Boat Shows Archives

February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

Miami International Boat Show 2026

Scott and I attended the Miami International Boat Show, also known as MIBS last weekend. Luckily for me, I don’t have to actually work this show. This year was totally new in regards to the locations. Since 2016, the main yacht display has been at Herald Plaza off of the causeway and the sailboats were just down the road from there. Back in 2015, the yachts were displayed at Collins Avenue, which ironically is when Scott and I attended the Miami Boat Show. Apparently, the organizers of the show back then, sold the group to the current organizers and this year, they tried something new.

Getting to the Miami International Boat Show

Getting to MIBS is not as easy as you think. First Scott and I took Brightline from Fort Lauderdale to Miami. The boat show, did offer shuttle buses from Brightline, so we took a shuttle to Sailor’s Cove at IGY Marina to start our tour.

At Sailor’s Cove, they had about 30+ yachts, and all, but two of them were catamarans.

Our first tour was a Heysea 50′ sailing cat. They will be making this same model in a power version and we actually loved this yacht. You can watch the full tour in the coming weeks on our YouTube channel.

Then we took a quick peak at their 60′ cat. It was huge and had six staterooms!

In Search of Collins Avenue

Scott looked at one monohull sailing boat and we’ll bring that tour to you on our YouTube. I wasn’t really into jumping on any monohulls, so after about an hour at Sailor’s Cove we headed to Collins Avenue. Once again, there was a shuttle waiting for us and these are nice shuttles! Not school bus shuttles at all. The drive took about 20 minutes and they dropped us off at the halfway point. One thing I noticed right away was there were no food vendors inside the show, nor any portable restrooms. They had only a handful of very small restrooms (still the luxury kind) on the outside of the show.

Our first stop at Collins Avenue at the Miami International Boat Show was Sunseeker. My former employer as they always welcome us. On display they had a gorgeous Sunseeker 80 Enclosed Yacht and only those with brokers were being allowed on. We had the VIP tour all to ourselves and you will want to tune in to that tour! At only 80′ she has the volume of a 100′ yacht.

Looking for a Loop Boat

Well, the Sunseeker 80 certainly is not a Loop Boat, so we were on a mission to find a boat with a flybridge. Low and behold we come upon a brand new boat to the market called Northman 1300 trawler. Shockingly, the price brand new was only $562,000 all in (but without a bimini). These are diesel powered inboards and really perfect for the loop.

Still in Search Of

The sun was getting hotter than we expected and we were in search of another trawler with a flybridge. We did stop at Jeanneau and looked at one model, but at the end of the day, it had gasoline outboards and really steep steps. Not my thing at all.

So we kept on walking in search of something. But Collins Avenue and the Miami International Boat Show is not the place to look for a trawler.

This yacht comes with a side garage for your matching jet ski!

Did We Find a Loop Boat at the Miami International Boat Show?

When we were down at Jeanneau, they recommended we take a second look (we’ve looked many times in the past) at the Swift Trawler. First one we looked at was the 41 Fly which came with twin diesels and a price of $1m new.

But soon the 54 Fly caught my eye! I loved the spacious salon and galley. The staterooms were roomy with lots of storage and the flybridge was easily accessible from the interior with easy to walk up steps.

But unfortunately at $2.3 million this yacht is out of our price range. Maybe we’ll just buy one of these cute tenders and cruise up and down the New River?

Off to the Miami Convention Center

Since we didn’t find anything (yachts, food or restrooms) at Collins Avenue, it was time to head to the Miami Convention Center. Once again, a shuttle took us there in about 25 minutes. Once you arrive, the first thing you come upon is Pride Park with all of the water toys.

It was almost 2pm and we were absolutely starving, so the first thing we did was go straight into the convention center to look for a food vendor. We found a Cuban stand and grabbed a couple of empanadas and croquettes. Time to walk around and see if we might find anything with a fly bridge.

Regal 42 FXO

Low and behold, we actually stumbled upon a 42′ Regal with a fly bridge. It was very narrow and did not look very comfortable. Plus it had gasoline outboards, but it was worth the look.

Looking down on the show from the upper pavilion reminded me so much of the Seattle Boat Show and the Union Marine display.

The upper pavilion has all of your suppliers and vendors. Everything from life rafts to wooden surfboards – you will find what you are looking for here.

