Organiser Marine Industry Events (MIE) said the show had received poor exhibitor take-up.
"Our decision is obviously appalling news and it has been an extremely difficult decision to take, not least because of the enormous sense of responsibility and partnership we feel for everyone in Liverpool," said MIE managing director Rob Mackenzie.
"The failure and the financial loss and its consequences is MIE’s to bear alone, but it is better to cancel the show to protect Liverpool’s reputation rather than to allow exhibitors who booked in good faith and visitors who would have travelled from all over the country in expectation of the participation of brands who’d made late decisions not to take part."
The show was intended to take place from 28 April – 8 May in Liverpool’s Albert Dock.
Organisers said initial uptake was positive but sentiment changed in November last year and after the London Boat Show earlier this year.
"Many contracted exhibitors [cited] a commercially disastrous London Boat Show as the catalyst for their decisions to withdraw from Liverpool," said Mackenzie.
"[It] will now fall to organisations other than MIE to deliver. After a period of reflection, and when the market improves, I believe the industry will collectively recognise the strategic opportunity missed and Liverpool will eventually stage the uniquely vibrant boat show we have tried so very hard to bring to the city."
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