FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW REPORTS STRONG ATTENDANCE AND ROBUST SALES

Flibs Logo

 

Nov 20, 2016

The 57th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) wrapped up on November 7 with positive feedback from exhibitors about buyer enthusiasm for the products on display and the enhanced show experience.

“Simply put, our sales results at the 2016 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show were amazing,” said Chuck Cashman, chief revenue officer of MarineMax, one of the show’s largest exhibitors. “Quality and innovation continue to be extremely important in driving new boat sales. Additionally, our entry into charter facilitated several larger boat sales. All of our core brands experienced nothing short of excellent results. Overall, the dollars sold at the show were very close to an all-time record.”

 

Attendance at the five-day show was up 5 percent compared to the 2015 event.  Among all segments of boats on display, the largest increase was boats in-water under 100 feet in length, which grew 2.9 percent over last year. 

 

“It’s encouraging to see the most growth in the middle of the market, as this represents the majority of boat buyers and suggests that overall boat sales are strong again,” said Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, president of Show Management, the company that manages and produces FLIBS for the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. “Many exhibitors reported that they left the show with strong leads and sea trials scheduled in the coming weeks.”

 

In the superyacht sector, seven yachts larger than 200 feet were the biggest collection in this size category in the show’s history.  

 

The show once again drew an international crowd of buyers, sellers and browsers to see the latest that the global boating industry has to offer and to do business in the “Yachting Capital of the World.”

 

G Marine represented eight boats at the show ranging in size from 43 to 110 feet from three European yacht brands, including AstillerosAstondoa from Spain, Fairline from Great Britain and Italian EVO Yachts. “When selling smaller boats, it is easier to close several deals at a show,” said CEO Alberto Galante .”When we have the right boat for the right customer, we can shake hands on a deal. The show offers us the opportunity to present our builders’ capabilities in design and execution with a wide range of materials and technology.”

 

In addition to offering boats for every budget, the 1,000 exhibitors from more than 30 countries presented all types of marine products and accessories, from high-tech electronics to marine art and personal water toys, in total valued at more than $4 billion.

 

“We sold a tremendous amount of inventory at the show to customers from all over the Americas,” said Nils Kah, CEO of SEABOB, the luxury water toy that was displayed on many yachts at the show and at daily demonstrations at the show’s AquaZone outside the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

 

Each year, show organizers improve upon the previous event. This year’s enhancements included redesigned exhibition space, elevated food and beverage offerings, an exclusive VIP experience and boat handling classes presented by Carefree Boat Club, among other additions. 

 

The 2016 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Showtook place from Thursday, November 3 through Monday, November 7 at seven locations connected by a network of water and land transportation. Show locations included the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yachting Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Sails Marina, Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Marina, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

 

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is owned and presented by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, managed and produced by Show Management and sponsored by Audi, Bank of America, Gosling’s, International Gamefish Association (IGFA), Smallwood’s Yachtwear and Taiwan Excellence.

 

Like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on Facebook at facebook.com/fortlauderdaleboatshow, follow the show on Twitter at twitter.com/boatshowupdates, connect on Instagram at  instagram.com/boatshowphotos, and tune into Boat Show TV at youtube.com/showmanagement.

 

Related Posts





Vote for Dorothy, BC’s Iconic Sailing Yacht, in the Classic Boat Awards 2024

CMRA

You are invited to support an historic, recently restored and refitted BC sailboat, Dorothy, by voting for her in a contest, the Classic Boat Awards 2024, run by the UK’s prestigious Classic Boat Magazine. The Maritime Museum of BC (MMBC), owner of this sleek, wooden vessel built in 1897, believes she’s the oldest sailboat in Canada. As she isn’t the only classic yacht in the running, you’re urged to go online and vote for her in the category of Restored Sailing Vessel under 40ft.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Even more BALIs at BALI

CATANA GROUP launches its 14th BALI CATAMARANS model, the BALI 5.8, for the brand’s 10th anniversary! Always bigger, always more powerful, always more… BALI!

This time, the new BALI 5.8 is completing the range from the top down.

Read More


Water heater offers dynamic heat source choices

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

After a long day on the water, having ample supplies of hot water for multiple showers and meal preparation is a welcome luxury. The 1700 Series Marine Water Heater from Raritan Engineering was created specifically for marine use. With a proven long-life design, it’s available with a 115V AC or 240V AC heating element, and the option to include an innovative heat exchanger that uses the vessel’s hot engine coolant.

Read More