FLIBS...why? what is it you want to see?

hello,

i have 6 boats on my shortlist:

1. intrepid panacea 475
2. mjm 50z
3. grand banks eastbay 50
4. hinckley talaria 48
5. palm beach 45
6. chris craft launch 36

i like the weather, i like the laid back atmosphere, i like burgers and seafood.
you can eat cheaper and better in fl than in monte carlo.
and i love shopping at bal harbour and galleria !
reguarding the boat....wife and children will decide

greetings from germany

I would agree with you on the first point but have to say I was surprised by somewhere I went during this MYS that defies point 2.

If I attend FLIBS this year it will be at the behest of one of my clients and to be shown something a service provider says they will have on display that this client is interested in.

If there is time to socialise with some of my old friends and shipmates who will be there then that will be a bonus.

General overview, never bought a boat at a boat show nor would we. Pick out a couple of brands I like to keep current with before going and also check out anything the catches the eye while walking around, so walk most of the show. More about getting a physical walk through of new boats that I have looked at online/magazines and maybe some new ideas for updates to the current boats we have (offseason updates). I really like checking out the electronics booths back to back and see what changes are worth spending money on for an update.
A fun "trip" across the state that is centered around boating. Find some layouts I like better than I thought and others I don't like as much as I thought and always several good engineering ideas. Don't conduct any business, just a consumer. Food and nightlife is fun but not a major driver for going.

Actually there's two ways of working a show.
1) As you do, look around and make inroads with some brokers towards a later deal or
2) Start working your deal ahead of time and close it at the show. Brokers do like signing contracts in front of hundreds of prospective buyers, and will very often cut a deal to do it.

What not to do is go there just to look around, and then buy.

I might go to the show with an owner I already work for who is considering buying another boat. I just go to look around, but honestly I see 99% of everything out there just from bouncing around Ft. Lauderdale and running boats to and from the show. I say Hi to various brokers and companies that I do business with or have done business with, but don't do it to network as I have worked or do work for many different companies from time to time and already am well known, though it is good to pop up and say Hi.

Let the fun begin.

WebCam shows Docks being placed.

I go to see the women trolling the docks!!!.....

Yes Sir, J, there's enough eye candy there to get Type II diabetes!

Hmm, maybe I should go then.
Got a ticket but sitting on the fence, eye candy could help me decide.
How was the crowds today?

Look at the FLIBS like sitting on a fountain in Central Park...if you sit long enough the entire city will pass you by. Find a nice table on a barge bar (near the dock the better) and when you've gotten your fill of eye candy...go check out a few boats you'd like to see...sounds like a perfect day to me!

Good idea, but I don't handle crowds well.
Maybe Monday would be better, less people, and reduced priced on stuff that didn't sell, warmer weather, and still eye candy galore

The crowds on preview Thursday were significant although not overwhelming. I would say if you want to see the "sights" go Saturday or Sunday the two busiest days. If you want to see boats and equipment then Monday will be your best bet as most folks will have gone back to work.

If you do go please post your thoughts, findings, and pictures here 2014 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show - FLIBS

Monday it is.
For better service, admiring glances, free drinks and dates with hot eye-candy I will wear my Yacht Forums T-Shirt

There was one sexy girl in a sundress. Throughout the entire day, I saw her walking back and forth 500' along the same exact section of dock, all day.

got the coordinates Capt J?

From Obey's booth, down past Gilman Yachts, back and forth back and forth, back and forth......all day, by herself....LOL