wiley

2024 Palm Beach Boat Show: March 21-24: There will be 2 x HammerCat 35 on display, one at the COX booth (on your way to the south Cocktail bar🍹), ramp 12 slip 1140, and another one at the Hammer Yachts display, Pier 10. The Palm Beach show is a great show, it is all in one location, great access. If you have not been to this show yet, come over !

2024 Palm Beach Boat Show Since 1982, the boat show has grown to occupy a dominant position in South Florida as both a leader in the boating and marine industry, and as an economic engine to the Palm Beach community and the tri-county area. An analysis of the boat show from 2022 showed that the event has an estimated total statewide economic impact of over $1.05 billion. With over 55,000 visitors attending the show in previous years, this has contributed to over $725 million in total sales resulting from the show. Owned by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and produced by Informa Markets, the Palm Beach International Boat Show will be taking place along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, directly across the Intracoastal Waterway from Palm Beach Island. This year’s boat show will be integral in providing visitors, exhibitors, and the community at large with an unforgettable event featuring more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, including hundreds of boats ranging from 8-foot inflatables to superyachts nearly 300 feet in length. From the VIP experience to the AquaZone, there will be activations that cater to all ages and adventure-seeking lifestyles. This year’s show also coincided with the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary (PBM+C) Art Fair, part of Informa Markets' Art Miami division. Windward Club ticketholders had access to both events, which featured a complimentary open bar, gourmet food, concierge, and sponsorship pop-up activations in a unique indoor and outdoor lounge setting. The Palm Beach County Convention Center brought a world-class, internationally respected group of art galleries and marine enthusiasts to Palm Beach, providing the perfect combination of fine art and luxury vessels to show attendees and exhibitors at large. TICKETS: https://www.eventspass.com/event/pbboatshow?pr=WEB/#/buyTickets SEE YOU THERE!

Hey Dale. I was there on the Thursday so it's hard to gauge. Attendance seemed moderate. I'll be getting a follow up from the organizers soon and will share their stats.

Yamaha's groundbreaking hydrogen-combustion outboard motor.

Robalo stepping it up!

Love those sun shades!

Wiley / ReelBoating proudly participated in the Miami International Boat Show for the 23rd consecutive year. Culminating its five-day extravaganza, the 2024 Miami Maritime Extravaganza brought together a diverse global audience across six unique hubs, with the dynamic Herald Plaza and the Miami Beach Convention Center at its core. Andrew Doole, orchestrator of the event, expressed gratitude for the infectious enthusiasm and support, propelling the show into a top-tier global gathering for boating enthusiasts. Running from February 14th to February 18th, the event immersed attendees in a vast array of cutting-edge marine offerings, featuring over 1,000 boats and numerous exhibitors. Notable attractions included the Progressive® Nautical Journey at Pride Park, the Nautical Ventures AquaZone, and the new Pride Park Pickleball Court. Educational opportunities abounded at Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center and Hook the Future’s Kids Fishing Clinics. The event showcased numerous debuts, including Yamaha's groundbreaking hydrogen-combustion outboard motor, emphasizing the industry's commitment to sustainability. Sustainability partners like Suzuki and Allini Water Filters further underscored this dedication. The inaugural Blue Startup Pitch Event, sponsored by Volvo Penta, facilitated dialogue between the blue economy and marine leisure. StrawFish® and Kraken Travel emerged as victors among dynamic startup pitches evaluated by a panel of judges. Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA President & CEO, highlighted the global significance of the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, showcasing next-gen marine technologies and contributing significantly to the recreational boating industry's economic impact. The event offered insights into sustainable fuels, efficient boat designs, and hundreds of debuts and innovations. From futuristic yacht designs to cutting-edge onboard technologies, the show provided a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the yachting world. Paul Flannery, COO of IYBA, emphasized the event's pivotal role in shaping the luxury boating market. On a personal note one feature I saw on many of the display boats were the canvas top extensions from the cockpit both to the bow and stern. The importance of staying out of the sun's harmful rays whenever possible cannot be stated enough. Great to see! The event featured captivating vessels such as Marguerite by Lürssen and Victorious by AKYACHT at SuperYacht Miami. A collaboration between Informa Markets, NMMA, and IYBA, the Miami Maritime Extravaganza historically attracts visitors from around 35 countries, contributing an estimated $1.34 billion annually to Florida's economy. In an exciting development, Honda Marine unveiled a groundbreaking brand partnership with Scout Boats, aiming to introduce an innovative form of boat and motor packaging. This collaboration marks a significant step towards Honda Marine's vision of providing integrated solutions and elevating the overall boating experience for enthusiasts worldwide. Key Takeaways: The brand partnership between Honda Marine and Scout Boats aims to provide an enhanced form of boat and motor packaging, optimizing the joy of the boating experience. The collaboration introduces the Honda Seabrook Series Boats—a range of high-performing vessels exclusively crafted for Honda by Scout and powered by Honda Marine BF150 iST® outboards. Yamaha's groundbreaking hydrogen-combustion outboard motor. SEE YOU AT THE PALM BEACH BOAT SHOW IN MARCH!

