Rover Marine joined POP Board Co. at Booth A600 during the 2026 Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show, held January 28 through February 1 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.
The show gave Chicago-area boaters an opportunity to inspect the Rover Marine Battle Boat, compare portable tender options, explore electric propulsion, and see how an inflatable POP Up Dock can add usable space beside an existing boat.
Although the event has ended, this recap remains useful for boaters preparing for Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, the Chain O'Lakes, inland lakes, yacht tender duty, and summer days at anchor.
What Visitors Saw at Booth A600
POP Board Co. was the official exhibitor at Booth A600, with Rover Marine products included in the display. The combined booth focused on portable equipment that can help boaters add transportation, tender capability, and usable floating space without moving to a larger permanent boat.
Rover Marine Battle Boat
A fully inflatable dinghy available in 8-foot, 10-foot, and 12-foot sizes, with a rigid-feeling 10 PSI drop-stitch floor and support for properly matched gas or electric outboards.
POP Up Dock
An 8-by-7-foot inflatable platform that adds 56 square feet of space for lounging, staging equipment, and expanding a swim-platform setup.
Portable Electric Power
Short-shaft electric motor options for tender runs, fishing, harbor cruising, and boaters who prefer quiet operation without gasoline.
Hands-On Product Comparison
Visitors could inspect the materials, floor firmness, deck layouts, attachment points, packed dimensions, and construction before buying.
Why Portability Matters for Chicago Boaters
Chicago-area boaters face several different storage and transportation situations. Some keep larger boats in harbors. Others trailer boats to the Chain O'Lakes, store equipment in suburban garages, or live in apartments and condominiums where permanent boat storage is limited.
A fully inflatable boat can reduce its footprint after use, but buyers should still confirm packed dimensions, boat weight, vehicle space, elevator access, storage-room dimensions, and the ability to move each component safely.
- Measure the actual storage location before selecting a boat size.
- Confirm the boat, motor, battery, and equipment fit the vehicle.
- Check local launch access and motorized-boating rules.
- Include passengers, fuel, batteries, and gear in total capacity.
- Plan around Lake Michigan wind, waves, water temperature, and traffic.
- Carry appropriate flotation and required safety equipment.
- Use designated launch areas rather than assuming shoreline access.
- Confirm registration requirements for the motorized setup.
Portable Does Not Mean Every Size Fits Every Storage Area
The 12-foot Battle Boat can be deflated, but its published packed size is approximately 48 by 32 by 20 inches and the boat itself weighs approximately 135 pounds.
It may fit some storage rooms, garages, vehicles, and yacht lockers, but buyers should measure rather than assume it will fit inside a small closet or compact vehicle.
The Rover Marine Battle Boat
The Rover Marine Battle Boat is a fully inflatable dinghy with a traditional tender-style hull layout. It is not a rigid inflatable boat because it does not have a permanent fiberglass or aluminum lower hull.
Its high-pressure drop-stitch floor becomes firm when inflated, while the complete boat can still be deflated for transportation and storage.
Traditional Tender Layout
The Battle Boat provides a familiar inflatable dinghy profile for yacht tender duty, recreational cruising, fishing, diving, and family use.
- Triple-layer reinforced 1100D PVC.
- Heat-welded seams.
- 10 PSI drop-stitch floor.
- 3.5 PSI inflatable tubes.
- 15-inch transom on every size.
Prefer a Wider Catamaran Platform?
The Battle Cat uses two parallel inflatable pontoons to create a wide stance for fishing, diving, family cruising, and passenger movement.
- Dual-pontoon inflatable layout.
- Available in the same three lengths.
- Same capacity and motor limits by size.
- Fully deflates for transportation and storage.
- Gas and electric outboard compatibility.
What the Battle Boat Does Not Eliminate
An inflatable boat can reduce the need for a permanent trailer or slip, but it does not remove every boating expense or requirement. Owners may still need registration, insurance, launch access, a motor, battery or fuel, safety equipment, storage, maintenance, and transportation.
Local marina costs, harbor availability, registration rules, and launch fees vary by location and should be confirmed directly with the relevant authority.
Current Battle Boat Specifications
| Specification | 8 ft Battle Boat | 10 ft Battle Boat | 12 ft Battle Boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflated dimensions | 8 ft x 4 ft x 15 in | 10 ft x 5 ft x 18 in | 12 ft x 5.5 ft x 20 in |
| Deflated size | 38 in x 24 in x 15 in | 45 in x 28 in x 18 in | 48 in x 32 in x 20 in |
| Boat weight | 86 lb | 100 lb | 135 lb |
| Capacity | 2 people / 600 lb | 4 people / 1,000 lb | 4 people / 1,200 lb |
| Maximum motor | Up to 6 HP | Up to 10 HP | Up to 20 HP |
| Transom | 15 inches | 15 inches | 15 inches |
| Inflation pressure | 3.5 PSI tubes / 10 PSI floor | 3.5 PSI tubes / 10 PSI floor | 3.5 PSI tubes / 10 PSI floor |
Which Size May Fit Your Use?
8-Foot Battle Boat
The most compact option, rated for two people or 600 pounds and motors up to 6 HP.
10-Foot Battle Boat
A four-person model with a 1,000-pound capacity and support for motors up to 10 HP.
