ROCKLAND – The Maine Boats & Harbors Show is more about a way of life on the Maine coast than simply boats.

It slips into Rockland’s harbor front Friday for three days of events this Friday.

John Hanson is publisher of the magazine of the same name. “In each issue we feature the work of artists, architects and garden designers,” he said. “The at-home section of the show really distinguishes this show from other boat shows; it’s more like a 3-D version of the magazine.”

Still, there’ll be plenty of boats on hand at the event, which opens at 10 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The gates close at 6 p.m. the first two days and 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults; children under 12 enter free.

Show organizers expect that more than 100 boats, worth a combined $50 million, will be on land or in the water along the 15,000 feet of dock space.

Some of the real eye-catchers are expected to be a new M36 day sailer built by Morris Yachts of Bass Harbor; a 57-foot Down East-style power cruiser from Vicem of Huntington, N.Y.; an Arundel 27 day boat from the Landing School in Kennebunkport; a 50-foot LeBlanc Bros. custom power cruiser; and a 38-foot lobster yacht by Rumery’s of Biddeford.

Besides boats, the event features gear makers and suppliers, such as Bohndell Sails of Rockport, Atlantis Marine Gear of Topsfield, Mass., and Gemini Marine Canvas and Hamilton Marine, both of Rockland.

Boat-related businesses – such as model-makers, booksellers, yacht designers, marine photographers, service yards, insurance providers and financiers – also will pitch their products and services.

The Maine Maritime Academy will hold daily seminars on marine safety equipment and procedures, knot tying and marlinespike seamanship.

The Owls Head Transportation Museum will offer displays of antique cars, complete with old boats, engines and trailers.

The boat show is a home show, too. Cabinetmakers, fine artists, stained-glass designers and blacksmiths will exhibit their wares.

Other activities will include a Parade of Sail on Saturday morning featuring Rockland’s windjammer fleet, followed by an Optimist Pram Regatta by Atlantic Challenge.

Sunday is dog day.

The second annual World Championship Boatyard Dog Trials will pit six fearless canines against last year’s champions, Rylie P. Dog and Samson.

The dogs compete on an obstacle course on the waterfront, which dares them to dive into the drink to win the contest.

Only pre-qualified dog contestants will be allowed on the grounds. All other pets are asked to remain at home.

Live music and a mix of foods will be featured at the show.

For information, contact Mary Carey at 236-8622 or showinfo@maineboats.com or visit the Web site at www.maineboats.com.