Whatever Floats Your Boat

From bitty boats to super yachts, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the place to be this fall. Billed as the largest in-water boat show in the world, the five-day extravaganza takes place Oct. 26-30.

This is the 63rd year for the show, which is held at seven locations around Fort Lauderdale and spans nearly 90 acres across three million square feet of exhibit space. Last year, the boat show brought in more than 100,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors representing 52 countries. There were more than 1,300 boats on display ranging from canoes to ski boats and inflatables to yachts.

There also is plenty to do and see including demonstrations, seminars and classes, as well as live entertainment and even cocktail parties. Folks come from around the world to soak up the sun and sand and drop a Benjamin or two. In fact, about half of the visitors are from out of state. It’s estimated they alone spent a little more than $47 million last year.

You can’t buy your tickets at the show, only online. So, if you’re feeling a bit nautical, this is the place to be.

Visit flibs.com.