Do I have to pay admission each time I go to a show site?

Q: Do I have to pay admission each time I go to a show site?

A: No. Once you turn in your ticket, you are given a wristband which allows you to access all the show sites that same day.

More Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the Boat Show?

A: The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® has five distinct show venues in the heart of the city:

Intercoastal Waterway North (on A1A from Seabreeze Blvd. north to Las Olas Blvd.)
•    Bahia Mar Yachting Center: 801 Seabreeze Boulevard, 33316
•    Hall of Fame Marina: 1 Hall of Fame Drive, 33316
•    Las Olas Marina: 240 E. Las Olas Circle, 33316

Intercoastal Waterway South (on 17th Street Causeway from Eisenhower Blvd.
•    Grtr. Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Conv. Center: 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., 33316
•    Fort Lauderdale Hilton: 1881 SE 17th Street, 33316
Q: Where can I buy a ticket?

A: (1) The best place to purchase a ticket is from our website. Tickets are automatically discounted by $2 when purchased from www.showmanagement.com

(2) On site at the show, you can purchase a ticket at the box offices at Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Las Olas Marina, the Broward County Convention Center and off show site at Las Olas Riverfront where you would catch a ride on the free Riverboats.
Q: Will a ticket get me in the show all days?

A: No. Admission is valid for one day only. We do sell a “Two-Day” pass which enables you to enjoy the show on two separate days. The “Two-Day Pass” is only good for Friday through Monday and not valid on Opening Day.
Q: Do I have to pay admission each time I go to a show site?

A: No. Once you turn in your ticket, you are given a wristband which allows you to access all the show sites that same day.
Q: Is the whole show outdoors?

A: No. There is the air-conditioned Broward County Convention Center, and the Bahia Mar Yachting Club location also features seven air-conditioned tents full of marine products, electronics, yacht builders and designers, engine makers, and more.

However, all boats at all show sites (except for Broward County Convention Center) are on display outside, either on land or in water.
Q: I have some tickets placed for me at Will Call. Where can I pick them up?

A: There are two Will Call pick-up locations:
• Broward County Convention Center – Show Office (inside Lobby)
• Bahia Mar Yachting Center – Will Call Booth outside main entrance on A1A and the Water Transportation Dock entrance.

Tickets should be held under your last name, or the name of the exhibiting company leaving tickets for you.

Prior to coming to the show, we highly recommend contacting the company representative leaving Will Call tickets for you to find out which Will Call pick-up location your tickets will be at, and what name to ask them for.
Q: Where can I find parking?

A: Parking facilities on the Show’s Official Transportation Network are:
Broward County Convention Center garage (no in-out privileges)

War Memorial Auditorium (no in-out privileges)

Downtown Riverfront (no in-out privileges)

Parking is also available at these nearby City of Fort Lauderdale parking lots and garages.
Oceanside Lot – north of Las Olas Blvd.

E. Clay Shaw Lot – under the 17th Street Causeway Bridge

“R” Lot – on A1A and Sebastian

City Park Garage – next to the Main Library in Downtown

There will be “Special Event” rates in effect. For City parking lot/garage locations and rates, visit: http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/parking/parking.htm or call Customer Service at (954) 828-3700.

There are private parking lots that charge high premiums ($100 or more) during the Show. They are not official show parking venues or are affiliated with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® in any way.
Q: How do I get to the various show sites?

A: Our Official Transportation Network connects all six sites to get you around the show.   The Network consists of:

Shuttle Buses: FREE.    Color-coded routes between all six show sites, War Memorial Auditorium parking and Downtown Riverfront parking.

Water Shuttle: $10 all-day pass, unlimited usage.    Waterfront location pick-up points are:
•    Bahia Mar Yachting Center
•    Broward County Convention Center
•    Fort Lauderdale Hilton

Riverboat: FREE. To/from Downtown Las Olas Riverfront parking to Bahia Mar site only. You do need to purchase a show ticket before boarding the Riverboats. There is a box office located there. The box office is open all show days except for Monday. Riders would purchase tickets at show site that day only.

Shuttle buses and water shuttle run one hour prior to opening, and one hour after closing.

For more information see Parking and Transportation
Q: What security measures should I be prepared for when coming to the Show?

