Best Boat Show in the USA

[grunta]

Hiya! In an effort to lure Grunta back to visiting friends and family in the States, I've proposed that we time our trip in conjunction with a big boat show that features lots of RIBs. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which boat show would be best? Are there other types of expos we should consider - hunting/fishing/diving???

Thanks in advance for the help! Cheers, Gruntessa

[grunta]

... i found this link http://www.boatsafloat.com but now we need to wade through the little shows versus big shows. Has anyone ever attended the Miami International Show? Was it worth it???

[Rodan]

Miami is probably the best, fort lauderdale is good too and has the advantage of not being spread over different locations.

[pathalla]

I'll second the opinion on Miami's boat show, I have been there many times, great show, lots of boats, over 400+ at the Miami beach convention ctr. along with a bunch in the water at the Mariott. Then there are the Megayachts and the sailboats. Lots of stuff to look at with a fair amount of ribs as well. You can spend a couple of days easy if you are looking at gear as well as boats. Take two days to look around and then use a third day to go back and make purchases on whatever you found interesting, there is always something!
It also comes along in Feb. which is a great time to go to a boat show if you live in Northern climes. If you decide to go make sure you reserve a rental car well ahead of time, hotel room as well. Rental cars especially can be difficult to find during the show dates due to the influx of people attending.

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by pathalla

I'll second the opinion on Miami's boat show, I have been there many times, great show, lots of boats, over 400+ at the Miami beach convention ctr. along with a bunch in the water at the Mariott. Then there are the Megayachts and the sailboats. Lots of stuff to look at with a fair amount of ribs as well. You can spend a couple of days easy if you are looking at gear as well as boats. Take two days to look around and then use a third day to go back and make purchases on whatever you found interesting, there is always something!
It also comes along in Feb. which is a great time to go to a boat show if you live in Northern climes. If you decide to go make sure you reserve a rental car well ahead of time, hotel room as well. Rental cars especially can be difficult to find during the show dates due to the influx of people attending.

What he said!

Only been to Miami once and got a condo at a good rate - I was lucky! Fantastic show in 2005, it is a very "high performance" orientated show!

[grunta]

Yippee - Miami, it is! (I figured that would be the case!) Thanks for the hints re condos, cars and purchases. Now, all I have to do is focus on finding the best cuban and caribbean restaurants in the area... Oink!

Show dates are Feb 14-18, 2008 which is kinda far away but if any of you Ribbers want to get together for a cocktail or two, keep in touch - would be great to meet you all.

Cheers, Gruntessa.

PS - I love those bananasharks!

[Dirk Diggler]

Your gonna be disapointed if you go to the Miami show looking for ribs, unless it's the bbq kind!

[pathalla]

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

Your gonna be disapointed if you go to the Miami show looking for ribs, unless it's the bbq kind!

Miami will have as many ribs on display as any boat show in the country...

[jyasaki]

... which, of course, means maybe 3...

Unless you're talking the ribs of anorexic model-wannabe's. Those'll be all over the place.


jky

[Dirk Diggler]

Originally Posted by jyasaki

... which, of course, means maybe 3...

jky

Exactly. I've been visiting that show on and off for 20 years, and if it's ribs you wanna see I can assure you won't see many. It's sailing, powerboats, cruisers and bits!