Tauranga Marine Industry Association chairman Brian Kent is confident the Tauranga Boat Expo and Water Festival is going to be a crowd-pleaser.

Its exhibitor space is sold out and there is a full schedule of on-the-water activities for people to look forward to this weekend.

Nicholas Coulter races his custom made bath tub boat ahead of the boat classes' racing.

Brian hopes the expo will bring some enthusiasm and positivity to the region's marine industry in the wake of the Rena's grounding on the Astrolabe Reef.

The expo is about featuring Bay of Plenty marine businesses and highlighting some of the recreational opportunities presented by the region's waterways.

The TMIA has over 70 members which are enthusiastically supporting Tauranga's first on the water boat expo.

'We have a large range of on-the-water craft, including kayaks, powerboats and jet skis,” says Brian,

'In addition, there will be marine suppliers who can give people tips on everything from fishing rods and reels, lures and water safety.”

The uniqueness of the expo's site, Tauranga's downtown waterfront, means that watercraft can be displayed on and off the water.

On the water activities will feature bath tub racing, free Seadoo jetski rides and demonstrations from rowers, racing boats, dragon boats and kayaks.

Tauranga Coastguard, Western BOP Sea Scouts, the Ministry of Fisheries and Bay of Plenty Regional Council will also have stands and people on hand with advice and ideas. Families will be able to enjoy onsite refreshments along with the many dining options provided by Tauranga's hospitality strip The Strand.

Admission is family friendly $5 for adults with school age children free.

Tauranga's only on-the-water boat show is open Friday 4 and Saturday 5 November, from 10am through to 6pm and on Sunday, November 6 from 10am to 4pm.

The amphibious craft Sealegs will be on display at the event.

SunLive has two tickets to the event to give away. To enter click here