Boat Shows and Photos - First Time To Miami Show

Hey guys, this will be our first year headed to the show. I am really stoked about getting down there and getting to see all the boats,etc. My question to some of you vets is what all should we do while we are there? Is there anythings that we shouldn't miss? How is the show structured? Are all the boats in one convention center or in several that are right by each other? What about the boats in the water? Are they all right by the convention center all the other boats are at? There are several boats we want to test ride...how do we go about doing that? Just kind of trying to figure out if we will be able to park the car in the morning and get to everything after that by foot. Thanks for any help guys:thumbsup:

bigtuna - Suggest you check out the Miami International Boat Show website. Yes, the Convention Center has boats insise and outside, plus about anything you can imagine that has anything to do with boating, including motors, ect., plus a second floor that has everything from rods to clothing, plus another smaller bldg. at the lower end of the outside rows of boats that has all sorts of stuff. Personally, I'd try to hit the Brokerage boats also while on that side of the bay, and you can take a free shuttle there. They are all jammed into a canal across from the Fountaine Bleu (sp). Then you have the in the water boats. The power boats are in the marina in front of the Marriott (again, a free shuttle there), and the sailboats are at another marina on the bay (can't remember what its called). For test rides, some want you to let them know while you're at thier location at the convention center and set a time. Others kinda just take you when they have a few more to make it worthwhile. You'll enjoy...

Big Tuna, I have been three times and plan on going this year too.

Start out: Buy your tickets online, they are cheaper and print out the ticket.

Hotels: if you stay in So. Beach it's not cheap you might want to shop it around. Restaurants are good in the area but I typically stay away from the usual "glitzy" sites.

Show: It's spread out from the regular boat show at the Miami Beach Convention Center (inside and outside). Be sure to walk the whole show including all the little booths upstairs and at the back of the indoor show, there is lots of boating stuff you will never find anywhere else (tackle, fishing goodies too). Take your time and check out the whole show, slip-on shoes so you can board all the boats (some mfg want you to take your shoes off of course). I like the seminars in the Big Game Room upstairs (near the front). I spoke with Capt Peter Wright extensively once and learned alot about rigging and stand up gear.

*Bring a Camera (lots of cools stuff to photo)
*Bring some $ for those added items you want to pick up
*I bring a bag for all the literature I want to collect. Bring a pen so you can make notes on business cards that Reps give (so you can remember why you kept the card), I'm an engineer so I bring a note pad too.

Off Site shows:
There is the on the water Yacht show up Miami Beach on Collins Ave. Mega nice yachts side by side and very nice to stoll up and check them out. Also, there is a Strictly Sail show but I have never been to that one (don't care for blow boats).

Lastly, check out the marina at Miami hotels at the base of the causeway that connects to Miami beach. They allow many mfg's to dock and potential buyers can sign up for sea trials while at the show.

Have a great time!

They have moved the sail portion to the same marina as the boats, located at the Marriott.

There are several boats we want to test ride...how do we go about doing that? Just kind of trying to figure out if we will be able to park the car in the morning and get to everything after that by foot. Thanks for any help guys:thumbsup:

Contender typically does test drives from the Miami Beach/Monte's Marina at 4th and alton. They may provide transport, if not, take a cab a it's a pretty far walk.

Most of the other guys depart from the in water portion at the Marriot. - Take the shuttle bus rather tha d!ck w/ parking at a separate venue.

The show should be a little easier to see this year, many of the outside exhibiters have moved inside. The outside tent and second floor should not be missed. Lots of little gadgets and other items that are pretty interesting.

Drop me a pm if i can help any more.

Did anyone mention the "scenery" ?

I hear it is a nightmare trying to get in and out of this show, which is the best way? I have access to a 21 ft CC is it easier to dock or take the car? It would be a nice day trip from Ft Lauderdale by boat!
Kevin

I hear it is a nightmare trying to get in and out of this show, which is the best way? I have access to a 21 ft CC is it easier to dock or take the car? It would be a nice day trip from Ft Lauderdale by boat!
Kevin

I have been going to the show for over 30 years and it gets bigger every year. Forget about going by boat...the convention center, where most of the displays are is land locked and the in-water part has all the slips booked. As large as the show is parking is not that bad if you get there early. Two options are, park at the American Airlines Arena in downtown Miami and take the free shuttle bus or arrive early and park within walking distance of the convention center.

the one in biloxi has alot to offer to... but it isn't as near as big as miami..