If you own a boat in Tampa Bay, you know the drill. You spend all week dreaming about the weekend: dropping anchor at Egmont Key, running the flats at Fort De Soto, or just cruising the calm waters of the Intracoastal. But let’s be real—sometimes the "dream" comes with compromises. Maybe your center console feels a little too cramped with six people on board. Maybe you want to explore that skinny water where your big boat can't go. Or maybe you just need a better way to get the dog to the sandbar.
This January, POP Board Co. is setting up shop at the 48th Annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show to solve exactly those problems. From January 15-18, 2026, we are taking over the Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin with a Tent Display designed to revolutionize how you spend time on the water.
We aren't just selling gear; we are offering a complete upgrade to your boating infrastructure. Here is why you need to visit our booth.
The El Capitan "Bomber": Why It’s the King of the Flats
St. Petersburg is one of the premier fishing destinations in the world, but getting into the mangroves often requires a stealthy approach. Enter the 11'6" El Capitan Bomber.
Most paddleboards are just toys. The El Capitan is a tool. We designed this board with a massive 36-inch width and a high-volume nose, creating a platform that is so stable, it feels like standing on a dock. This isn't just about balance; it's about utility.
Three Reasons the El Capitan Wins in St. Pete:
- The Fishing Advantage: You can cast a cast net, fight a snook, or haul in a grouper without worrying about tipping over. The extra width gives you the leverage you need when a big fish runs.
- Unbeatable Weight Capacity: With a 450 lb weight limit, the El Capitan is a true "SUV of the Sea." You can load it with a YETI cooler, a tackle crate, and all your safety gear with zero flex.
- The "Fur-Child" Factor: We know St. Pete loves its dogs. The El Capitan’s wide, traction-covered deck is perfect for your four-legged first mate. The military-grade PVC skin is tough enough to handle claws without scratching.
The "Back Porch" Concept: Add 50% More Space to Your Boat
Boats are getting more expensive, and upgrading to a larger vessel just to get a bigger swim platform is a costly move. We have a smarter solution: Extend the boat you already own.
At our tent, we will be inflating our signature POP Up Docks. By tying one of these off your stern, you instantly create a floating "Back Porch."
Why St. Pete Boaters Love POP Docks:
- Safety First: It provides a safe, low-profile area for kids and pets to get in and out of the water, away from the props and sharp edges of the boat.
- Hull Maintenance: Use it as a stable work platform to scrub the waterline or check your outboards without getting wet.
- Rigid Drop-Stitch Tech: These aren't soft inflatables. We use high-pressure drop-stitch technology that becomes rock-hard upon inflation. You can place deck chairs on them, and they won't taco in the middle.
Rover Marine: The Solution to the "Dinghy Problem"
Sailors and cruisers in the Yacht Basin know the pain of towing a hard dinghy. It slows you down, kills your fuel economy, and is a pain to dock. That is why we are co-exhibiting with Rover Marine to showcase the Rover Battle Boat.
The Battle Boat is the ultimate portable tender. It offers the performance of a rigid skiff but rolls up into a bag that fits in your lazarette. Pair it with a Rover Electric Motor for a silent, zero-emission ride to the downtown St. Pete docks for dinner.
Event Details: Plan Your Visit
The St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show is the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast, and the energy is going to be electric. We are bringing exclusive Show Specials that you won't find on our website.
- Dates: January 15 – 18, 2026
- Location: Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin & Albert Whitted Park
- Find Us: Look for the POP Board Co Tent Display in the marine accessories area.
Come Stand on a Board!
Reading about stability is one thing; feeling it under your feet is another. We invite you to come by the tent, meet the team, and stand on the El Capitan yourself. Whether you are a seasoned captain or a new boat owner, we have the gear to help you squeeze every drop of fun out of the Gulf Coast lifestyle.
See you at the show!
Can't make it to the Mahaffey?
POP Board Co.
25541 Arctic Ocean Dr
Lake Forest, CA 92630
888-978-1503
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