50th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® Wraps Up With Better Than Expected Attendance.  Serious Buyers Offer Optimism for Marine Industry

The 50th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 29-November 2, 2009, concluded with better than anticipated crowds and signs of improvement for the marine industry.

According to Efrem (Skip) Zimbalist III, President and CEO of Show Management, producers of the world’s largest boat show, the turnout was solid in terms of number and quality of both exhibitors and attendees.

“Final numbers far exceeded our projections,” said Zimbalist.  We were budgeting down 8% in attendance and were pleasantly surprised starting with strong advance sales about two weeks before the show.  Attendance was up 10%+ through Friday—the serious buying days.  With a dip in the weekend and attendance up slightly Monday, overall, the show reported a 1% increase over last year.  Having said that, the industry still has a way to go to get back to 2007 levels.”

For competitive reasons, the show does not release attendance figures, just guidance about trends versus previous years. The exhibition attracts buyers from all over the world.

Sales were made and optimism was in the air.

“This was the best Fort Lauderdale Show in years, maybe even ever.  Lazzara Yachts had a fantastic turnout.  We sold five boats with potentially more to come.”-Rich Lazzara, Lazzara Yachts

“We are active on the boat show circuit with recent shows in Cannes and Australia. The Fort Lauderdale show was a culmination and continuance of the optimism and sales activity we’ve experienced.  We contracted a new 80 and 70 Outer Reef and are negotiating more.”-Jeff Druek, Outer Reef Yachts

“Our new Nautica 24 LC Launch Tender was of particular interest and several orders were confirmed during the show.  The event was a success for Nautica and attendance exceeded our expectations.”- Howard Rogers, Nautica International, Inc.

Numerous other companies reported good sales including Century Boats, Dusky, Proline, Bluewater, Edgewater, Monterey, Vicem Yachts, Everglades and more.

Approximately 1,000 exhibitors from the leading companies worldwide displayed boats, superyachts and accessories on land and in water at six sites. Close to 300 multi-million dollar superyachts (80’ plus) were displayed.

The show is owned and sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and is managed and produced by Show Management.