The Miami International Boat Show

Most of you know why I’d like to be at this year’s Miami International Boat Show. The “storm of the century” is raging outside with wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour, seas jacked to 20 feet, and two feet of snow that needs shoveling. We’re only 15 years into the century but you can see why I’d like to be at the Miami Boat Show.

The show is really cool. It’s such a big one that there are four separate locations. The main show is at the Miami Beach Convention Center and the New Yacht and Power Boat Show is at the Sea Isle Marina. For sailors, the Strictly Sail Miami is at the Miamarina at Bayside. A free water shuttle connects the power boat show with the yacht show. Hitting a boat show by boat, how cool is that?

In addition to seeing all of the new boats, motors, trailers, kayaks, and other equipment, there are specific seminars and clinics for new through experienced boaters. Some cover how props affect your boat’s performance, others focus on electrical issues, and some even offer one-on-one Q&A’s with a tech. What better way to get ahead of the curve before it’s boating season?

There will be more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 different companies at the show. If you never launched a boat but always wanted to then check out the Boating 101 and the Discover Boating seminars. They’ll get you well on your way to splashing your own boat come spring. Food and entertainment is all over and don’t miss the Eric Stone Band at the Cruiser’s Party.

The Miami International Boat Show takes place February 12 through February 15. Check it out www.miamiboatshow.com. If you are a beginner on boating and would like to learn more before hitting the party, also take a look at: http://takemefishing.org/boating/boating-basics/overview.

If I can get shoveled out I’ll see you there!