2017 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Author: Rich Barnhart

Author: Rich Barnhart

The Boat Show Starts Wednesday, November 1st
That’s right, the boat show starts Wednesday and ends on Sunday this year, not Thursday to Monday like previous years. With 1,500 boats, 6 miles of floating docks and over 100,000 attendees the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the largest in-water boat show in the world. It is also a huge boost to our local economy with an estimated impact on Broward County of $500 million per year.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

BOAT SHOW TIPS – Venue, tickets, parking, etc.
The boat show attracts yachties and boating enthusiasts from all over the world. Whether you are a boat show regular or a first timer, here are some tips for attendees that are sure to help you efficiently navigate our show. The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center hosts the exhibits, booths and smaller boat displays and the big-boy boats are all at the marinas. You can go between the various locations by shuttle bus or water taxi. The show is spread out between the following venues.

  • Broward County Convention Center
  • Bahia Mar Yachting Center
  • Hall of Fame Marina
  • Las Olas Municipal Marina
  • The Sails Marina
  • Fort Lauderdale Hilton Marina
  • Pier 66 Marina

SPECIAL EVENTS
There are plenty of special events for the whole family at this year’s show, including kids fishing clinics, boating skills courses, sportfishing seminars and the Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo. More information on Special Events.

TICKETS
You can buy tickets at the show or online for $29 for one day or $52.50 for a 2 day pass. Children ages 6 to 15 are $12 and children under 6 are free. The busiest days are Saturday and Sunday, so if you don’t like the crowds try to go Wednesday, Thursday or Friday morning. The Primetime Preview on Wednesday is more expensive ($46.50), but worth it if you want the first chance to buy your dream boat. Yes, the good ones do sell early in the show, especially if the weather is good.

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
Parking close by can be difficult and expensive, so consider taking Uber or a taxi, especially if you want to be at the Bahia Mar, Hall of Fame and Pier 66 Marinas. Another good option is to park at the convention center and take the bus or water shuttle to the marinas. You can also jump on the water taxi from any stop in Fort Lauderdale and connect to all of the boat show locations. All day water taxi passes are only $15. Valet parking is also available at the Las Olas Marina for $70 or at Galleria Mall for $10. From the Galleria Mall you can walk to the Gallery One Doubletree Hotel and take the water taxi from there.

BOAT SHOW SCHEDULE
November 1st to November 5th, 2017

Prime Time Preview:
Wednesday, November 1st, Noon – 7:00 p.m.

General Admission:
Thursday, November 2nd, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, November 3rd, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 4th, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 5th, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

TICKETS: $29 (Prime Time Preview is $46.50)

Go to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show web site for more information

IF YOU BUY A BOAT AND NEED A NEW HOME WITH A DOCK, PLEASE GIVE US A CALL OR VISIT OUR WATERFRONT REAL ESTATE WEB SITE

Blog Author:

Rich Barnhart

Rich is the broker and owner of By The Sea Realty and a frequent contributor to the company's real estate blog.
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