The irony of the day, was we noticed a huge sign on the wall that said “Food Court”. So we decided to check it out, and we entered a very large food court. They were selling anything from hamburgers, tacos, salads, pizza, noodles and sandwiches. Who knew!?

That’s a Wrap

After seven long hours, we were done for the day! Gosslings Rum had a nice open air bar (where again you could order more food! LOL) and we sat and enjoyed a cold glass of wine before heading back to the Brightline station. At the end of the day, it was pretty productive. Be sure to tune in and watch our upcoming tours.

As always, thank you for following our journey! Be sure to subscribe to our channel and on social at @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

February 12, 2026February 12, 2026

Stuart Boat Show 2026

Last weekend, Scott and I headed north to the Stuart Boat Show to see what this long running Florida boat show is all about and what kind of boats and exhibitors it attracts. The drive from South Florida took us about an hour and a half on a Sunday which was an easy and scenic trip up the coast.

Where the Stuart Boat Show is Located

The Stuart Boat Show is held in downtown Stuart Florida along the St Lucie River. The event is typically centered around Flagler Park and the Stuart Riverwalk area which makes it very walkable and easy to navigate. With docks directly on the river and exhibitor tents set up on land it creates a nice mix of boats and products all in one compact location.

Stuart itself is often called the Sailfish Capital of the World and has deep boating roots with easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway the Atlantic Ocean and the Okeechobee Waterway which is why boating events like this are a natural fit for the area.

A Little History of the Stuart Boat Show

The Stuart Boat Show has been around for decades and has grown into a staple boating event on the Treasure Coast. While it does not compete in size with major South Florida shows like Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beach it serves a very specific boating audience. The show is geared toward local boaters fishermen cruisers and buyers looking for practical boats they can actually use in Florida waters.

Over the years the show has evolved but it has remained more of a regional community focused boat show rather than a luxury yacht showcase.

The Size and Layout of the Stuart Boat Show

Compared to Trawlerfest in Stuart, which previously only had about seven tents and roughly twelve boats, the Stuart Boat Show was noticeably larger. That said it is still considered a small boat show overall.

There were approximately

30 indoor exhibitors
30 outdoor tents and booths
4 docks filled with boats

Most of the boats on display were center consoles which clearly shows where the demand is in this market. Our main goal attending the Stuart Boat Show was to look for Great Loop capable boats. While there were not many trawlers or loop friendly cruisers on display we were able to tour one boat that really fit the bill.

Touring a 40′ Mainship Trawler

The highlight of the day for us was touring a 40 foot Mainship Trawler. This boat was a 2007 model and surprisingly it smelled perfectly fine which is always a big deal when stepping aboard an older trawler. Watch our Youtube episode (link below) for a tour of her.

Mainship trawlers are extremely popular for the Great Loop and for good reason. Mainship was known for building efficient comfortable and practical cruising boats that offered great interior volume without excessive draft or height. Many Mainship models can clear bridges handle inland waterways and still cruise comfortably on open water.

They were built with simplicity in mind and are often praised for their fuel efficiency reliable systems and owner friendly layouts. Even though Mainship is no longer in production their boats remain highly sought after on the brokerage market especially by Loopers.

Larger Yachts at the Show

We walked all of the docks and spotted about six to eight larger yachts in the sixty to seventy five foot range. One that stood out was a 65 foot Pacific Mariner. Unfortunately the weather had other plans.

When we arrived in Stuart the conditions were rough with winds around forty five miles per hour. The Pacific Mariner was being blown off the dock so aggressively that boarding was not possible. It was disappointing but also a reminder of how weather can quickly change plans at any boat show.

Food and Drinks at the Stuart Boat Show

One thing the Stuart Boat Show did very well was food and beverage options. There was a large barbecue setup operating like a portable restaurant serving hot food and drawing a steady crowd. Along with food, you had access to a number of lounges.

In addition there were plenty of liquor vendors offering samples including tequila vodka rum whiskey and hard seltzers. It definitely added a fun festival atmosphere to the show and gave attendees plenty of places to stop and take a break.

Final Thoughts of the Stuart Boat Show

Scott and I are glad we attended the Stuart Boat Show because now we know exactly what kind of boats and exhibitors are typically on display. While it is not the show to attend if you are shopping for trawlers cruising yachts or large motoryachts it absolutely delivers for a specific buyer.

