The Palm Beach International Boat in its 33rd edition was a four-day picture-perfect weather event with more exhibitors and guests than ever before. As usual, the spectacular display along Flagler Drive drew thousands of visitors from around the country and all over the world.
Held this year from Thursday, March 22, through Sunday, March 25, the show continues to be the annual mainstay of the global yachting community where high-level boat buyers, charter clients and sport fishing enthusiasts come together in the Palm Beaches. This year —2018— there was a 7.5 percent increase in gate attendance over 2017.
Boating enthusiasts had more to see, with the number of boats in the water for sale, both new and used, up 6 percent.
The location, coupled with a considerable product commitment by the dealers and manufacturers, made the customer experience second to none.
The show has been on a steady path of growth. In 2017, attendance increased 9.5 percent over the 2016 show. The number of exhibitors continues to grow an average of 5 percent year over year and the number of boats on display has increased 12.5 percent since 2015, with new boats on display driving the growth.
There is always an enthusiastic crowd attending the Palm Beach boat shows, and this year, thanks to a fantastic weather, the show was consistent and a success.
Exhibitors of all types of products reported qualified buyers and strong sales.
“Exhibiting in the Palm Beach boat show provided us with a prime opportunity to promote our many options for keeping boaters connected while at sea,” said Mimi Desantis, maritime business development manager for Atlantic Radio Telephone. “It was a very busy and productive show for us and we are looking forward to what next year will bring.”
In addition to the large selection of boats and exhibits, the show offered fun and educational activities for the whole family, including free youth fishing clinics by non-profit Hook the Future and IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars.
“The Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinics were packed with excited young anglers eager to learn what it takes to catch fish and have fun with their families. I’m happy to say that we were able to give away hundreds of rod and reel combos to ensure their success!” said Don Dingman, founder of Hook the Future.
True to its position on environmental and community stewardship, Informa, the show’s producer, arranged activations at the show designed to educate the public on sea level rise, promote animal adoptions, and raise money for local charities.
With European shipyards these days are eager to reach affluent American buyers, and our national economic growing positively, the Palm Beaches is an ideal niche of prospects.
This show somewhat symbolizes the end of the show season and it closed with a bang!
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