiar with the boating market and industry. Plus, it's just plain fun to see new boats and dream of sunny days when winter is looming cold and gray outside.

View the January 2010 Boat Show Calendar and find a boat show near you.

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Boat Show Tips
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2010 Boat Show Calendar

This year I resolve to . . . (YOU fill in the blank). Did you say something like "get fit," "lose that last ten pounds," "get organized," or "quit smoking"? Why not add better boating to your list of New Year Resolutions? Resolve to learn something new, complete a project, or something else boating related. Here are a few ideas:

1. Take a boating safety course

2. Purchase a life jacket and WEAR IT while boating

3. Invest in a VHF radio or a GPS and learn how to use it

4. Learn how to navigate using charts and electronics

5. Purchase an EPIRB or PLB and possibly save lives

6. Cruise to one location you have never been - near or far

7. Inspect, and if needed, replace Coast Guard required safety equipment

8. Learn how to tie knots and splice line

9. Buy one boating topic book and learn a new boating skill

10. Your resolution here . . .

What is your New Year Resolution? Leave it in a comment below.

As your About.com Guide to Powerboating, I resolve to provide fresh new articles on all aspects of boating to help you learn, solve problems and enhance your boating experience.

Happy New Year!

Here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas this year.

If you have waited until the last minute to buy gifts for family and friends, here are some quick and easy solutions to give great gifts to boaters:

1. Head to the nearest bookstore and pick up any one of the great boating books and instructional DVDs. Boating books are sure to please any avid boater.

2. Pick up the latest boating magazine, tear out one of those little subscription cards and drop it in the mail. Wrap up the magazine and let the recipient know they can expect a year's worth of boating magazines.

3. Stop at the hardware store and purchase a 5 gallon bucket and fill it with useful items such as duct and electrical tape, rags, cleaning items and many other items that boaters always need.

4. Gift certificates, while boring at times, are still a great way to ensure a person gets a gift they will love. Go to the nearest marine supply store and pick up a gift card, or buy one online and have it shipped to them.