Miami International Boat Show

DanW

Active Member
Apr 3, 2013
246
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Isleton, CA
Boat Info
Former boat: 1988 340 Sundancer
2002 Rinker 342 FV
1998 Regal 2100 LSR
Engines
Sea Ray - Mercruiser 454
Regal - Volvo 5.0Gi w/ Volvo-Penta outdrive
I am planning on attending the Miami International Boat Show next February. For those of you who have been, how many days did you go? I plan on going on Thursday to beat the crowds, but do I need to plan a second day? I'm not in the market for a new boat so I don't need to leave time to see every boat. But I would like to check out some of the boats and see the vendors. Any suggestions or tips?

Thanks!
Dan
 
I’d allow at least two days but really depends on how much vendor time Depei on what you’re looking for. As far as on board boats, lots of walking if so desired. It all comes down to what you are looking for!
 
It's not a 1-day thing. Even if you could, it would be exhausting.

Going on Thursday is an excellent plan. Even Friday isn't too bad. Note that MIBS is made up of several venues. Make sure to have current accounts with both Lyft and Uber. (the drivers overlap, so use both apps to avoid the worst surge pricing) Please don't use our cabs - they make the cabs of NYC look clean and polite in comparison.
 
I am planning on attending the Miami International Boat Show next February. For those of you who have been, how many days did you go? I plan on going on Thursday to beat the crowds, but do I need to plan a second day? I'm not in the market for a new boat so I don't need to leave time to see every boat. But I would like to check out some of the boats and see the vendors. Any suggestions or tips?

Thanks!
Dan
Dan, plan on at least 3 days to see the entire things and not feel rushed. I was lucky enough to go a few years back when they rolled out the L650fly. Sea Ray no longer has the larger boats unless they are in inventory somewhere but just seeing so many beautiful boats and yachts in one place is amazing! Have fun!
 
We just happened to be there during the week a couple years ago and we took one day to see the show. We just picked things we really wanted to see and had a great time. I think I would be maxed out after two days.
 
Done it twice. First time only one day (Friday), was rushing to get as much in as could and did not finish. Second trip, did 2 days (Friday/Saturday) and was able to see everything we wanted and was enjoyable. Saturday was way more crowded then Friday. Certainly lots there to see. Uber definitely the way to get around as traffic and parking are a nightmare.
 
I think I’ll get tickets for two days - Thursday and Friday to try to beat the crowds. We have family in the area so we will have time to see other things like the art festival. I’m looking forward to it! Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions!

Dan
 
I think I’ll get tickets for two days - Thursday and Friday

To clarify, when I (and most other people) say MIBS, what we're really referring to is a bunch of boat shows in the greater Miami area at the same time.

Historically, it's been 4 distinct venues:

- In-water Yacht & Brokerage Show on Collins Ave in Miami Beach. (by the famous hotels Eden Roc, Fontainebleau etc)

- Indoor show at the Miami Beach Convention Center

- In-water at Sea Isle Marina

- In-water Strictly-Sail at Bayside

In 2016, the MIBS moved from the convention center out to Marine Stadium. This year the plan is for the in-water yacht and brokerage show to move over to Miami, adjacent to the Sea Isle location.

It appears that for the first time ever, the yacht & brokerage show will charge admission.

At any rate, the yacht & brokerage show has always been my favorite, and not just because it was free. I'm willing to pay for it. If I skipped anything, it was Strictly Sail and/or the official MIBS. I don't think you'll need two days at MIBS. I'd do one day there, and the other day at the yacht show.
 
Thanks. I’ll have to check the website a little better to understand where everything is and how they are charging. Thanks for the clarification. I knew it was at different locations but thought the tickets were for them all.
 
I think I’ll get tickets for two days - Thursday and Friday to try to beat the crowds. We have family in the area so we will have time to see other things like the art festival. I’m looking forward to it! Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions!

Dan

Have fun.

MM
 
Certainly will be a cornucopia of used boats there, and a bunch are your favorite brand. If you do come to the Show and are on the brokerage dock, I hope to see you.

If you are over at Virginia Key, by all means stop and see the exciting new Sea Ray's, and the world famous Marketing gals of Sea Ray Boats !

Capt. Rusty
 
2 days at MIBS and a full day at the Yacht Show on Collins.
Tickets for the Yacht show are separate and yes they now charge to enter that venue.
I’ll be there every day but....I have a problem
 
This show really is tricky to figure out.... Basically because it's two separate shows that happen to be on the same dates...

The mega-yacht / brokerage boats that used to be on Collins have moved this year... They are on the mainland somewhere.

The in-water is on one of the Keys, I think....

This is going to be crazy trying to get around,...
 
This show really is tricky to figure out.... Basically because it's two separate shows that happen to be on the same dates...

The mega-yacht / brokerage boats that used to be on Collins have moved this year... They are on the mainland somewhere.

The in-water is on one of the Keys, I think....

This is going to be crazy trying to get around,...

I see your right the long time show on Colline
This show really is tricky to figure out.... Basically because it's two separate shows that happen to be on the same dates...

The mega-yacht / brokerage boats that used to be on Collins have moved this year... They are on the mainland somewhere.

The in-water is on one of the Keys, I think....

This is going to be crazy trying to get around,...

I see that you were right, the long time yacht show formally on Collins Avenue has moved to a downtown location . Looks to be the mainland side of Virginia key where Miami international boat show takes place . Might actually be easier being there closer together .
Regardless I will be vacationing/boat showing Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday and Monday . I’ll keep an eye peeled for you
 

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