Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show Sails Into 51st Year
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is about to hit the waters and showrooms of South Florida. This year's 51st anniversary edition will bring together hundreds of thousands of boating enthusiasts and marine industry professionals worldwide.
The largest in-water boat show in the world kicks off Thursday featuring more than $3 billion worth of boats, yachts, super yachts, electronics, engines and thousands of boating accessories from every major marine manufacturer and boat builder across the globe.
"This is larger than the Super Bowl," said Dane Graziano, Chief Operating Officer of Show Management. "It's a $600 million dollar economic impact."
Buyers in the market for a new boat or yacht will have a chance to talk to representatives and dealers on site ready to start negotiations. Test drives, however, are not allowed but can be arranged after the show has concluded.
"I feel people are pent up," Graziano said. "Boating is our number one sport."
Other activities at the Boat Show include marine and sports fishing seminars and kids' fishing clinics. Attendees also can enjoy refreshments and live musical entertainment at the show's floating cocktail barges and International Food Garden.
Boat builder Cheoy Lee said they look at the annual boat show as "the barometer for next year's business."
Those who attend will be transported between 5 locations on a network of water taxis, riverboats and bus shuttles. Those locations are:
Bahia Mar Yachting Center
801 Seabreeze Blvd.
Las Olas Municipal Marina
2 South New River Dr. East
Hall of Fame Marina
435 Seabreeze Blvd.
Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center
1950 Eisenhower Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale Hilton Marina
1881 SE 17th St.
Click here for parking information.
Show Hours:
Thursday, October 28: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday, October 29: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 30: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 31: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Monday, November 1: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission:
Prime Time Preview (Thurs. 10/28) - $32.00
General Admission (Adults) - $18.00
Children, ages 6-15 - $5.00
Children under 6 - Free
2-Day Ticket at the show - $34.00
Tickets available from the box offices at any of the show's sites
If you want to save money, buy your tickets online and where admission prices are automatically discounted by $2 when purchased from www.showmanagement.com.
Onsite Box Office Locations
• Bahia Mar Yachting Center
• Las Olas Marina
• Broward County Convention Center
• Las Olas Riverfront
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show runs until November 1st.
