A Weekend at the Largest Boat Show in the U.S.

. . . THE MIAMI BOAT SHOW

Kent says that the Miami Boat Show is the largest in the country. We don't know for sure. Annapolis or Chicago might argue with that claim. By any measure, it is huge, lasting five days and covering three different sites with buses to take attendees from place to place. We rented a car and drove to Miami for two of the days, just to see what was new, to check out a few products, and to see the Cruising Outpost area and our mooring ball neighbor Steve.

The Strictly Sail part of the show featured monohulls from Catalina, Hylas, Seaward, Jeanneau, Tartan and others. When we talked with the Catalina representative at the booth (above), we discovered that Fleet 95 is not the largest C22 fleet in the world, but it is the largest non-military fleet in the world. According to the rep, the U.S. Navy is the largest fleet, buying and shipping C22s to naval recreation areas around the world. We don't know how the U.S. Navy can be a regional fleet, but we won't argue with people who carry rifles for a living.

Our dream boat is a Hylas 46. When we chartered in the BVIs, our charter company 

had a fleet of Hylases. They are beautiful, sturdy, good sailing boats.

Along with giving out brochures and signing up memberships, the American Sailing Association (ASA) helped people try out sailing on land with this sailing simulator. An ASA instructor was standing by with instructions and positive feedback.

Dave Brady, Seaward Yachts, and Kent. Dave was very helpful answering questions by phone when we first bought our 26-foot Seaward, Jeremiah. He retired a couple of years later. The boat show was the first time the two had met face to face. Dave comes out of retirement to work the boat shows for Seaward.

The new Seaward 46, Hull #2, was on display at the show. Like all Seawards, it had a beautiful finish outside. The cabin was very plush with two levels: the first level is a second helm station near the nav station (the first helm station being in the cockpit 

at the wheel), and the next level down is 

living space. It is definitely a boat 

for people who don't want to rough it.

People won't be roughing it on this catamaran, either. Notice the rope hammock hung in back. The boat show seemed to have more catamarans on display than monohulls probably because the charter companies -- The Moorings and Sunsail -- brought catamarans for their booths. This boat, Houbara, and a few other cats were shown by appointment only. Anyone could tour the other boats as long as they took their shoes off.

This catamaran was named "the Gun Boat," maybe because of the color of its hull or because it looks like it would sail fast. It was Kent's favorite (after the Hylas). This picture doesn't do it justice because of the angle of the sun. It was truly beautiful in a dangerous sort of way -- and much, much bigger than it looks here.

Bob Bitchin, founder of Cruising Outpost magazine, and Kent talk over the show, sailing and life, at the magazine's booth. Bob was formerly publisher of Lattitudes & Attitudes before it was sold and went aground. He lives the cruising life he promotes.

Motor and engine manufacturers were all there. These two motors were giants in horsepower
 and size. 

This motor is totally propane powered. The salesman said that California environmental regulations were restricting gas-powered motors, making this a great alternative. Not knowing we were from Tennessee, he said that Tennessee would be the next state to restrict gas motors. We said we didn't think so. Tennessee has many, many strengths, but isn't known for leading environmental progress. Oregon and Vermont, maybe.Although it looks like
he and Kent were line dancing, they weren't really.

Multiply this vendor area by about 25, and you'll better understand the scope of the boat show. We didn't even mention the HUGE fishing area with its own boats and suppliers. 

Surrounded by a wealth of boats and gear, what we brought home were three very practical rolls of stretch silicone rescue tape for $20. That's all.

Next time we go to a boat show, we'll know better what's there. Next time, we'll spend more time in the great seminars that are held throughout the show. Who knows, maybe next time we'll be shopping for that Hylas 46. . .

Well, you can always dream.