Miami Boat Show: Worth the Trip??

270SLX

270SLX

Member
Dec 12, 2006
290
Bettendorf Iowa USA
Boat Info
2005 270 SLX; Navman 5500; no trailer; Dry stacked.
Engines
6.2 320 HP Bravo III drive.
A buddy and I are thinking about making the trip down to Miami in February for the boat show. Is it worth the trip from Iowa? Neither of us is really in the market for a new boat; we're just into looking and oogling and breaking up the nasty Iowa winter. Any recommendations for a first-time attendee? Or should we forgo the Miami show for another?

Dennis
 
I always prefer the Ft. Lauderdale show to Miami's, however Miami is worth the trip- especially if you were trying to get away from the cold. Miami's show has all you could probably ever want and need.

Brian
 
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I haven't missed attending the MIBS in 10 years, and never have I gotten all the way through each venue.

(there have typically been 4 venues including Strictly Sail. last year they condensed it to 3)

I hope for the sake of the economy, that attendance will strong enough that it's too late to get decent accommodations in South Beach.

I highly recommend you go. If you do, I'd be happy to offer some advice on how to enjoy Miami and the show.
 
I went in 2007 and that was my first time.....I left Bostaon on a Thursday and came home on Monday......I stayed on South Beach.........I had a great time the whole trip......The boat show in the convention center is huge....Mostly electronics, seminars, etc........The in the water show is mostly yachts, but fun to get on boats you normally wouldn't.....Searay was one of the few common folf manufacturer their......The best show was strictly sail.....great friendly people and the Lats and Atts party was a blast.......I also took the 1 1/2 hour house harbor tour which was nice just to get out in the water and see how poor I really am......I would go for a great long weekend....
 
I go every year, I dont know if i'm going this year though. Last year Searay wasnt in the water on Collins Ave at the Brokerage show. The convention center is great to see all the new gadgets etc... The boat tour is fun, I went on the old pirate ship tour. I got a great deal on a epirb and life raft a few years ago at strictly sail. Get over to the pedestrian mall for great food and nightlife. Lincoln ave, and dont forget Mangos on south beach.
 
We enjoy traveling to the Miami Boat Show each year! It is great fun to walk the miles and miles of boats, and talk with the vendors, salesmen, and other people who truly enjoy boating. It is truly a great show, and will take you a couple of days to walk through.

Come and enjoy the warmth!
 
I think its the best show to attend.
Never got through the whole thing.....
Pay the extra to stay on or near South Beach.
Get a few people together and crash in a room.
It is boater heaven and Miami weather in Febuary really helps us parttime boaters.
Enjoy.
 
As a boater from Miami Beach (now living in Fort Lauderdale), it is definitely a great show, and Miami Beach is a blast. From Joe's for a great Stone Crab dinner ,to Ocean Drive with all the restaurants and models, and models and restaurants-and night clubs, you can be sure you'll have a great time.

I usually go 2 of the day's as it's too big to see all in one. Parking is impossible so if you stay on South Beach there are plenty of ways to get there easily.

Whoever ends up going, drop me a line as it would be great to meet there.

Barry
 
I missed it by a day or 2 last yr I think it was. I'm here this week, and I hope it warms up by the time the show comes around!!! They're expecting temps in the 30's here tonite! It's 51 now.

-VtSeaRay
 
The Admiral and I spent 2 days there last year. There is a thread on it, do a search.

2 days was not enough! It was awesome and we got a lot of contacts and ideas for our SR. You will do a lot of walking, dreaming and drooling! Hotels in the Miami area are very expensive so check the surrounding area and drive in and park. The bus service is really good.

The food is great! I don't know what they are called, but there is a grilled corn bread flat cakes with cheese on it that was very good!
 
Everyone should do the Miami Beach Boat Show at least once...there really is nothing like it. For all of us on this site into boating,,,it's a smorgasbord of boat stuff. It becomes overwhelming after a while and you have to take a break.

Figure 3~4 days to take it all in...especially the big in the water boats.

I hope it's better this year...I heard that last year there were almost as many people working the show as they're were attending it.
 
OK OK. I'm convinced I've got to go. Wife's sister is now in the hospital so things are dicey. We'll see.

Thanks for all the great replies and tips. Youz guyz are great!

Dennis
 
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