The 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was a remarkable gathering of boating enthusiasts, industry professionals, and marine exhibitors. This event showcased the latest in marine technology, boat designs, and accessories, setting the stage for a vibrant and innovative year in the boating world. This is my 20th year covering the Show! I found parking to be convenient with plenty of shuttle service to the 7 locations. I was welcomed to spend time with show exhibitors and gather some of their thoughts regarding sales, and their outlook on the boating industry. “Attendance at the Show was steady, and interest in boating continues to be strong”, stated Mike Browne from Yamaha Motors. Mike shared with ReelBoating that “obviously there is still some hesitation with the headwinds in the world and the economy, but that doesn't seem to stop people from wanting to pursue their passion for being on the water”. When asked which Yamaha engine was garnishing the most attention Mike stated “The 300 has been our stalwart for the area, it continues to be the most popular engine. The 450, which is our newest large horsepower engine, is gaining some interest as well, but the 300 is the breadwinner for this market.” The Boat Show featured a diverse range of exhibitors, including renowned boat manufacturers and marine equipment suppliers. Attendees had the opportunity to explore a wide array of vessels, from luxury yachts to fishing boats, powerboats, and sailboats. The event emphasized the advancement of marine technology, showcasing state-of-the-art navigation systems, eco-friendly propulsion solutions, and digital innovations that are reshaping the boating experience. Eddie Leon with SeaHunter Boats tells ReelBoating that the vibe of the show was “Surprisingly positive, with a lot of foot traffic.” “We had a lot of people here Thursday through Saturday. Those three middle days were very busy with a lot of buyers. We thought they might be kept away by the interest rates, but apparently, they were not.” SeaHunter has released a 30’ hybrid boat which was very popular at their display. Bill Cordes with Invincible Boats shared similar thoughts with ReelBoating. “The Show's been pretty good. Traffic has been steady this year. I don't think we set any attendance records, but there are buyers! We're encouraged, there's a heartbeat there and there's folks looking to buy boats” The Invincible 33’ Cat and 43’ V Bottom received the most attention. Dealer Representatives also had positive comments to share with ReelBoating. Jeff Forrest with Legacy Marine and Tidewater Boats “We're very, year to year, you can never base the market on the year before or anything after COVID. You just don't know what to expect. This year the smaller boat buyers often hit a snag with the financing however, the bigger boats are flying off the shelf!” Kai Novak repping NauticStar Boats had similar comments; “It's been a great show for us. Nautic Star, is doing well. We've sold some boats! Our 274 bay boat and especially our 280 offshore has been getting the most attention”. The 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show underscored the multifaceted nature of boating with a diverse range of vessels, catering to various preferences and water activities, from luxury mega yachts to compact fishing boats. The event showcased a growing commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable boating solutions, evident in advancements in propulsion systems and a heightened environmental consciousness. Moreover, the show highlighted the marine industry's adoption of digital innovations, providing boaters with enhanced navigation, connectivity, and control options, including the widespread use of touchscreen displays and smart features. It also reinforced the strong sense of community and camaraderie among boaters and industry professionals, emphasizing the shared passion for boating and the enduring connections within the boating community. Additionally, the educational aspect of the show drew significant interest, with informative seminars and workshops covering topics like navigation techniques, safety protocols, and fishing strategies, providing valuable insights for both seasoned boaters and newcomers. Conclusion ReelBoating would like to thank the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), Informa Markets and Kivvit PR for continuing to provide us with show access and a great media room! The 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is a testament to the dynamism of the boating world. It showcased not only the latest products and technology but also the enduring bonds of the boating community. As we look forward to future boating adventures, let us carry the knowledge and inspiration from this event into our maritime pursuits, knowing that the future of boating is brighter and more exciting than ever. Wiley & ReelBoating Editors Note: Feel free to share this article in full or in unedited segments with credit going to ReelBoating.com. Photos can also be freely shared with the ReelBoating watermark remaining intact.

SeaVee

Those original THT shirts were awesome! I have a very small stash of them and wish I had kept more. NOTE: The shirts below are NOT available for sale.

Working on adding signup and login using Twitter and Google in the coming days.

I'll see if they are at FLIBS. I'm interested in a setup as well.

Some opened their own Q&A sites or now post on Facebook.