Wake Boats at the Lake County Fall Boat Show
Wake boats and surf boats are the most technology-dense boats on the water: ballast systems, wake-shaping hardware, surf tabs and tower accessories all differ brand by brand. The Lake County Fall Boat Show gives northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin wakesurf families a rare chance to see current-year towboats — including Malibu — on display in one building, with dealer reps on hand to walk you through every system.
Fall is also the smartest time to buy a wake boat. Show-weekend pricing on current-year inventory, plus trade-in credit for your existing boat, can make the difference between waiting until spring and taking the best deal of the year home from Grayslake.
What to Expect on the Show Floor
- Wake and surf boats from participating brands including Malibu Boats
- Walk-throughs of surf systems, ballast configurations and touch-screen controls
- Tower, board rack, Bimini and audio package comparisons
- Dealer representatives who can explain wakesurf settings for your home lake
- Show-weekend closeout pricing on current-year models
- Free trade-in evaluations on your current ski or wake 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:
- Surf system design and how quickly you can switch regular to goofy
- Ballast capacity versus usable seating when the tanks are full
- Hull style — how the wake shape changes between models
- Storage: tower folds, trailers and garage heights
- Engine hours, warranty terms and off-season storage requirements
Show Incentives & Trade-In Value
Wake boats depreciate on a model-year cycle like cars, so dealers discount current-year units hardest in the fall. At the show you can compare the discounted outgoing model against the incoming one and decide for yourself whether the savings outweigh the new features — and free winter storage offers on qualifying purchases can cover your first year of storage.
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.
See Wake 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.