The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is scheduled to run Feb. 14-18, making it one of the first boat shows in a year that has kicked off with continuing reports of slower sales in multiple categories.
“It would be a misnomer to indicate that we haven’t seen some shift or slowdown in the marketplace. We certainly have,” says Tom Slikkers, president and CEO of Tiara Yachts in Holland, Mich. He added, however, that slower business is not the same as no business. “Our dealers are still calling us and telling us they have people coming in. They have orders that they’re processing.”
Courtesy YamahaTiara, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the show, plans to display hull No. 1 of its EX 54 for a world debut. The builder will also have renderings of its new glass-patio option, which Slikkers says takes its inspiration from modern architecture that features patio rails with glass panels. Similar features have been seen in recent years aboard superyachts. “We borrowed that concept and brought it down to the 60 and the 54 in what we think is a clever way,” he says. “It brings that big-yacht feel to a smaller-class vessel.”
Another notable premiere will be Riviera’s 58 SMY, which the Australian builder has scheduled to make its U.S. debut at Miami. The boat is the sixth model in Riviera’s Sports Motor Yacht line, which ranges from 46 to 72 feet. Stephen Milne, brand and communications director, says Riviera is still seeing demand for its boats, which range from 39 to 78 feet across all lines. “Based on the reaction from Fort Lauderdale to Riviera today, we have high expectations for the [Miami] show,” Milne says.
Felix mizioznikov - stock.adobe.comThe National Marine Manufacturers Association owns MIBS in partnership with the International Yacht Brokers Association. The show is organized by Informa Markets. Venues include the Miami Beach Convention Center, Pride Park, Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, Museum Park Marina, and Superyacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande Miami.
Andrew Doole, president of U.S. boat shows at Informa, says this year’s format will be similar to last year’s, with some expanded areas. “We managed to expand the south side of the show at Herald Plaza to accommodate all the new boats and the brokerage boats, and then we’ve got all the sea-trial boats at the Venetian Marina,” Doole says. “We’ve expanded the sailing section, and the convention center is sold out with a waiting list.”
Last year, more than 100,000 people attended the show. This year, Doole says, “Ticket sales are good, and VIP ticket sales are very good. We’re on track to see a similar crowd as last year.”
Courtesy Tiara YachtsKey industry events include the annual NMMA Innovation Awards, judged by members of Boating Writers International. There are 21 category awards up for grabs, covering innovative ideas in everything from deck equipment to consumer electronics. And Marine Marketers of America will present its annual Neptune Awards in 24 categories. That competition is now in its 16th year, with honors in areas of marketing that range from podcasting to influencer campaigns.
Yachting Ventures and the Seaworthy Collective plan to host the inaugural Blue Startup Pitch event Feb. 16, showcasing global startups in the ocean and maritime innovation spaces. The startups will have an opportunity to pitch local investors in Miami, with entries in blue-economy and leisure-marine tracks.
Also on the schedule is the 2024 edition of the Soundings Trade Only Women in the Industry event, which will start at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 16 in the convention center. The panel discussion is open to all genders for attendance. It will feature Kim “The Boat Boss” Sweers, who co-owns FB Marine Group; Brenna Preisser, president of business acceleration and chief strategy officer at Brunswick Corp.; and Ellen Bradley, NMMA chief brand officer and senior vice president of marketing and communications.
Courtesy Informa“Anticipate a dynamic conversation revolving around their innovative use of technologies, platforms and artificial intelligence within their respective companies, and their vision for the industry’s future,” says Michele Goldsmith, vice president and general manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group. “Our goal is for the audience to glean valuable leadership insights, and to feel empowered and inspired by the achievements of these trailblazing women who are actively shaping the landscape of their businesses and contributing to the evolution of the marine industry.”
Boatbuilders and engine manufacturers that are expected to generate buzz on the docks include Yamaha Motor Co., which plans to display its prototype for a hydrogen-powered outboard; high-performance powerboat builder Statement Marine of Clearwater, Fla., which is expected to bring three new models, including the outboard-powered 396 Statement Cat; and Australia’s Iliad Catamarans, whose 53F will make its U.S. premiere.
Electronics manufacturers also are telling show-goers to expect big things this year. In January, Simrad introduced the NSX Ultrawide display, which is available in 12- and 15-inch sizes, and is reportedly up to 63% wider than the NSX, with a more immersive experience. Garmin is expected to feature its recently unveiled flagship GPSMap 9000 series multifunction displays, which come in sizes up to 27 inches.
Courtesy Riviera YachtsHands-on and learning experiences will include the Nautical Ventures AquaZone, with a 40,000-gallon pool for in-water demos of water sports and other products; the Culinary Experience, which will include cocktails from show partners such as Budweiser, Goslings, Tanqueray, Ketel One and Crown Royal; the Sport Fishing Championship, which will stream live on SportFishingChampionship.com, Facebook and YouTube; the Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center, where attendees can ask experts how-to questions; and fishing seminars with experts from Chaos Fishing, along with Hook the Future’s Kids Fishing Clinics with Capt. Don Dingman.
Show organizers are urging all exhibitors and attendees to post their products and experiences on social media using the hashtag #DBMIBS.
This article was originally published in the February 2024 issue.
