February 2024

This year I was able to actually attend the Miami International Boat Show aka “DBMIBS” as my company didn’t have a display. Scott and I attended on Saturday and we visited three of the displays, including the in-water yacht show at Herald Plaza, the sailboat display and the convention center.

What the Miami Int’l Boat Show Offers

The Miami International Boat Show stands as a premier event, embodying the epitome of marine excellence and innovation. Hosted annually in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida, this nautical extravaganza is a haven for boating enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Boasting an expansive showcase of the latest watercraft, marine accessories, and cutting-edge technologies, the event offers an immersive experience for attendees eager to explore the forefront of maritime advancements.

With its strategic location at the Herald Plaza and Grande Haven marina the show provides a picturesque backdrop for the unveiling of the most coveted boats and yachts in the market. Attendees can expect a diverse array of exhibitors, from renowned boat manufacturers to accessory providers, creating a comprehensive platform that caters to every aspect of the marine lifestyle. From luxury vessels to innovative water sports gear, the Miami International Boat Show is a one-stop-shop for all things maritime.

Beyond the exhibit halls, the event fosters a dynamic atmosphere with educational seminars, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a first-time boat buyer, or an industry insider, the Miami International Boat Show promises an unparalleled experience, blending the excitement of discovering new products with the picturesque beauty of Miami’s waterfront. Immerse yourself in the world of boating at this internationally acclaimed event, where passion for the sea meets the latest in marine excellence.

Cool New Products!

How cute are these Fiat boats? Could you imagine Scott and I cruising the New River in one of these and how people would react? They come in a variety of colors and start at about $122k.

Inside the convention center we came upon an electric outboard by Acel that can really get up to speed.

Need to get somewhere fast? Well six Mercury 600 Verados will help you get there!

Sailing Boat Display

From the power boat display, Scott and I took the water taxi over to the sailboat display. This is a single dock display and as a result, it was pretty crowded. We did get to tour a Dufour sailboat, which we’ll share in a few weeks.

Upcoming Boat Tours

Scott and I toured five yachts and we’ll be bringing those tours to you over the next few weeks. Our next show will the the Palm Beach International Boat Show and unfortunately I have to work this show, as we (26 North Yachts) will have two displays.

We are also headed up to Charleston, SC and we are excited to visit this city for the first time. Be sure to tune in to follow along our journey.

As always, thank you for following our journey. Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our YouTube channel (see link below). Follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

Last week Scott and I attended the Pompano Beach Nautical Flea Market, a captivating event that promises to be a haven for nautical enthusiasts and landlubbers alike. Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Pompano Beach, this vibrant market invites you to navigate through a sea of stalls teeming with maritime treasures and unique finds. Whether you’re an avid boater in search of essential accessories or a coastal aficionado seeking distinctive home decor, the Pompano Beach Nautical Flea Market guarantees an unforgettable experience for all. Join us in this maritime extravaganza where the scent of saltwater mingles with the thrill of exploration, promising a day filled with excitement, discovery, and the allure of the open sea.

If you want it, they have it

There were so many tables, vendors and booths that it was almost overwhelming. As you walk in, you will find fishing gear and boats on trailers.

The Pompano Beach nautical flea market is a great place to find spare parts, unique gifts and unusual finds. We found a vendor selling really old outboard cowlings for $40!

Cool New Finds

Scott and I also found some new inventions and met a new author along the way. The first invention was this drink caddy for the sand bar. Hmmm, not sure what to make of this? The guy tried to give us one for free- LOL.

The next invention was the Can-n-Rod caddy and this was another interesting and confusing product. Apparently it holds your fishing rod and it floats.

This new product is called the Body Glove and it is a paddle board that holds up to four people. Pretty cool!

If you are looking for spare parts, look no further! You can find port holes, handles, covers, you name it – they had it.

Great venue to buy your holiday gifts

The flea market offers more than just marine parts, but you can find clothing, gifts, books and other great finds for the landlubber.

There was certainly no shortage of pink flamingo or beach sign gifts!

This vendor creates coffee tables with wood from ancient sunken ships. How cool is that!?

Another Great Sailing Book!

I was so excited to come upon author, Rebecca Berger who just published her first book “Sailing Ohana”. She and her family sailed New Zealand for over five years after quitting the rat race. I haven’t started the book yet, but I’m sure it’s fantastic!

Food, Booze and Other Fun Stuff

The nautical flea market had no shortages of food vendors or bar vendors. You can grab lunch and a beer and continue shopping.

Scott and I will definitely attend the Pompano Beach Nautical Flea Market again. There was so much stuff and we were on sensory overload this trip. If you own a boat and you are looking for spare parts, this is the market to attend (next to the Florida Keys flea market which is even bigger!)

Pompano Beach Pier

Scott and I headed to the Pompano Beach Pier for lunch and to visit for the first time. We’ve lived in Fort Lauderdale for two years and had yet to visit Pompano Beach which is only 20 minutes north of us.

The pelicans were taking advantage of the sun and getting warm. Believe it or not, the winds were kicking up and it was down right chilly on the pier.

As always, thank you for following our blog! Please be sure to watch our YouTube episode of the flea market (link below) and follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. We’ll be heading to the Miami Boat Show in two weeks, so we’ll see you there!