If you are in the market for a 30 foot center console or a similar day boat or fishing platform this is your show. The selection and variety of center consoles alone make it worth the trip.

As always Boating Journey is about seeing the real world boating experience and sharing honest takeaways. The Stuart Boat Show may be small but it serves its purpose and now it is officially on our radar. Stay tuned for more boat shows boat tours and real world boating adventures.

Thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our YouTube channel (link below). You can also follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

April 15, 2025April 15, 2025

Exploring Future Dreams at Trawlerfest Fort Lauderdale

Last month, Scott and I made our way down to the beautiful Bahia Mar Marina in Fort Lauderdale for Trawlerfest 2025, and wow, what a great event! This was our second time attending a Trawlerfest (our first was in Stuart, FL back in 2023), and while this one was still smaller than the Pacific Northwest version, it definitely delivered. With around 20 yachts on display and a prime location right on the iconic Fort Lauderdale waterfront, it was well worth the trip.

As many of you know, our long-term goal is to purchase a trawler and take on the Great Loop. So every boat show we attend now has a purpose—we’re no longer just admiring yachts for fun (okay, maybe a little of that), but really digging into the features that are important to us and how we envision living aboard for an extended period of time.

Yachts Toured

We toured a number of yachts, but a few stood out that we wanted to share:

🛥 Greenline 39
This compact cruiser caught our attention for its efficient design and eco-friendly hybrid power option. It’s a great example of how less can be more—plenty of smart storage, clean lines, and thoughtful use of space. But for our loop plans, it might be a bit tight in terms of long-term liveability.

🛥 Swift Trawler 54
The Swift Trawler series has been on our radar for a while, and stepping aboard the 54 confirmed why. The open salon layout and integrated galley gave us that homey feeling, and the modern touches didn’t hurt either. It’s a bit larger than what we’re aiming for, but we loved the up galley and easy access to the flybridge—no ladders, thank you!

🛥 Leopard 53 Powercat
Okay, catamarans aren’t what we initially envisioned for the Loop, but this Leopard 53 was impressive. The wide-open entertainment spaces and visibility from the salon to the aft deck were unmatched. Still, the beam was over 25 feet, which wouldn’t work for some of the narrower locks and marinas along the Loop. But it gave us great ideas for what we want in terms of layout and flow.

Important Yacht Features

As we continue the search, we’ve gotten really clear on what matters to us:

Up galleys that connect with the salon
No ladders to the flybridge (stairs only, please!)
Open entertainment spaces that feel connected
Asymmetrical walkarounds for maximizing interior space
Boats under 18’ in beam and no longer than 50’

Trawlerfest was a fantastic checkpoint in this journey—it gave us a chance to talk to other cruisers, brokers, and manufacturers, and to physically step aboard boats we’ve only seen online.

Be sure to stay tuned as we will be bringing you some more great tours from the Palm Beach Boat Show. Plus, we have some exciting summer trips planned, so stay tuned for more adventures and yacht tours.

As always, thank you for following our journey and for all of your support. Our YouTube channel now has over 21,000 subscribers and we are humbled by everyone rallying behind us. We promise you, we will be back on the water soon! Be sure to follow us on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney too!

Cheers, Scott and Ally

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025

St Petersburg Boat Show 2025

Last month in January, we had the opportunity to attend the St. Petersburg Boat Show for the first time, and what an experience it was! As always, we documented our adventure for Boating Journey, and you can look forward to some great yacht tours on our YouTube channel, including a Marquis, a Sunseeker, and a Marlow.

Exploring the Show

We arrived at the show on Friday around noon and spent the afternoon exploring until about 3:30 p.m. One of the standout features of this show is its walkability. At the entrance, we found an impressive display of boats on trailers, including popular brands like Axopar and various tenders.

On the water, the show consisted of around 150 boats, though only about 15 of them were over 65 feet in length. The majority of the vessels on display were center consoles and day boats, making this an ideal show for those in the market for a sleek, fast ride. Among the many impressive center consoles, we took note of stunning models from Intrepid, Mystique, and Valhalla.

The Marlow 53

Scott and I made an appointment to tour the Marlow 53 (see episode for the impromptu tour). This was an impressive yacht with great offshore capabilities.

