See full version: Highlights from the 2019 Palm Beach International Boat Show
My favorite gadget was the Jupiter foldable electric bike, maybe I just like all the colors it comes in, but how great to have a bike that small to check out a town or island as you are cruising. My runner up is a very cool inflatable platform you could use off your boat, for added space or off your dock, made by Solstice…its primary purpose is to enable huge yachts to deploy more of their toys – jet skis, paddle boards etc for charter guests. [links]
Hinckley showcased its new Sport Boat 40c, and in model form the 40x. Both have outboards (yes triples), which just feels like the right boat to sell now. MJM led with their 35z and now the 43…not sure if it is a certain nostalgia for outboards or lower maintenance costs, but for the past several years the number of outboards seems to increase exponentially. And, in case you are curious, in the main boat show there was one, yes a solitary one, sailboat. here
Unlike the Consumer Electronics Show, no one in the boat show world raises a ruckus at the legions of young, female models wearing identical nautical outfits identifying them with a specific brand (and not knowing much about the product). That is just part of the boat show culture – which brings me to my favorite part of the boat show…the people watching. While it is good on the docks and around West Palm, it is even better on the island. Be sure to take a stroll on Worth Avenue, and don’t take my stool at Buccan where I have a standing date with another woman in the industry, we wear our highest heels – the ones you can’t wear on the dock – and try and look the part as we sip martinis, check out the clientele, and laugh. Feeling lucky to just pretend to be Palm Beachers for a night.
PALM BEACH, FL – The Palm Beach International Boat Show, held yearly in April, is my favorite boat show. Firstly, it’s April after all, my least favorite month in Maine – too early for sailing, sun still a bit low and often cold; and impossible to figure out what to wear! But not in Palm Beach, just grab your tailored shorts, crisp white button down shirt and some fancy loafers and hit the docks in West Palm. Smaller by far than Miami, and not as Euro-centric (or prone to hurricanes) as Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach is the perfect venue. Thursday and Friday are the best days, typically a bit quieter and vendors are not yet talked out as they are towards the end of the weekend.
This year, the main tent had all the latest electronics, engines, and gadgets any gearhead could get excited about. And there were all the usual suspects for boat owners who might be considering a new radar, dingy or upgrade to their galley. The majority of the land space not under a tent however, was devoted to outboard boats – and a few classic inboards like Garwood and Chris Craft. If you don’t already know this, there are more center consoles out there than you can imagine. The biggest center console manufacturers were in the water-with their triple 425’s on the stern (when did so much power become the norm?) 20 rod holders and a ridiculous array of speakers.
From super yachts to 8-foot inflatable boats and kayaks, the show features $1.2 billion worth of yachts, boats and accessories and more than 500 exhibitors. It attracts serious boat buyers eager to see the new inventory along with thousands of people there for the fun of it, and everything from floating cocktail lounges to fishing clinics.
In 1990 the show was canceled because of the economic recession. In 1995 the show began anew after the Marine Industries Association signed over the show’s production and management, and it has made Flagler Drive its home ever since.
Last year the boat show, the state’s third largest after the Miami and Fort Lauderdale shows, drew an estimated 50,000 visitors.
As usual,island-based yacht brokerages — including IYC, Worth Avenue Yachts, Ferretti Group and Camper & Nicholsons — hosted plenty of Palm Beachers at their displays at the West Palm Beach event. Having the show in their own backyard makes shopping for vessels convenient, Doole has often said.
“Brokerage activity was very good with multiple deals. Viking Yachts activity was very good as well, with two deals so far and multiple deals working. The Palm Beach show has finally made it to the big time with boat buyers attending from all over the country.” here
“We did have a lot of interest in a couple of other models in that line,” Wallace added. here
“Princess Yachts was on fire, selling four of the new 85s, two 75s, a 78, S65, 88, and a few other boats,” HMY Sales Director Tim Derrico said in the show’s statement. here
Organizers of the Palm Beach International Boat Show have learned the hard way that rough weather can sink attendance at the annual springtime event quicker than a hole in a hull.
“The growth of the show has corresponded with the revitalization of downtown West Palm Beach,” he noted. [links]
ADMISSION
Adults: $24
Children, ages 6-15: $14
Children under 6: Free
*Saturday & Sunday Only:
Children, 5 and younger, are free with a paid adult.
DATES & TIMES
March 28 - 31, 2019 here
Thurs. Mar 28: Noon - 7pm
Fri. Mar 29: 10am - 7pm
Sat. Mar 30: 10am - 7pm
Sun. Mar 31: 10am - 6pm here
The Palm Beach International Boat Show, March 28 - 31, 2019, is one of the top five boat shows in the country - featuring more than $1.2 billion worth of boats, yachts and accessories from the world’s leading marine manufacturers. It is truly an International Show. The event includes hundreds of Boats from 8 foot inflatables, power boats, fishing boats, center consoles, bow riders, personal watercraft to superyachts over 150’. The finest pre-owned yachts, tents full of the latest electronics and accessories, seminars and kids fishing clinics. Exotic cars, live music and fun for all. here
VIP EXPERIENCE
Centrally located within the show, the VIP Experience offers access into the show and into the VIP lounge. The lounge offers the luxuries of premium open bar, hors d'oeuvres, concierge service, indoor and outdoor lounge seating and much more!
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An attendee of the Miami Boat Show 2019 last month, this 199-foot yacht is still on the market and will be one of the superyachts docked at downtown West Palm Beach from March 28-31. Represented by Burgess and Merle Wood & Associates, the asking prices for this deep blue hulled luxury yacht is $78,000,000.
Built at the world-renowned Chinese superyacht Cheoy Lee Shipyard, this 151-foot (46 meter) explorer-style vessel is truly stunning. Designed for long-distance cruising, its unique bright red hull makes the M/Y Qing hard to miss. Represented by Camper & Nicholsons, its current asking price is $18,500,000. more
British luxury yacht manufacturer Princess Yachts will be hosting an expansive display at the 34th Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show where they will be debuting two new yachts. The new Princess V78 is one of the vessels making its North American debut. Part of the builder’s V Class range, the yacht’s ample main deck entertaining space, luxurious interiors, and deep-V hull deliver an unparalleled cruising experience. [links]
This year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show (PIBS) will be featuring more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts, boats, and marine accessories. Out of this exceptional collection of vessels on display, there are some stand outs you should check out.