12-Foot Battle Boat
Provides more room and a 1,200-pound capacity, with support for motors up to 20 HP.
Before Choosing
Compare the loaded weight, storage dimensions, lifting requirements, launch access, motor, battery or fuel, and typical water conditions.
The POP Up Dock and the Chicago Playpen
POP Board Co. displayed the POP Up Dock at Booth A600. The platform measures 8 feet by 7 feet and adds 56 square feet of usable floating space beside a boat or anchored setup.
56 Square Feet
The 8-by-7-foot design creates a separate area for lounging, equipment, chairs, coolers, and water access.
Drop-Stitch Construction
High-pressure woven construction creates a firm platform instead of a low-pressure pool-float feel.
Perimeter Attachment Points
Multiple D-rings provide options for securing the dock to a suitable boat, anchor system, or additional platform.
Packable Storage
The platform can be deflated and stored when the boat is underway or the dock is not needed.
Electric Motors for Chicago-Area Boating
Electric outboards can be a practical choice for marina travel, fishing, protected inland lakes, yacht tender trips, and boaters who prefer quiet operation without gasoline fumes or pull starts.
Rover Marine currently offers short-shaft options including the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus and the Torqeedo Travel 1103 S .
- Confirm the motor uses a compatible short shaft.
- Include the motor and battery in total capacity.
- Plan range around wind, waves, load, and throttle.
- Maintain a reserve for the return trip.
- Confirm where the battery will be charged and stored.
- Follow the manufacturer's freshwater and saltwater care instructions.
Lake Michigan Requires Conservative Range Planning
Electric range can change quickly with headwinds, waves, current, passenger load, and high throttle. A route that is comfortable in calm conditions may require substantially more energy when the weather changes.
Check conditions before departure and do not plan to use the battery to its final percentage.
Compare all current products in the Rover Marine electric outboard motor collection .
Archived 2026 Chicago Boat Show Details
The information below is retained as a historical record. It should not be used to plan attendance at a future Chicago Boat Show.
- Dates: January 28 through February 1, 2026
- Venue: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
- Address: 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018
- Exhibitor: POP Board Co.
- Booth: A600
- Rover Marine: Displayed with POP Board Co.
Verified 2026 Show Hours
| Date | Day | Show Hours |
|---|---|---|
| January 28, 2026 | Wednesday | 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
| January 29, 2026 | Thursday | 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| January 30, 2026 | Friday | 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
| January 31, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| February 1, 2026 | Sunday | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Visit the official Chicago Boat Show website for future dates, tickets, exhibitors, parking information, and event policies.
Current Rover Marine Warranty Coverage
Rover Marine publishes tiered factory coverage for eligible boats and covered components.
Coverage applies to qualifying manufacturing defects and remains subject to the complete terms, exclusions, documentation requirements, and claim review process.
Punctures, dragging, abrasion, accidents, misuse, improper storage, normal wear, and cosmetic damage from use are not automatically covered. Motors, batteries, electronics, and other third-party products generally follow their manufacturers' warranties.
Read the Complete Rover Marine WarrantyFrequently Asked Questions
Has the 2026 Chicago Boat Show already taken place?
Yes. The show took place from January 28 through February 1, 2026. This article is now maintained as a historical recap and Chicago-area boating guide.
Where was Rover Marine located at the show?
Rover Marine products were displayed with POP Board Co. at Booth A600 inside the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
Is the Battle Boat a rigid inflatable boat?
No. It is a fully inflatable dinghy with a high-pressure drop-stitch floor. It does not use a permanent aluminum or fiberglass lower hull.
Will the 12-foot Battle Boat fit inside any apartment closet?
No universal fit can be guaranteed. The published packed size is approximately 48 by 32 by 20 inches, and the boat weighs about 135 pounds. Measure the intended storage space and access route.
Can a Battle Boat be launched anywhere?
No. Use a legal and suitable launch location. Shoreline ownership, park regulations, motor restrictions, protected areas, water depth, current, rocks, and local boating rules may limit access.
What motor can the 12-foot Battle Boat use?
The 12-foot Battle Boat supports motors up to 20 HP. It is rated for four people or 1,200 pounds and uses a 15-inch transom.
What size is the POP Up Dock?
The POP Up Dock measures 8 feet by 7 feet and adds 56 square feet of usable floating space.
Can the Battle Boat use an electric outboard?
Yes. Rover Marine offers compatible short-shaft options from ePropulsion and Torqeedo. Confirm shaft length, package weight, battery capacity, and expected range before ordering.
What warranty applies to Rover Marine boats?
Eligible coverage consists of five years for the hull, three years for tubes and seams, and two years for eligible covered accessories. Review the complete Rover Marine warranty for the current terms and exclusions.
Read Rover Marine Owner Experiences
Boat shows make it easier to inspect materials and compare layouts. Customer feedback can provide additional insight into setup, transportation, storage, stability, motor use, and support after purchase.
Visit the Rover Marine reviews page and compare those experiences with your crew size, vehicle, storage, typical water conditions, and motor preference.
Build a Portable Setup Around Your Actual Boating Plans
Measure the storage area, confirm the complete loaded weight, review local launch access, and choose the boat and motor based on the water you use most often.
Built for Water. Designed for Freedom.
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