Florida is an ideal location for boating and it has a thriving boating community that’s very active and likes to stay connected. So it’s not really surprising that the state plays host to several boat shows throughout the year. A yachting enthusiast’s calendar can be pretty full, especially if they choose to attend all the boating events in the state.
At Freedom Yacht Services, we’re always very busy just before the biggest boat shows. People need yacht services to ensure that their boat looks good and performs well during the boat shows. Here’s a brief guide to Florida boat shows.
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
Fort Lauderdale is considered the yachting capital of the world. It’s not really a surprise that that the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is a massive event. It’s the world’s largest boat show and is packed with different kinds of events. The boat show usually occupies over 3 million square feet and is attended by thousands of people from all over the world.
It features yachts, boats and accessories worth over $3 billion and is usually held in November. In 2016, it’s slated to be held from the 3rd-7th of Nov. You will see a wide range of products displayed, including latest yachts from designers and manufacturers, exotic cars, high performance boats, sportfishers, express cruisers, flats boats and ski boats. In addition, you will find catamarans, jet boats, motor yachts, sailing yachts, canoes, inflatables, and superyachts. Experts also provide yacht services and there’s something for everyone here.
Palm Beach International Boat Show
Held in March, the Palm Beach International Boat Show is also one of the biggest shows in the world; it’s one of the top five in the country too. This year, it was held from 17th to 20th March in Downtown West Palm Beach, and had a variety of events that kept adults as well as children engaged. The Palm Beach Boat Show is a great event to attend as a family.
Several boat designers and manufacturers participate in this event, showcasing about $1.2 billion worth of yachts, boats, and accessories. The four days are filled with exhibitions, displays, activities for children and adults, yacht services and boat sales.
You’ll find boating enthusiasts from all over the country heading towards Palm Beach in March to attend this event. As an international show, it includes different kinds of boats and you’ll see everything from inflatables to superyachts here.
Miami International Boat Show
The show was held at a new location this year. It moved to Marine Stadium Park and Basin and was held in February, from 11th to 15th. Well over 100,000 people attended the event, surpassing the expectations of the organizers. The five day event was packed with boat exhibits, brokerage, yacht services, activities, etc. Several designers and manufacturers had their boats on display; more than 1200 boats were displayed on land while about 400 were in the water.
According to insiders, the powerboats drew the most attention from visitors. The show usually consists of activities like seminars, boating workshops, games, and contests to keep all kinds of audience entertained. You can easily bring your family along, even if they’re not as interested in boats as you are.
Other Boat Shows
Aside from these three boat shows, several smaller events are held in Florida every year including:
- Central Florida International Boat Show
- Stuart Boat Show
- Naples Boat Show
- Jacksonville Boat-a-Rama
- Daytona Beach Boat Show
- Fort Walton Beach Boat Show
- Fort Myers Spring Boat Show
- Mount Dora Antique Boat Festival
- Panama City Yacht and Boat Show
- Emerald Coast Boat Show
- Pensacola Beach Show
- Suncoast Boat Show
- Southeast US Boat Show
- Palm Beach County Boat Show
- Hot Summer Boat Show
If you’re a boating enthusiast and have time on your hands, these events are worth visiting. To know more about boat shows and yacht services in Fort Lauderdale, FL, feel free to get in touch with us at Freedom Yacht Services. You can call at our Ft. Lauderdale office on 954 732 8916 or our Palm Beach office on 954 610 757. You can also fill in this contact us form and we’ll reply as soon as we can.