One of the highlights of the show was our tour of a Marlow yacht. We were absolutely captivated by its craftsmanship, spacious layout, and liveaboard potential. The tour reignited our dream of finding the perfect boat to complete the Great Loop. The search is officially on!

An Unforgettable Evening in St. Pete

After wrapping up our first day at the show, we headed to Stillwater Tavern for dinner. Just as we were finishing our meal, something unexpected happened—St. Pete experienced a complete power outage! The entire downtown core went dark, bringing an abrupt end to our evening.

Day Two: Boats, Exhibitors, and Great Food

Saturday morning started with a hearty breakfast at Cassis—though at $84 for two people, it was definitely one of the pricier breakfasts we’ve had. Fueled and ready for the day, we made our way back to the show.

We spent time walking the docks, reconnecting with my former colleagues at OneWater Yacht Group, and exploring the exhibitor tents. Inside the tents, we found a diverse selection of marine gear and accessories, including paddle boards, life rafts, and boat club memberships. Whether you’re outfitting a new boat or just looking for fun water toys, this area had something for everyone.

After the show, we stumbled upon the St. Pete Farmer’s Market. After checking it out, we walked to the pier and grabbed lunch at Spa Beach Bistro and enjoyed pizza and chicken tenders.

Then we walked all the way to the end and enjoyed a cocktail at Teak, while watching the mini sailboats race. It was funny to see a Tiki Boat motoring by in choppy seas.

We wish we could have spent more time exploring St. Pete. There is so much to see and do. Just outside the entrance of the pier, across from the Stillwater Tavern, you’ll find this old Bombax Tree. It was impressive.

That evening, we enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner at BellaBrava—highly recommended if you’re in the area. To cap off the night, we visited the Dracula Bar, which turned out to be a fantastic experience. If you haven’t been, put it on your list for next time!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never attended the St. Petersburg Boat Show, it’s definitely worth visiting at least once. It’s a well-organized, walkable event with a strong focus on center consoles and day boats. Plus, with St. Pete’s fantastic dining and nightlife, there’s plenty to do beyond the docks.

Stay tuned for our upcoming yacht tours on YouTube, and as always, thanks for following along on our Boating Journey! Please be sure to subscribe to both our YouTube channel and boating blog and follow us on social @boatingjourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

June 9, 2024June 22, 2024

SoFlo Boat Show 2024

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

February 25, 2024February 25, 2024

Miami International Boat Show 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

September 10, 2023September 10, 2023

Looking for our Land Yacht at the Palm Beach RV Show 2023

Last month, Scott and I headed north to attend the Palm Reach RV Show. This was only the second RV show we have ever attended and it was eye-opening. The show was actually put on by La Mesa RV at the Palm Beach Fair Grounds.

Sprinter Vans

Since the weather has been so hot and rainy, we wanted to find an activity indoors and this was the perfect way to spend a Sunday! First we started with the Sprinter or Class-B vans.

These are the type of vans that most van life YouTubers are living out of. It may look glamorous on YouTube, but after looking at these, there is no way I could live in one.

Scott and I looked at the largest sprinter van and it had an unique set-up. The head (is that what you call it on an RV?) was located in the rear of the rv. This one just seemed very long and didn’t have a lot of storage. The pull down sink was pretty clever.

Revel RVs are rugged and meant to go off-roading. The interior is made to simply get you to your destination with the minimal comforts inside. Surprisingly, the can run over $200k!

Class-A RVs

We only toured a few of the Class-A buses as they were popular and pretty crowded. Honestly, after touring a few, we realized we probably would not want one, as they are really long and could be hard to park. But we found a few that certainly had the comforts of home!

This RV had an island and a dining table! Keep in mind, these Class-A buses had the slide outs completely out, making them look really roomy. However, when they are compact, it would be hard to move past the island.

Class-C Rvs

Next we ventured onto Class-C RVs and these seem to be more of our type. They are not too big to maneuver and you can still easily park them. Here are a couple that were interesting, but not necessarily our type.

The RV below has a murphy bed, so you would have to make the bed every day and put it away. It did have lots of counter space however.

The RV below here, had a premade bed, but you will notice, there was no privacy between the bed and the kitchen.

Our favorite Class-C RVs

After touring a few, we stumbled upon two RVs we really liked: The Entegra and the Thor Motor Coach. These were both around 25′ long and they had lots of comforts in side, plus outdoor entertaining outside. Below is the Entegra Odyssey and it had a price tag of $127,000.

