Miami International Boat Show opens across six locations
The Miami International Boat Show 2024 is preparing to open across Miami and Miami Beach, running from today (14 February) until February 18 across six locations.
The five-day boat show, which is held in partnership with Informa Markets, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA), is the first major show this year in the US. There will be more than 1,000 boats, from kayaks to superyachts, on display, with more than 1,000 exhibitors and up to 100,000 visitors expected during the week.
“We are excited to kick off the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show at the renowned Miami Beach Convention Center,” says Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows with Informa Markets.
“At the heart of the show’s design, the MBCC takes centre stage, offering a world-class setting that is instrumental in creating an unforgettable event. Starting your boat show journey at MBCC makes for a seamless experience and provides attendees an opportunity to travel to each show location effortlessly.”
The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) is one of the starting points for this show. The convention centre is hosting thousands of new boats, including a range of world debuts and immersive experiences.
Highlights of the show this year include Victorious from the Turkish yard, AKYacht. At 84.7m it’s set to be the largest yacht at MIBS 2024 — and is on sale for a cool $129m.
Riva is bringing its new 82 Diva flybridge to MIBS for its US debut, after the 25m vessel premiered at Cannes in 2023. Alongside, Ferretti Group is also introducing the Itama 62RS, an open yacht with sporty lines, to the US market for the first time at MIBS.
Australian motor yacht builder, Riviera, will host the Americas premiere of the new 58 Sports Motor Yacht. Meanwhile, Chris-Craft is unveiling a 150th-anniversary edition of its Launch 27 sports bowrider at MIBS, to mark the yard’s founding in 1874.
Fellow Aussie boatbuilder Iliad Catamarans makes its US debut at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show, where it will showcase the Iliad 53F. The multihull builder used the eve of the show to announce it has appointed Atlantic Yacht & Ship as its exclusive dealer in the US and The Bahamas.
US boating giant MarineMax is representing several manufacturers at the show, including Aquila Power Catamarans, Aviara, Azimut Yachts, Boston Whaler, Cruisers Yachts, Galeon Yachts, Grady-White, MarineMax Vacations, Scout, and Sea Ray.
America’s Cup 2024 sponsor Yanmar Marine will exhibit its range of common rail engines and propulsion systems for sail and motorboats in a joint display with brand partners Vetus, Smartgyro, Flexofold ApS and Maxwell Marine.
Japanese engine maker Tohatsu has just announced it is entering the electric outboard market, collaborating with Ilmor on a 6kW motor — and will reveal more details at MIBS this week.
Stabiliser developer CMC Marine USA will showcase several examples of Waveless STAB compact electric stabilising systems designed for boats upwards of 12 metres in length. On show in Miami, there will also be a Stabilis Electra unit, the stabilisation system for yachts over 18 metres in length at anchor.
In addition, US electronics maker Garmin is using the Miami Boat Show to debut a range of chartplotters, sonars and radar arrays.
Riva’s 82 Diva flybridge makes its US debut at MIBS 2024.
The MBCC will host a range of pavilions showcasing cutting-edge technologies and the diverse array of boats. Attendees can explore the Marine Accessories and Retail Pavilions, providing a comprehensive shopping experience, as well as the Electronics Pavilion, which focuses on state-of-the-art electronics. Additionally, the Charged! EV Pavilion, presented by EVOA, features electric-powered boats, outboards and sustainable products.
Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), adds: “We’ve been working with our show partners to ensure that DBMIBS 2024 offers visitors an unparalleled experience, and there’s no better boat show in the world to explore and shop the best in boating.
“The MBCC, along with the Miami Boat Show’s other five locations, offer an incredible showcase of new boats for every lifestyle and budget and thousands of marine products and innovations. This year, we’re particularly excited about the new elements we’re bringing to life at the MBCC for attendees to engage in the boating lifestyle.”
The annual Miami Boat Show Industry Breakfast takes place tomorrow (15 February 2024), where boating industry stakeholders will hear about current trends in the recreational boating industry, including remarks by Hugelmeyer, and celebrate the latest boating innovations with the Innovations Awards ceremony.
This year, the Miami International Boat Show introduces the Blue Startup Pitch Event, presented by Yachting Ventures and Seaworthy Collective on 16 February. This event showcases global startups in ocean and maritime innovation, and features presentations by keynote speakers, panel discussions and startup pitches. These pitches will be assessed by a panel of judges representing the Miami region.
Other elements of the show include the Progressive Boat Show Experience at Pride Park, which combines a carnival boardwalk vibe with educational seminars, food trucks, and family-friendly zones.
The Nautical Ventures AquaZone introduces a variety of water sports and innovative marine products, while Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Centre is giving free tips, advice, and practical skills during daily seminars and demonstrations that cover everything from getting started and operating your boat to service, maintenance and more.
Tickets for the 2024 Miami International Boat Show are available online. There is no box office on site, and tickets must be purchased in advance.
The Miami Boat Show Directory allows attendees to search boats by type, manufacturer, show location, price range and more.
Images courtesy of Informa Markets.
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