A: All bags and purses will be checked at show entrances. Weapons are not permitted at any show site.

For those going to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center, you will have to pass a Broward Sheriff’s Office check-point before entering the facility. The facility is located within the Port Everglades so some different rules apply. To expedite this process, please make sure to have photo identification ready and you are not carrying a weapon. This is a Broward Sheriff’s Office policy.
Q: Can I bring food or beverages into the show?

A: No
Q: Can I bring my bicycle, skateboard, scooter or rollerblades?

A: No. We do not permit any such items on show site.
Q: Can I get aboard any boat?

A: In general, most boats at the show can be boarded, with the exception of the superyachts and megayachts. In some cases, you may have to go through a qualifying process to get on board a boat, in others, you can just take your shoes off and go. Access is granted at the discretion of the exhibiting manufacturer/dealer
Q: Can I test drive a boat at the Show?

A: No. All in-water displays are locked in place as a precaution. You can however make arrangements at the show with the manufacturer/dealer to test drive models at some other time once the show has concluded.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment in advance to visit a manufacturer or dealer?

A: Yes, but not necessarily. The advantage of the Boat Show is that there will be plenty of representatives and dealers on site ready to start negotiations with you at the Show. Visitors who purchase tickets from our website are then sent a short survey in which your answers help us to match you with a dealer or manufacturer that has something to offer that matches your needs.
Q: Why do I need a survey done before I buy a used boat?

A: A professional survey is essential for all used boat sales, and most lenders require one. These surveys can uncover information about the boat’s condition that you may not have known. Getting a professional survey before you buy could save you thousands of dollars down the road. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Q: What payment plan options are offered?

A: Look for banks that offer more than the typical monthly payment plan. For example, you may be more comfortable with a seasonal payment plan that allows you to skip up to three consecutive monthly payments per year and continue to skip the same months each year for the life of the loan. This option can be especially attractive for people with seasonal variations in income, such as contractors, sales representatives, retailers, consultants, and others.

Or for those with a large seasonal bonus, an annual payment plan option may be best. With this option, customers make just one payment a year, and can delay the first payment up to six months for some “breathing room” between the time of the down payment and the time of the first payment.

For those who wish to pay down the principal faster in order to save on finance charges and shorten the loan term, a bi-weekly payment option may work best.

If you want to avoid check writing hassles and guarantee that your payments will be on time each month, you may prefer to make automatic loan payment deductions from a checking or savings account through Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers.
Q: How long will it take to process my loan?

A: The most sophisticated marine lenders can process loan applications from within a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the complexity of the loan. In many cases, a customer can be notified of the results within a matter of hours. Your marine dealer/broker can help facilitate a quick loan decision through their relationships with various lenders. Also, you may call most lenders directly or go to their Internet sites for additional information.
Q: What fees are associated with loans

A: Investigate closing costs and other loan-related fees. These can include, but aren't limited to, processing and underwriting fees, appraisal fees, the cost of a credit report, tax service fee, application fee, and others.
Q: If I buy a used yacht, who is responsible for paying the yacht broker?

A: Similar to real estate, the seller will pay all yacht broker commissions. This can vary though. It's best that you address that up front with the dealer or broker.
Q: How much can I expect to pay for marine insurance?

A: Cost for marine insurance depends on several factors, like your boating experience, current navigational equipment, where your yacht will be used, the value of your yacht and whether you will be living aboard or cruising offshore.
Q: What should I look for in a lender?

A: When selecting a lender, make sure the company specializes in boat loans. For example, when buying a used boat, lenders need to understand related laws such as mechanic's liens and possessory interest. Without this expertise, you could end up having to pay for retroactive yard fees and mechanic’s charges.
Q: Is there anything else to buy besides boats?

A: Yes. There is much more to the Boat Show than just the boats. There's apparel, electronics, fishing and diving equipment, jewelry, hats and caps, sunglasses, destinations/real estate, artwork, magazines, multi-media, safety equipment, boating accessories, engines, generators, and more. Even if you don't own a boat, you can still go on a shopping spree.
Q: Is the Show handicap accessible?

A: All entrances into the show are accessible for people with disabilities. However, we can not guarantee access aboard some of the vessels.