From the smallest fishing lure to the largest fishing yacht, if it goes on in or around the water, boaters will find it at the Miami International Boat Show (MIBS) and the simultaneous Miami Yacht Show, which runs from February 13-17.

For the past 51 years, MIBS has evolved into the granddaddy of US boat shows and hosts a global audience of exhibitors and shoppers alike. It is still the showcase event for US companies introducing new, innovative product and international manufacturers looking to introduce themselves to the US market, which represents about 50% of the world’s recreational marine sales.

Innovation and technology always grab the headlines at MIBS, and this year is no different, with an all-electric tow sport boat from Nautique and 64ft Serenity yacht, making its US debut. And straight from the Consumer Electronics Show, where it made quite a splash, Sea Ray’s new SLX-R 400e, an outboard-powered showcase for all of Brunswick Corporations latest digital technology.

A slew of fishing boats will make first appearances at MIBS from a modest new Trophy Series by Bayliner, to Mag Bay Yacht’s latest, the 42 Express Sportfish. With over 1,300 boats on display, MIBS is one of the few US boat shows that truly has a boat for every budget.

The French shipyard Nautitech Catamarans will unveil the world premiere of its new 47 Power catamaran as well as its 40 Open and its new 46 Open, launched at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2019.

With international trade issues capturing headlines here in the States, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) will be on hand with a delegation of marine companies promoting the island’s industry and Polish shipyard Sunreef Yachts will host its country’s former president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa, as part of an ongoing global push to promote Poland’s yacht-building industry.

With over 1,000 exhibitors and 100,000 attendees, MIBS has an economic impact that stretches beyond the marine industry. The state of Florida realises an economic impact of US$854m annually from MIBS, which is greater than the impact of hosting two Super Bowls, the week-long party and Championship game of the National Football League (NFL), which just took place in Miami on February 2.

The 32nd Annual Miami Yacht Show will showcase over 400 of the world’s most extraordinary and uniquely designed yachts and superyachts across three marina sites over 60 acres and a massive 67,000sq ft onland pavilion accommodating 200 exhibitors. The show boasts “15 spectacular must-see new yachts,” the largest of which is the 278ft BOLD, making its US debut.

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