Fort Myers Boat Show returns
Event set for Nov. 13-16 is Southwest Florida’s biggest
The largest boat show in Southwest Florida, and arguably the west coast of the Sunshine State, comes ashore next week.
The 53rd annual Fort Myers Boat Show, the largest display of boats and boating products on Florida’s Gulf Coast, returns to downtown Fort Myers from Nov. 13 through Nov. 16.
According to Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida, which puts on the show each year, attendees will get a look at everything from bay boats and inshore skiffs to larger center consoles and luxurious yachts. Organizers state the show includes a variety of inshore and offshore fishing boats, custom skiffs, pontoon and deck boats, high performance, sport and cruising boats — virtually every type and style a boater might enjoy in Southwest Florida. There will be approximately 40 local dealers representing 100 boat manufacturers on display.
“Our show is really coming together. It’s going to look fabulous,” said John Good, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida, “We’ve got more product than I think we’ve ever had before. We’re scrambling to find places to put any last-minute exhibitors because we’re completely full. People are going to see everything that they want to see at our show.”
While attendees will certainly see a wide display of boats, the Caloosa Sound Convention Center will be packed with engines, electronics, boat lifts, fishing equipment, apparel and marine accessories. The show also features a wide variety of service companies, marinas and shipyards that will help boaters get the most out of their time on the water.
“Attendees are going to see just about any kind of boat that they want to see, but the beauty of boat shows in general — because obviously dealerships are spread all over the state in many ways — it’s the one opportunity of the year for people in our area to come and see everything there is to see in the marine industry,” Good said. “There’s way more than just boats, too. The convention center is full of everything from electronics to engines to boat lifts and clothing and gift items. Any kind of product people are interested in. It’s a great way for people to get acclimated to boating in the area.”
In the Downtown Fort Myers Historic River District, exhibits traverse along the Caloosahatchee River, through Centennial Park and the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and to the east along Edwards Drive to Lee Street. The main show entrance is at Bay and Heitman streets (next to the Post Office) with a second entrance at Lee Street and Edwards Drive.
“It’s a really big show — we always tell people to be prepared because it’s a little over a half-a-mile from one end of our show to the other,” Good said. “There’s a lot to see and do.”
Also throughout the convention, the Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida and Tampa Bay will host the “Know Before You Go” display, which is an interactive booth featuring local captains, navigational charts, marine electronics and educational materials to help individuals be safe while enjoying local waterways. The display will be in the lobby of the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, and a free guide with basic boating and navigation information that is a great on-board reference is available at the display.
“As an association, we pay a lot of attention to boat safety, and boater education is really, really important,” Good said. “There’s obviously an awful lot of boats out on the water and it’s just so important that people know the rules of the road and know how to handle a boat and know what they’re doing. There’s a lot of opportunity for people at our show for people.”
Additionally there will be displays from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron and Lee County Marine Task Force inside the convention center with answers to a wide range of questions on boating safety and regulations, plus other information to help boaters enjoy their time on the water. Each day, there will be two “Boating Basics” seminars with Capt. Rich Blasquez at noon and 1:30 p.m.
“The seminars and the ‘Know Before You Go’ are really helpful for people that are new to the area,” Good said. “It’s a great place to talk to some people who know the area and can go over charts and show people fun places to go and fun places on the water.”
Capt. Terry Fisher is back hosting fishing seminars three times each day, covering inshore fishing, offshore fishing, knot tying, fishing tackle and answering all fishing questions. Along with boats and boat accessories, the expo will have a myriad of fishing-related vendors on-site.
“We have all the gear and gadgets that boaters live,” Good said. “It’s a great place to do some Christmas shopping, too.”
Good said Southwest Florida and the downtown Fort Myers venue are a perfect match for an expo of this magnitude.
“We’re really lucky,” he said. “You can go to boat shows all over the country, and you’re never going to find a setting for a show that’s any better. We have the extra added benefit of having the convention center right in the middle of our show — most boat shows don’t have that.”
Good said for those in the market for a new boat, or upgrades to an existing one, dealers at the shows are there to wheel and deal.
“All of those dealers are there, and people can look at everything all in the same place,” he said. “Dealers are next to one another, so they’re competitive. They want to sell. It’s a good opportunity for buyers. Dealers want to be successful at the show. Even if you don’t buy right at the show, they get to know the dealerships and see trials. The show is a great place to start.”
The show features a centralized food court in Centennial Park where live music will be played, with food choices including Let’s BeeFrank Food truck with American food favorites and Grandma Yummies with Gyros, salads and Greek favorites. Admission is $20 for adults and children 15 and under are free with a paid adult. Tickets are available for purchase during the show at both show entrances, but visitors are encouraged to skip the line and buy tickets online.
Good, who has been part of the show for 40-plus years, said the show has not only grown in size, but in quality.
“We’ve been doing it for a long time, and we’ve got it down to a pretty good science,” he said. “If you go to a lot of boat shows… they’re great shows, but they’re also overwhelming. Where this is a big show… but for those looking for nearly anything marine-related, it’s a great show to come to.”
Free parking is at City of Palms Park, 2201 Edison Ave., Fort Myers. Attendees can enter the parking area at Edison and Central avenues.
Multiple free shuttles will run continuous service to keep wait times minimal, with runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. all four days of the show (6 p.m. on Sunday).
Additional paid parking may be found in the downtown area at the Edison Parking Garage (Monroe and Bay streets), Main Street Parking Garage (Jackson and First streets), and the Florida Repertory Theatre Lot (between Hendry and Jackson streets along Bay Street).
For additional information, please visit goboatingflorida.com.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com