The Entegra RV also had a murphy bed behind the couch and it faced a large tv and fireplace. However, there was no privacy for the bed, so you would have to install some kind of curtain.

Our favorite of all of the RV’s was the Thor Motor Coach 25′. This retailed for $122,000 and it had all of the comforts we love. The bed was a full walk around, it had movie theater seats facing a large tv.

I think buying an RV when we retire could definitely be something we would do, if we don’t buy a boat. It would allow us to travel and enjoy the adventure, just on land. Plus we were surprised by how affordable they are compared to yachts.

As always, thank you for following our journey! Please subscribe to our blog and share your comments. You can watch the full episode on our YouTube channel (see link below) and please follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Coming up we tour some famous sites in South Florida and we’ll bring you along!

Cheers, Scott and Ally

May 21, 2023May 21, 2023

2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show

This year, Scott and I were able to attend the 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show together. Last year, he was still in Seattle and for the past year, I’m always working a show. In March I left OneWater Yacht Group to join 26 North Yachts as their CMO, so I had time off to attend the show with Scott.

Just like last year, the weather was hot and unforgiving. We arrived to the show when they opened and walked the super yachts first.

This is a very upscale show and here you can find not only your next yacht, but your Bentley too.

Vendor Tents at 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show

As you can see by the map below, there are a few vendor tents at the 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show, but not nearly the size as the ones at the Fort Lauderdale or Miami International Boat Shows.

Check out this cool “bar set” from Docktails. Next boat we get, we are installing this!

So many cool things at the 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show

From vintage yachts, to slick cruisers to fast boats; you will find everything at the Palm Beach Show. Since the layout is not nearly the size (Thank God) as Fort Lauderdale, you can cover the entire show in one day easily.

Since the layout is not nearly the size (Thank God) as Fort Lauderdale, you can cover the entire show in one day easily. That was especially nice, since it was so hot the day we attended.

2017 Hatteras 75′ Tour

Scott and I were able to tour so many awesome yachts and we were thrilled to get a tour of this 2017 Hatteras M75 yacht featured by 26 North Yachts. As you know, we’ve toured two other Hatteras yachts – one was a hoarder home and the other was an older 52′ Hatteras. This yacht at the show, was absolutely stunning and we could definitely live on this boat. For a full tour, be sure to check out our YouTube episode posted this week (see video at the end of this blog).

The 2017 Hatteras M75 Yacht offers a sleek and contemporary design, spacious living areas, and exquisite finishes. With its four beautifully appointed staterooms, expansive flybridge, and advanced navigation systems, the M75 delivers an unforgettable yachting experience. Discover the epitome of elegance and comfort on the water with the 2017 Hatteras M75 Yacht.

After leaving OneWater Yacht Group, I took some time off before joining 26 North Yachts. Scott and I took a last minute vacation to Barbados, so be sure to tune in to follow us on that adventure.

As always, thank you for following our blog! Be sure to subscribe to our blog and YouTube channel for future tours and adventures. You can also follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

May 6, 2023May 8, 2023

Trawlerfest in Stuart Florida!

Back in March, Scott and I attended Trawlerfest in Stuart, FL. Trawlerfest is a big event in the PNW and we have never been before, so we thought this would give us a great opportunity to tour some trawlers. Recreational trawler boats are typically designed for long-distance cruising at a slower pace, with a focus on fuel efficiency, comfort, and safety. They are often equipped with a displacement hull, which allows them to travel at low speeds while using less fuel. As a result, they are very slow and their cruising speed is less than 10 knots, which is why we haven’t been interested in buying one.

We decided to head to Stuart, FL to check out the town and see what Trawlerfest had to offer. Stuart is less than 2 hours north of Fort Lauderdale. Trawlerfest was held on Hutchison Island, west of the city at a very small marina. Scott and I stayed at the Marriott Hutchison Island Golf Resort, so we could walk to the boat show.

Trawlerfest in Florida

When we arrived to the show, it was not what we were expecting. Remember, for the past year we have been attending major large shows like Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach.

They had a simple check-in tent with a few surrounding vendors in the hotel’s parking lot. (not sure why the first few photos have a strange filter on them, making them look like they are from the 1960’s?)

The actual boat show, was only on the first dock (this photo is actually pretty old, as the other dock was ruined by a storm).

