Stop By and Talk Boats (and Insurance)
If you’re planning on heading to the Catawba Island Boat Show this year, you’re in good company. It’s one of those events that really kicks off the boating season here in Ohio. Whether you’re actively shopping for a boat, thinking about upgrading, or just want to get out and see what’s new, it’s always a worthwhile stop.
The show takes place at Catawba Island Club, right on the water where it should be. You’ll find a mix of new boats, brokers, gear, and plenty of people who just enjoy being around the boating lifestyle.
We’ll Be There – Like We Have Been for the Last Few Years
For the past four years, I’ve been attending the show as the owner of On The Water Marine Insurance. If you’ve been before, there’s a good chance we’ve crossed paths. And if not, this is a good year to change that.
I’m not there just to hand out business cards or throw generic quotes at people. I’m there to have real conversations. About the boats you’re looking at, how you plan to use them, where you’re running them, and what actually matters when it comes to protecting them.
Buying a Boat at the Show? Let’s Talk Before You Buy Anything
Boat shows are exciting. You walk on something you didn’t expect to like, and next thing you know, you’re talking numbers.That’s usually where I step in. Not to slow you down, but to make sure everything lines up before you get too far along.
A lot of people don’t realize this, but the insurance side can change quickly depending on things like:
- Boat type, value, and speed
- Where it’s going to be used (inland vs coastal)
- Your experience level
- Whether it’s personal use or includes charter
My role is to help you understand how everything fits together, so you’re not guessing on coverage after the fact. We can walk through it right there while you’re looking at the boat.
Not Just for Boat Buyers
Even if you’re not buying a boat, there’s still a reason to stop and talk. A lot of the conversations I have at this show are with:
- Charter captains trying to understand where options they have
- Marine mechanics and detailers who need the right liability setup
- Current boat owners wondering if their policy actually fits how they use their boat
That’s the part I enjoy the most. No pressure, no pitch, just being a resource for you.
What Makes Us Different
We’re not a general insurance agency that happens to write a few boats on the side. We’re a marine-only brokerage.
That means when we talk, we’re not guessing. We’re structuring coverage around how boats are actually used and how claims actually happen. We represent multiple insurance companies, so the goal isn’t to push one option, it’s to find the right fit. We can talk to you about companies like Chubb, American Modern, Travelers, Progressive and more.
If You’re Heading to the Show
If you’re going to be at the Catawba Island Boat Show, come find me. Even if it’s just to introduce yourself and talk boats for a few minutes.
And if you’d rather get a head start, you can always request a quote ahead of time and we’ll have that conversation ready to go when you’re there. No pressure. No sales pitch.
Just a better way to make sure you’re set up right before you hit the water.
Event Details
- Event: Catawba Island Boat Show
- Location: Catawba Island Club – 4235 Beach Club Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
- When: April 24-26 2026
- Who Should Go: Anyone shopping for a boat, upgrading, or just getting ready for the season
Written by Eric Fisher
Agency President of On The Water Marine Insurance.
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