Bowriders at the Lake County Fall Boat Show
The bowrider is the classic first fiberglass boat: an open bow for passengers, a swim platform at the back, and enough spirit for tubing and afternoon cruising. At the Lake County Fall Boat Show, you can walk the show floor and compare bowriders from participating brands — including Chaparral's SSX series — back to back, which is nearly impossible to do at individual dealerships.
Because bowriders serve so many roles, the details matter: storage depth, seat convertibility, engine options and the difference a tower or a Bimini makes. The dealer reps at the show can walk you through all of it next to the actual boats.
What to Expect on the Show Floor
- Bowriders from participating brands including Chaparral
- Comparisons of bow seating, convertible aft benches and sunpad layouts
- Engine package options and watersports readiness
- Trailer-included versus boat-only pricing explained clearly
- Onsite financing and show-weekend pricing
- Free trade-in evaluations on your current boat
Buying Considerations Before You Shop
A boat show is the best place to ask these questions, because the person answering is standing next to the boat. Bring your notes and your tow vehicle specs:
- Engine horsepower and how you plan to use it: cruising, tubing or skiing
- Bow seating comfort and whether it suits your crew's size
- Storage space for skis, ropes, coolers and gear
- Fiberglass care and winterization requirements
- Trailer, cover and safety package costs on top of the sticker
Show Incentives & Trade-In Value
Bowriders are plentiful in dealer inventories, so fall closeout pricing at the show can be substantial on current-year models. Combine that with a trade-in evaluation of your current boat and free winter storage offers on qualifying purchases, and the fall often beats spring pricing by a wide margin.
Ready to see what your current boat is worth? The show offers free onsite boat trade-in evaluations both days, and the full event guide covers hours, parking and directions to the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake.
Also at the Show
See Bowrider Boats at the Lake County Fall Boat Show
September 26–27, 2026 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, Illinois. Free admission and free parking — bring the whole family and compare boats side by side.