Southampton International Boat Show 2026: What To Look For Before You Buy Your Next Motorboat

The Southampton International Boat Show 2026 runs from 18 to 27 September at Mayflower Park. This year's show brings together more than 700 marine brands and over 500 watercraft, including more than 250 boats in the purpose-built marina. If you are planning to buy your next motorboat, it is one of the best opportunities to compare layouts, equipment and brands in one place. Burton Waters Boat Sales is exhibiting at Stand W12 on The Promenade. The company is an authorised dealer for Jeanneau, Prestige and Majesty, giving buyers the opportunity to discuss new boats, brokerage, part exchange and after-sales support with its team.

Southampton Boat Show 2026 at a glance

Burton Waters at the show

Burton Waters is at Stand W12 for the show. Its official exhibitor listing describes the business as an authorised UK dealer for the full Jeanneau range and Prestige Yachts, as well as Majesty Yachts for Southern UK and Wales. That means buyers can discuss the Jeanneau Merry Fisher, Cap Camarat, NC and DB ranges, larger Majesty yachts and the Prestige range with Burton Waters even where a particular model is not physically displayed at W12. If you already know which types of motorboats suit your boating, arrive with a shortlist. It lets the discussion move more quickly to specifications, availability, delivery, finance and ownership costs.

Jeanneau's on-water display

Jeanneau also has a substantial marina presence, although the official 2026 exhibitor listing shows the display being presented through Sea Ventures rather than a separate Jeanneau factory team. The confirmed marina stands are M414, M415, M416, M417, M418, M421, M422, M423, M424, M425 and M427. Boats listed include Merry Fisher models, the DB/37 and several Cap Camarat models. That makes the marina useful for understanding how a boat feels in person. Step aboard where permitted and check the cockpit, helm, side decks, cabin access and storage rather than relying only on specifications or photographs. Burton Waters at W12 can then provide a separate dealer conversation about its own sales, part-exchange, brokerage and aftercare services.

What to check before buying at the show

A boat show is useful for comparing models, but it should not replace proper research or, where appropriate, a sea trial. If you already know the basic steps to buying a boat or have worked through the nine essential steps to buying a boat, use the show to compare those requirements against real boats. The most important question remains whether a boat is right for you. Bring a short checklist and consider:

• cockpit and cabin space for the number of people you normally carry;
• storage for fenders, safety equipment, fishing gear or other equipment;
• engine specification, servicing arrangements and warranty terms;
• headroom and movement around the boat;
• berthing, trailering and lifting requirements;
• standard equipment versus optional extras; and
• expected delivery or commissioning dates.

For a used or demonstrator boat, also ask about engine hours, maintenance history and previous use.

Ask about the total cost, not only the boat price

The headline price rarely tells you the full cost of ownership. Ask what equipment is included, what is optional and whether commissioning, delivery, electronics or other extras are included in the quoted figure. If finance is involved, check the interest rate, total amount payable and terms rather than comparing monthly payments alone. It is equally useful to discuss the ongoing costs of owning the boat, including berthing, insurance, fuel, servicing and winter storage.

New, used or part exchange

If you already own a boat, Burton Waters offers both part exchanging it and brokerage. The two routes work differently, so ask for realistic figures for both before deciding how to fund your next boat. It is also worth comparing new versus used boats before visiting. A show may include promotional packages or finance offers, but availability and terms vary. A well-maintained used boat can still suit some buyers better, particularly where budget or delivery time is the priority.

Confidence matters as much as the boat

Moving to a larger or faster motorboat may require new handling skills. Burton Waters operates an RYA-recognised training centre with Nautical Training and offers RYA training on centre boats or, where appropriate, a customer's own craft. The Southampton show also offers Try-a-Boat sessions. The 2026 line-up includes motorboats, RIBs and sailing boats, with sessions included in the ticket price and booked at the show. Individual boats are available on different days, so Try-a-Boat should be treated as a general boating experience rather than a guaranteed trial of the exact model you intend to purchase. If you are newer to boating, read the beginner's quick guide to boating before visiting. The Royal Yachting Association is also at the show and offers members discounted Southampton Boat Show tickets. For 2026, members can buy adult tickets for £20 compared with the listed £33 RRP.

After the show

Do not feel that you must make a final decision while standing on the show pontoon. Use the event to narrow your options, collect specifications and compare competing boats. If you are buying used, an independent survey may be appropriate before completion, depending on the boat, age, value and purchase circumstances. Keep a note of the boats, stand numbers and people you spoke with, then follow up while the details are fresh. The event is organised by British Marine, the trade association for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry.

FAQs

When is the Southampton International Boat Show 2026?

The show runs from 18 to 27 September 2026 at Mayflower Park, Southampton. It opens from 10am to 6pm daily, with the Shipyard remaining open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The show closes at 4.30pm on Sunday 27 September.

How much are tickets for Southampton Boat Show 2026?

The official show website lists adult tickets from £29 and Premium tickets from £149. Children aged 15 and under go free with adult tickets. RYA members can access a £20 adult-ticket offer against a £33 RRP.

Where is Burton Waters at the Southampton Boat Show?

Burton Waters Boat Sales is at Stand W12 on The Promenade. The official show listing confirms the company as an authorised dealer for Jeanneau, Prestige Yachts and Majesty Yachts.

Can you test drive a boat at the boat show?

The show offers Try-a-Boat sessions on selected craft, including powerboats, RIBs and sailing boats. These experiences are included with admission and booked on arrival, subject to availability. A sea trial of the specific boat you intend to purchase would normally need to be arranged separately.

Is it worth buying a boat at a boat show?

A show is particularly useful for comparing multiple models, stepping aboard boats and speaking to dealers in one visit. Before committing, compare the complete specification, ownership costs, finance terms and after-sales support rather than basing the decision on a show price alone.

Plan your visit to Stand W12

If you are heading to Southampton before the show closes on 27 September, make Stand W12 on The Promenade part of your route. Burton Waters can discuss Jeanneau, Prestige and Majesty models, as well as part exchange, brokerage, finance and ongoing ownership support. Get in touch with Burton Waters before visiting if you want dedicated time to discuss a particular model or your current boat.