Milwaukee boat tour

The Milwaukee Boat Show starts Friday at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis with more than 300 boats on display and, of course, Twiggy the water-skiing squirrel.

Here's what to know about the annual event:

Electric outboards are gaining attention

The boat show doesn’t try to be all things to all people.

Mostly, it’s a power-sports show with only a nod to paddleboards, kayaks and other silent sports.

Free boat show tickets

That means an emphasis on pontoons, runabouts, fishing boats, ski and wake boats and larger open-water cruisers.

Every year there are changes in hull designs, engines, interiors and electronics, said show manager Ben Nielsen.

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"We're starting to see more electric outboards," he said.

Mercury Marine's Avator electric outboards will be on display.

They're limited to around 15 horsepower but are more powerful than the numbers would suggest. The electrics have a lot of torque, meaning they get up to full power nearly instan

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