Month: February 2023

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Miami International Boat Show 2023

Earlier this month, Scott and I attended the Miami International Boat Show for the first time. We did come down here in 2015, but that year we could only find the display on Collins Avenue. That was the last year the show had a display on Collins. I was working the show, so I arrived on Sunday, February 12th to help set up the show. It really is amazing how the show actually comes together. I had a great view from my room at the Marriott of One Herald Plaza and the Venetian Marina.

At the Venetian Marina, we found a Sunreef Power Catamaran. Scott took a tour of it, which you can see on our YouTube channel next week. Apparently, the interior was very interesting, so tune in.

Big Yachts & Huge Displays

I was working in the Sunseeker display and this was the largest display they have had in over 30 years. In addition, we had on display a Sunseeker 90 Ocean and 95 Yacht. Now a days, seeing a large yacht doesn’t seem to phase me.

One thing that is different about Florida boat shows compared to others, like Seattle is the displays include luxury buildings and VIP lounges.

Beyond Yachts

Comparing the Miami Show to the Fort Lauderdale show, I would say the on-the-water show was smaller and more intimidate. They had a large tent with vendors and places to dine (where Fort Lauderdale didn’t have the food court per se). To access the Windward VIP lounge, you had to purchase a VIP ticket.

Scott did a great job showcasing all of the different vendors in our latest episode, to so be sure to watch it.

Miami Beach Convention Center

I had a breakfast later in the week at the Miami Beach Convention Center and then I walked the show. Even though I’m used to an indoor show, everything in this display seemed bigger.

Yachts After Dark

On Friday night, IYBA hosted a “Yachts After Dark” event. Here displays who participated hosted guests with cool lighting, cocktails and appetizers.

If you haven’t been to the Miami Boat Show, I definitely recommend it. In fact, Scott was able to meet up with the new owners of our Bayliner 4087, who were attending the show from Seattle. There’s so much to see and the venues are great.

One highlight for me, was meeting Captain Sandy in my hotel. I’m currently reading her book “Be the Calm, or Be the Storm” and it’s a fantastic read.

As always, thank you for following our journey. Next week, Scott will take you on some great yacht tours and we have some cool trips coming up including Trawlerfest in Stuart, FL. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel (video below) and follow us on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

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Taking the Water Taxi to Hollywood

Last weekend Scott and I took the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi down to Hollywood, FL. It was a pretty cool trip down the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway).

The entire trip took about 45 minutes. We picked up our first water taxi in DT Fort Lauderdale, at Los Olas (about 2 blocks from our home). Then we transferred to the Hollywood water taxi at the 17th Street stop.

Sight seeing tour

The Fort Lauderdale water taxi is a great way to see the famous sites in Fort Lauderdale. In fact, my college roommate was just here and she took it for the first time. It is a great mode of transportation, but remember that it is also a sight seeing tour, so they announce the sites along the way.

After we transferred to the Hollywood water taxi, we passed by Port Everglades. This is the largest container port in Florida and the 3rd largest cruise terminal in the world.

The super-sized cranes at the Port are the largest of their kind in the world at 175′ and valued at $13.8 million each.

Along the route, you’ll pass by mangroves and marinas. We were hoping to see some manatees, but no luck.

What to see and do in Hollywood, FL.

Once you arrive in Hollywood, you’ll walk across the street and head towards the beach. Here you will find Margaritaville Beach Resort with plenty of dining, shopping and activities.

Finally, we arrived at the Hollywood Broadwalk (yes, broadwalk, not boardwalk). This is lined with shopping, restaurants and rental stores. You could spend all day here, laying by the beach, renting a bike or shopping.

We were shocked to find this artifact! Watch the video (link below) to find out what we think it is.

So if you are looking for a fun way to explore Fort Lauderdale, the ICW and Hollywood Beach, I highly recommend the Water Taxi!