State Dock will be booming again this weekend as the On-Water Houseboat Expo comes to Lake Cumberland Friday through Sunday, according to Bill Jasper, president of State Dock.

The event is sponsored by Houseboat Magazine.

"This is a great opportunity for attendees to experience houseboating as it is," Expo Producer Greg Larsen said.

While traditional houseboat shows are indoors, the On Water Expo takes interested parties to the dock to see exactly what the houseboating lifestyle is like, according to event organizers.

Jasper urged everyone to come out and participate in the second annual event, which has a $10 gate charge.

"People should walk around the dock, they're will be a lot of things going on for everyone," he said. "This is a really fun event."

He said last year's expo fell after Poker Run and had some inclement weather to deal with, but he hopes this year's earlier date will make for some excellent weather conditions.

"People from all over the country come to this event," Jasper said. "This is the right way to showcase houseboats, on the water."

Plus you can learn how to dock and navigate your boat with the return of our "hands on" captain's course

Houseboat Magazine representatives said they recognize that there are many people interested in buying a houseboat, yet are intimidated at the proposition of maneuvering such a huge craft.

The Captain's Course is set up to get these people out on the water and learn the basics of how to control and properly drive a houseboat.

Last year, many participants came away feeling much more confident in their abilities and much more likely to purchase a houseboat sometime in the future. There were even some current houseboat owners who felt comfortable only when their craft was docked. The Captain's Course gave them the impetus to head out and be more adventurous which is what houseboating is all about event organizers said.

This year's Expo will also feature the always-popular On-Dock Poker Run, as well as live entertainment for folks age 21 and up on Friday and Saturday night.

For those who have enjoyed Dan Armitage's articles in Houseboat magazine over the years, the On Water Expo is your chance to meet the fishing legend in person. During the Saturday show, Armitage will be conducting a series of fishing seminars and demonstrations geared towards those who love angling.

After a successful presentation at the Louisville Expo last spring, Christy Martin from Life On The Water magazine will once again present her popular Ladies On The Water seminar.

Christy is passionate about the transforming benefits of boating for your marriage and family and she'll share her stories and tales of her "life on the water."

In all, the On Water Expo is a great environment for buyers and sellers alike.

"The scenery is there, the water and other boaters are there," Larsen said. "It's a great way for a hesitant houseboat buyer to pull the trigger."

Exhibitors and vendors have been preparing for months to present their very best.

This is the place to discover what's new for the year and to find that aftermarket product you've been looking for to eliminate a problem, enhance your experience or just make life on board a little easier, organizers say.

There will also be boats to meet your inland lake, ICW and river houseboating needs as well as custom-built vessels in a variety of price ranges, organizers said.

Organizers are urging folks to take a look at the conveniences offered with aftermarket products from companies that specialize in keeping you safe and sound. From bumpers to generators and control systems to sanitation products, it will all be at the Expo along with great gadgets, gear, toys, décor, accessory crafts and much more.

The National Houseboat Expo is presented by Houseboat magazine and is sponsored by Intercoastal Financial Group. For more information on the Expo visit www.nationalhouseboatexpo.com and for information on lodging accommodations visit www.statedock.com

Hours for the Show

Friday, August 27: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 28: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, August 29: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.