FLORIDA BOAT SHOWS

Why Florida Boat Shows Are the Best Way to Find Your Dream Yacht

By Edward Thurstan – YachtsByED | Fort Lauderdale & Naples, FL

If you're in the market for a yacht, there's no better way to explore your options than attending a Florida boat show—especially the legendary Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). As one of the world’s largest in-water boat shows, FLIBS is the ultimate destination for serious buyers, yacht enthusiasts, and anyone dreaming of life on the water.

At YachtsByED, I guide clients through the process of purchasing premium yachts like Sunseeker and Riviera, both of which are prominently featured at FLIBS and other major Florida boat shows. Here’s why attending a boat show can help you make a smarter, faster, and more enjoyable yacht purchase.

Why Attend a Florida Boat Show?

Florida is home to some of the most prestigious yacht shows in the world, including:

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) – October
Miami International Boat Show – February
Palm Beach International Boat Show – March
Naples Boat Show – January

These shows bring together hundreds of the top yacht brands, dealers, and marine experts—making them the best place to see, compare, and test-drive yachts in one place.

Spotlight: Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS)

FLIBS is the crown jewel of U.S. yacht exhibitions. With over 1,300 boats on display across seven locations, it’s where serious buyers come to find everything from center consoles to super yachts.

Why FLIBS is Perfect for Buyers:

See the latest models from top brands like Sunseeker Yachts and Riviera Yachts
Board and tour multiple vessels in one trip
Meet brokers, dealers, and brand reps face-to-face
Access exclusive show pricing and incentives
Attend sea trials, tech demos, and VIP previews

As your Fort Lauderdale yacht broker, I’ll make sure you navigate the show strategically to maximize your time and find the right boat.

Brands to Watch: Sunseeker & Riviera

Sunseeker Yachts

Known for their sleek British styling and iconic appearances in James Bond films, Sunseeker offers cutting-edge design, performance, and luxury. Their Predator and Manhattan lines are especially popular for Florida and Bahamas cruising. As a certified broker, I help buyers find both new and pre-owned Sunseekers at competitive prices.

Riviera Yachts

Australia’s premium yacht brand, Riviera, is a standout at FLIBS. These yachts are known for their bluewater performance, quality craftsmanship, and owner-friendly layouts. The Riviera 645 SUV and 5400 Sport Yacht are popular among Florida buyers looking for comfort, performance, and reliability.

Pro Tips for Buying a Yacht at a Boat Show

Work with a Broker Before the Show
Connect with me prior to FLIBS, and I’ll help you narrow your search and schedule VIP tours in advance.
Get Pre-Qualified
Financing pre-approval speeds up the buying process and shows sellers you’re ready to deal.
Plan Your Day
These shows are massive—target the brands and models you want to see and come with questions.
Take Notes and Compare
Seeing 20 boats in a day is overwhelming. I help my clients keep track of specs, performance, and value.
Follow Up Post-Show
Not every deal happens on the dock. After the show, I’ll help you negotiate, coordinate surveys, and manage the full purchase process.

Work With a Florida Yacht Broker You Can Trust

As a licensed Florida yacht broker, I help buyers navigate the chaos of a boat show with clarity and confidence. Whether you fall in love with a Sunseeker Predator or a Riviera Sport Yacht, I’ll handle the details—from viewings and offers to documentation and delivery.

Let’s Connect Before the Next Show

If you’re planning to attend FLIBS, Miami, or Palm Beach Boat Show, reach out ahead of time so we can create a custom tour tailored to your needs.

Edward Thurstan – YachtsByED | 239-328-4623
Ed@YachtsByEd.com
www.yachtsbyed.com
Based in Fort Lauderdale & Naples, FL
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook: @YachtsByED