Fort Lauderdale Boat Show vs. Miami Boat Show.

MonacoMike

MonacoMike

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Sep 15, 2009
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I prefer Miami, though if I am not mistaken its going to be at a different location this year. So past experiences may not be applicable.

Mark
 
Yes, if all goes as-planned (and it's a BIG plan), the convention center venue will be moved to Marine Stadium.

More often than not, I skip Strictly Sail and the Conv Crt in favor of Sea Isle and the brokerage/Collins locations. I'm very curious about Marine Stadium though.
 
I am really glad this thread was started because I trying to figure out how to plan to go to the Miami show. This will be my wife and I winter vacation and I am not familiar with the area so I will be reading the Miami show thread next.
 
As I understand it, Miami will be in its new location for 2015 Marine Stadium.
I read someplace access will be mostly by water shuttles from all the waterside hotel locations......sounds interesting and likely fun!
Not sure how it's going to work yet. It's new so, going to try to attend.
If it's anything like the old show, it's a boaters heaven in South Florida in the middle of winter.
 
I've been to the Miami show and enjoyed it. Collins Ave is worth several days to see it. The Convention Center area was where I spent a lot of time because that's where most of my interest lay.

I stayed at a Marriott a few miles from the show. I didn't need a car because of the shuttles that ran around town and between the venues. Lots of good coupons on things like bottom paint, tons of accessories for any size boat, and that is THE place to get embroidered shirts, hats, etc.
 
I have been to The Miami show at least fifteen times. Thankfully it was my job and I didn't have to pay for it. I have also been to shows at the Ft Lauderdale Convention Center but not to the Fort Lauderdale boat Show, So a little pros and cons.

Miami : pros. Huge. If you can't find it at this show they probably don't have it. Miami is a Manufacturers show. Most of the manufacturers send factory reps to this show. So you may be able to talk to someone direct from the factory, no guarantee but ask anyway. If you know they make something you want but don't see it, ask. They probably have the literature or a web site where you can see it.

Miami is night life and the beach. If you are staying a while I recommend Mango's Tropical Cafe. After about 8 it is packed so get there early, No cover before 7. (I haven't been there in a while so that may have changed)

The Beach: Well what else can I say people come from all over the world to go to South Beach!

Cons: Crowded. Everyone goes to this show. Go early in the morning in midweek to avoid the crowds. Parking at the show is near impossible. They have shuttle buses: Find out where they are and use them
Book at least six months early or earlier if you are going to stay at a hotel in South Beach or you simply won't get a room. All the big hotels have shuttles to the show. If you stay at a small place take a cab, or if lucky to be close, walk. I always stayed within about 6 blocks and walked. Besides the streets of South Beach are a show in itself.

Fort Lauderdale: I love Fort Lauderdale. Pros: Not as crowded as Miami, easier to get a room (find a hotel or motel away from the Beach if possible, although I have stayed at both the Best Western Oceanside (on the beach) and the Best Western Marine Inn (next to the bridge across from the convention center). Book early. There are lots of others near the airport and away from the Beach . Easy to get to from the Fort Lauderdale Airport or from I-95 (unlike Miami Beach) Good restaurants/bars. I recommend Bahia Cabana and The Elbo Room. (Elbo room is a pickup bar at night but it is literally on the Beach and great if you like people watching during the day) The Bahia Cabana is next to the water on the ICW side and has good food, and a band a few nights a week. It is also a hotel but I have never stayed there. (full name is Bahia Cabana Beach Resort) Also Las Olas Blvd is nearby with many great Cafes and restaurants.

Cons: Crowded in the tourist months Nov -march. Lots of college kids but not as much as in years past, Now they all go to Panama City. But that is mostly in the Spring.
I haven't been to this show so I can't say what it's like but I can't imagine it being as big as the Miami show, but then that might be a plus. (easier to talk to someone.)
 
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Ft Lauderdale is the largest show in the world. I've been half a dozen times. It's always a good time. Thursday (Preview Day) is the best day to avoid the crowds. The show takes place in several locations, but the bulk of the show is on the water.

Sea Ray always has a large display. They're unveiling a new Sundancer this year. (Rumor is the new 450). I was in Ft Lauderdale for the unveiling of the 510 Fly.

I always stay on Ft Laudedale beach. It's walking distance to the show.
 
Sea Ray will have a heavy corporate presence at both shows. These two shows and the New York Boat Show are the only "corporate shows" in the U.S. At both shows Sea Ray runs the big boat/in-water display while MarineMax staffs the day boats and cruisers at a separate location. FLIBS is the biggest show in the U.S. by dollars sold (mega yachts) and Miami is the biggest by number of boats on display (between the two venues at Miami -- see the other thread). Miami is a huge wild card this year with the new venue. New boats will be launched at both shows.
 
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