Miami International Boat Show

Spending Valentine’s Day at the  Miami International Boat Show is a unique way to spend the day with one’s Valentine.  I guess it’s not for everyone, but we had a great time. 

We drove into Miami from Fort Lauderdale and made it to the show right as it opened.  The show is so large that it is spread out over three locations with shuttles provided for all.  We started at the Sea Isle Marina for the New Yacht  and Power Boat Show.  Steve went aboard a Marlow.  Designer/Builder David Marlow was there proudly hailing his yachts. 

Taking the shuttle to the Miami Convention center took about 30 minutes because traffic was a mess.  There were exhibitors for electronics, lighting, navigation, clothing, jewelry, shoes and more much much more.  Boats of every shape, size, length, color, and purpose were available for purchase. 

We decided to bypass the Miamarina venue with its display of sailboats, sailing gear, seminars and charters.  Instead, we headed to Collins Avenue to visit the Yacht and Brokerage Show.  This event is completely on the water with portable docks installed over a mile of Indian Creek Waterway or from 41st to 51st streets on Collins Avenue.  This event features over 500 new and used vessels valued at more than one billion dollars. 

Eager to see our Fleming friends, we headed toward the Fleming display first.  It was like a family reunion. Proud Mary and Providence were both on display.  It was a delight to see all the people from Burr Yacht Sales and tell them about our experiences aboard Meandering Joy.  Barrie, Mary; DeDe and Terry were all there and made sure to introduce us to the other Fleming owners who had come to visit. 

While we could have spent the whole time advertising for Fleming and visiting but we took some time to visit the exhibits.  We want to update and/or add some items to our Fleming so we looked at depth sounders, automatic identification systems (AIS), LED rope lighting, galley supplies.  PassageMaker magazine sponsored TrawlerPort which offered several seminars for people interested in cruising.  Captains Chris and Alyse Caldwell offered a Bahamas informational seminar that we attended.  We feel as if we know the PassageMaker crew now since we have seen the same people at TrawlerFest. 

Isaiah 41:13     Hebrews 12:2