Touring the boats

Overall, there were about twelve boats to tour at the show. There were a couple of Nordic Tugs (see our most viewed video here, where Jeff lives on a 32′ tug). In addition, there was an old Californian, a new Fleming, Greenline and a Ranger Tug.

The first boat we toured was a Ranger Tug. Having never been on one, we were actually pleasantly surprised by its features. The galley offered plenty of space, a large fridge and freezer and lots of daylight.

Under the settee, you will find a pantry and the washer/dryer!

1989 48′ Californian

Next we decided to tour a 1989 Californian. This boat really reminded us of the Ponderosa we stayed on in Gig Harbor, WA back in December 2021. For 48′ this yacht had the space and feel of a 60′ yacht.

Though this was a 1989, she was in very good condition. In fact, the owners actually live aboard this yacht and it shows the love they have given her.

The salon was nice and roomy, the galley had tons of space and the master stateroom had a full walk around bed.

2016 Fleming 65′

When Scott and I first moved into our slip at Elliott Bay Marina, we became friends with our neighbors Doug and Jules who owned a 75′ Custom Delta. Jules was an avid yachter and always told us to buy a Fleming (she doesn’t know our budget! LOL). This yacht is for sale for $3,800,00. Finally, we had the opportunity to tour one and it did not disappoint.

The galley was bigger than our kitchen in our apartment! Imagine the spread you could put on this counter?

This yacht had an 11′ center console tender on the flybridge, yet there was still plenty of room up top.

2003 Nordic Tug 42/44

I have a friend who lives near Jupiter, so I texted her to see if she would be at the show (because she is in the marine business) and she replied that she was not going, but that her dad had his 42′ Nordic Tug in the show. Scott and I were talking as we walked towards the dock and I said “we need to find Sea Gypsy, that’s Katie’s dad’s boat”. Suddenly, the man in front of us, turned around and said “I’m Katie’s dad”. LOL! He and his wife are from the PNW and recently finished cruising the Great Loop. Now they are heading home and selling their tug.

For only 32′ this tug has tons of big boat space! It’s perfect for just two people.

If it had been closer to Fort Lauderdale and had a slip, we would definitely consider buying her!

That’s a wrap!

The entire show took us about an hour to tour. Since it was a smaller show, the boats tended to get pretty crowded and we didn’t feel like fighting the crowds on all of them.

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

After the boat show, we walked about a mile to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. This is a 57-acre marine life nature center. When we arrived, they were feeding sting rays and we got to feed them by hand!

We then walked the nature trail to the ocean. The walk took about 15 minutes and was pretty cool. However, be sure to wear your bug spray!

There is lots of information when you reach the beach and you can continue to walk down the beach. We chose to turn around and go back.

Back at the nature center, you can walk all around the turtle sanctuary.

If you haven’t been to Stuart Florida, I will tell you it’s a very sleepy town. There’s not much to do, especially on Hutchison Island. Your only option for dining on the island is the restaurant at the Marriott or another cafe’ which was only open for lunch. It did look like a great place to play golf and just unwind. I don’t think we’ll be heading to Stuart anytime soon.

As always, thank you for following our journey! Please subscribe to our blog and our YouTube Channel (link below). Follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Soon, we’ll be heading to the Palm Beach Boat Show and then Barbados! So tune in.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

April 9, 2023April 9, 2023

Quick update on Boating Journey

Since our last post, a lot has happened and we wanted to give you a quick update. Right after the Miami Boat Show, I (Ally) spent three days in Miami on a photo shoot for Sunseeker. Then in March, Scott and I attended Trawlerfest in Stuart, FL and the Palm Beach International Boat Show. In the upcoming episodes and blogs, we’ll go into details and take you on some great tours.

In addition, I accepted a new position as Chief Marketing Officer with 26 North Yachts here in Fort Lauderdale. Since it will be a while before I can take any vacations, we took a week off and headed to Barbados (more on that later).

Boat Tours and Trips

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be bringing you lots of great boat tours, including a Sunreef 68 Catamaran, Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht, Fontaine Pajot 67, Leopard 53 Catamaran and much more. We’ll also take you on a quick tour of both boat shows and bring you along on trip to Barbados.

As always, thank you for following our journey. Be sure to subscribe to our channel (link below) and blog to stay updated. You can also follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally