High Water Tests the Finale in Annapolis
Standing water pooled around the exhibition tent on the final day of the Powerboat Show, making entry and exit nearly impossible. Yet visitors still crowded inside, and a significant portion of them walked up already familiar with the navigation app Argo.
The team spent two weeks stationed at the Argo booth in Annapolis, covering both the annual Powerboat Show and the subsequent Sailboat Show. For the family-owned company, the Maryland waterfront holds historical significance as the city where Argo first debuted back in 2019. Because Captain Jeff grew up boating on the Chesapeake, the dual-show exhibition carried the familiar feel of a homecoming.
Relief Shading Renders Bottom Contours Directly Onto Charts
Among the software updates showcased during the fortnight, the new relief shading feature drew considerable attention from attendees. Traditional depth numbers indicate how deep the water sits at a single point, but they fail to illustrate the actual topography beneath the hull, such as ledges, shoals extending off points, or drop-offs where fish concentrate. The updated display renders bottom contours directly onto the navigational chart.
Boaters navigating the Intracoastal Waterway face a constantly shifting landscape where shoals migrate, inlets fill with sediment, and standard chart soundings often lag behind actual conditions. To address this, the team demonstrated the integration of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) hydrographic surveys directly into Argo across the ICW and inland waterways, providing current depth data for maintained channels.
Caribbean Charts and Long Hours at the Booth
With the Sailboat Show attracting an international crowd preparing to head south for the winter, the most frequent question from attendees concerned the timeline for southern cruising coverage. In response, the company confirmed that its Caribbean charts are scheduled for release next month, prompting several boaters to purchase lifetime subscriptions on the spot.
Managing the exhibition space left little time for sightseeing. Dave noted that he remained pinned to the booth for the duration of both events. For team member Troy, attending the Annapolis shows for the first time offered a positive impression.
Team Enjoys Local Annapolis Dining Spots Between Shifts
“Annapolis was a cool place,” Troy said, adding that he and his wife look forward to returning when work responsibilities are absent. Summarizing the reception at the booth, Troy observed, “People are excited about where we are, and where we’re going.”
Between shifts, the team frequented local dining spots, relying on Capo for takeout sandwiches and visiting the Galway Bay Irish Whiskey Bar & Pub for lunch. Dave highlighted the Irish Spice Bag—consisting of fried chicken, sautéed peppers, onions, and jalapeños tossed in a paper bag with chips and Irish Magic Dust, served alongside Irish curry sauce—describing it as truly delicious.
