A few weeks ago, Scott and I headed to the SoFlo Boat Show in Miami. This was the 2nd annual show and it was located at the historic Miami Marine Stadium. Nestled on Virginia Key, the Miami Marine Stadium has a rich history dating back to 1963, renowned for its iconic modernist design by architect Hilario Candela. Originally built for powerboat racing, it quickly became a versatile venue hosting concerts, sporting events, and more. After decades of disuse and a successful restoration effort, the stadium now serves as a vibrant hub for events like the So Flo Boat Show, attracting boating enthusiasts from around the world to explore the latest in maritime technology and watercraft.
The SoFlo Boat Show Set-up
The show ended up being much bigger than we expected. They had a large indoor tent, which was air conditioned and much needed as the real-feel for that day was about 105 degrees!
Inside they had your boat accessories and run about boats under 42′. Outside, they had a huge selection of food vendors, plus others miscellaneous vendors including clothing, grills and much more.
Yachts on the Docks
There were about six finger piers with about 20 boats on each dock in the marina. Scott and I headed over to the first dock to work our way to the other end. Along the way, we found these awesome floating chairs. I should have caught the name of the manufacturer, but I forgot to.
The first two yachts we looked at were the Okean 57 and the 52. Okean Yachts, renowned for their innovative design and superior craftsmanship, are revolutionizing the luxury yacht market. With a commitment to blending contemporary aesthetics with functionality, Okean Yachts offer unparalleled open-space concepts and seamless integration with the ocean environment. These Brazilian-built yachts are celebrated for their expansive deck areas, innovative fold-out terraces, and luxurious interiors, making them a top choice for discerning boating enthusiasts. Experience the ultimate in maritime elegance and cutting-edge design with Okean Yachts, where every voyage becomes an extraordinary adventure.
What to Expect at SoFlo
Most of the boats in the marina were under 40′ and were center consoles or runabouts. It was so hot that we could barely stay outside. In addition, since we had to remove our shoes to tour most of the boats, our feet were burning from the teak or synthetic teak in the sun.
On Display Inside the Tent
Thank God the A/C was on full blast as everyone was dripping wet walking around outside. Scott and I have not spent much time on any center console, and we were able to tour a gorgeous Bahama Boat Works 41GT center console. Be sure to tune in to our YouTube channel for that tour!
We did tour an NX 360 cruiser, which reminded us a little bit of a Regal or Sea Ray Sundancer. The finishes were not quite the quality though.
At the end of the day, we’re glad we checked it out. We were there about 2 hours, enjoyed a great lunch and learned something new (Miami Marine Stadium) once again. If you’re in the market for a center console, this is a great show to attend. They were providing sea trials for serious buyers too.
As always, thank you for following blog. Please be sure to follow us on our YouTube channel (link below) and on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.
Cheers, Scott and Ally