Miami Boat Show

The Miami Boat Show is one of the largest nautical events in the world. Aside from thousands of boats in different sizes and models being displayed, there are also exhibitions of marine accessories, electronics, engines and nautical gifts for all kinds of marine life enthusiasts. In addition to boats and nautical-related products the Miami International Boat Show also offers seminars for masters and beginners such as boat maintenance, fishing among many other subjects.

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/

The event, formally called Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, is held annually on February (President’s Day Weekend). The show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the most important and largest producer of nautical shows. The event is characterized by a trendy atmosphere. Several celebrities and millionaires are present making the Miami Boat Show a stage of major acquisitions (top of the line boats and huge yachts).

If you are thinking about buying a new boat, the event is the right place to search for. Different models from all sizes of boats can be compared in only one place side-by-side. Some of the main products in exhibition are Sailboats, Power boats, Bow riders, Bass boats, Sportfishing yachts, Pontoon boats, Docking tools, Marine supplies, Boat travel equipments, Multihulls, Sailboards, Jet boats and many other models and nautical-related products and services.

At the boat show you will be able to talk to the companies consultants and ask all the questions you want. It is certainly the best event in Miami to go before making a purchasing decision.

Some Yachts exhibited at the event in 2014 – Photo Source: azureazure.com

And even if you are not a buyer, the boat show is also an entertainment attraction for all ages.  The atmosphere at the show is something special, with music and drinks offered by the representatives to the guests. It’s worth taking a day to walk around the fair and enjoy the many wonderful models on display, and enjoy the festive environment that the Boat Show Miami provides.

Miami Boat Show before it was relocated to Virginia Key – Photo Source: blog.squidnation.com

Ticket & Prices

ADMISSION: Premier Day $40; Adult (age 16+) $25; Two-day pass (Friday–Monday, Februray 12–15) $45
Five-day pass $100; Children 15 and younger FREE

For directions on how to get to the show click here

The Historic Miami Marine Stadium

Traditionally the Boat Show in Miami is held every year on February over President’s Day Weekend. Recently the event has moved from the Miami Beach Convention Center to the historic Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin in Virginia Key. The relocation was possible due to the efforts of FMMS Group (Friends of Miami Marine Stadium group). The stadium in Virginia Key is a historic world icon! It was the first venue built for boat racing in United Estates (some people say “in the world”). Sadly the facility was closed after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and left abandoned for decades.

This year Miami International Boat Show celebrated its 75th anniversary and for the first time hosted the event at the areas surrounding Marine Stadium. The relocation was a total success with more than a 100,000 attendees from 35 different nations. All these people where either introduced to the historic forgotten stadium or reintroduced after many years. The venue still needs restoration and many groups such as The National Trust for Historic Preservation took advantage of all this global attention brought through the event to gather signatures in favor of restoration of the Stadium.

The Miami Marine Stadium was abandoned for decades after Hurricane Andrew damagend its structure in 1992. Now, with Miami Boat Show taking place at the landmark’s surrounding area, the historic venue is calling people attention for restoration – Photo Source: www.miamiherald.com

The Miami Marine Stadium in Virginia Key is a global icon. It was the first venue built for boat racing in United Estates and probably in the world at the time. Photo Source: www.wmf.org

Getting to Miami Boat Show