Miami Boat Show ...

[scarlet]

I'm heading to the boat show">Miami Boat Show in February. I've never been to a boat show before, and from what I understand this is a pretty big one... Anyone been there before? and if so, can you advise how many days I should plan on spending there? Also, and advise on what to see, where to go, etc?

[Blue Skye]

Strictly Sail I live on the opposite coast, so typically get there early and spend a day. Crawl over every boat you can, they are all close together, so should be able to manage to get it all in on one day. But, many will go back the second day and just check out their top2 or 3 again. Good luck in your search! Exciting times ahead

[ShaktiGurl]

Been many times and will go again this year. We usually do two days so there is one day looking through boats and another looking at the stuff in the event center or another half day to look at boats, if needed.

[tamicatana]

We're thinking about going (again). Shall we organize a meet up?

[ShaktiGurl]

We will be sailing around the keys the week before and then staying at Dinner Key for the weekend. We are bringing another CF couple to the show for the first time ( also to look at cats) so might be fun to meet up with some others and exchange notes!

[HopCar]

I'll have a big booth upstairs (we're taking a whole room this year) at the convention center. My people will be manning the Gill weather gear">foul weather gear booth at Strictly Sail. We'll have great boat show specials at both. Please visit us!

Don't forget to enter my Give Away under the Vendors Spotlight.
The winners get two free boat show tickets as well as a $300 or $200 credit to spend on my website.

If you have time, please visit my store! It's near the airport on the Miami River.

[Teknav]

Hi! I will be attending the Houston Boat show, in about 10 days; mixing a business trip with a day of fun. Sorry, no time to visit the Miami Boat show this year. There's always next year! Enjoy!

Mauritz

[HappyMdRSailor]

For the OP Scarlet...

It's pretty huge... It all depends on what you're trying to accomplish. If you are just after gear and look for things you never heard about, one day is probably good...

If you are going to step on boats only, one day is definitely enough... If you're going to try both... two days...

BUT... There's a bazzillllion free seminars... These are incredibly informative on a variety of subjects hosted by some of the most experienced people in the world... If you are a rabid sponge looking for information, you will need every day you can spare...

http://www.miamiboatshow.com/attende.../seminars.aspx

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by tamicatana

We're thinking about going (again). Shall we organize a meet up?

No definite plans yet... But we usually make the show.... A CF contingent would be fun!

[MNLandLoc]

My wife and I have been there twice recently. It is a nice break from Minnesota winter weather. Here are my thoughts... If you love sailing and boats then you really need two days. If you are a serious boat buyer or plan to buy a lot of gear to take advantage of show prices then you probably need a 3rd day. 2-days gives you enough time to see everything, enjoy a decent lunch, have a beer etc. without feeling rushed. The Strictly Sail show is in a great location with plenty of restaurants and tourist shops. If you are a serious boat buyer, then you should pay the extra to attend the "Premier" day to get better attention from the reps.

Lodging.... there are hotels nearby but it might be a decent walk to the sailboat show. One year we found a cheap studio condo on South Beach for $100 and took a cab to and from the show. It was fun to stay on SB. We took an extra day to hangout on the beach.

Seminars.... most are pretty good. We enjoy them and always learn something and meet interesting people at them. We paid extra for a seminar to sail on a cat and that was ok, but not entirely convinced we learn much since the cat was very different (small&older) than what we are in the market for.

[scarlet]

I think I'm going to be the "rabid sponge" type.. first show.. first time on a cat... first time on a monohull... wanting to take some seminars... talk to everyone we can... we also will take a run up to Fort Lauderdale and see a couple of the cat companies there to see what used ones look like...

[ShaktisBoy]

Scarlet we might have an extra cabin. Will know more soon.

[OutOfControl]

Scarlet, wear comfortable shoes. No high heels or dark colored soles allowed.
There is also an awesome Art Show in Coconut Grove the same weekend.
OutOfControl

[Tellie]

If there's to be a contingent of CF folks at the sail side, then ya'll have to stop by my Spectra watermaker booth and say "Hi". If you already have a watermaker I'll set you up with a new set of free pre-filters, your choice.

[brutb]

A CF groupie would be a great way for those of us attending the show to get to actually meet and say hi in person for a change. I will be coming down for at least 2 days. Let us all try to find a time to meet at one of the bars/cafes next to the Cat area(although I am a Mono kind of guy). I will be waiting to hear from some of you what a good day and time is for you. Thanks