The 43rd annual Palm Beach International Boat Show will have more than $1.2 billion in products on display. Photo provided
By Steve Waters
While the Palm Beach International Boat Show displays the latest and greatest in watercraft from superyachts up to nearly 300 feet in length to cruisers, center consoles, runabouts and inflatables, it also has a major economic impact.
An analysis of the 2022 show revealed an estimated statewide impact of more than $1.05 billion, including money spent on food, fuel and lodging, with much of that benefit felt in Palm Beach County.
The show itself contributed to more than $725 million in total sales of boats, marine electronics and other boating accessories.
The 43rd show is March 19-23 along Flagler Drive from Clematis Street to Lakeview Avenue in downtown West Palm Beach.
The city authorized the show to expand to five days this year, bringing it into alignment with boat shows in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
More than $1.2 billion in products will be on display, including hundreds of new and used boats on land and berthed at miles of floating docks in the water, along with engines, safety equipment, clothing and artwork.
There also are venues within the show such as the AquaZone, which features demonstrations of innovative water-propelled toys as well as kayaks and standup paddleboards.
The seminar tent features experts sharing tips on a variety of topics, such as how to deploy a life raft and survive; crossing by boat from Florida to the Bahamas; how to catch swordfish; and selecting the perfect rod and reel.
Don Dingman hosts his popular Kids Fishing Clinics, scheduled for noon and 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with youngsters receiving a free rod and reel combo.
Although numerous restaurants are within a short walk from the show site, the show will have more than 75 food concessions and bars, serving everything from seafood such as stone crab claws and oysters to street tacos, gyros and burgers to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Parking is available at more than a dozen municipal garages and privately owned lots, all accessible via a short walk, a free golf cart or a sprinter van ride to the show. Complimentary golf cart shuttles also are available from the West Palm Beach Brightline train station.
Outdoors writer Steve Waters can be reached at steve33324@aol.com.
If You Go
What: Palm Beach International Boat Show
Where: Along Flagler Drive from Clematis Street to Lakeview Avenue in downtown West Palm Beach
When: noon-7 p.m. March 19, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 20-22 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 23
Tickets: A one-day general admission adult ticket valid March 20-23 costs $36.23 and a two-day ticket is $65.21. A ticket for opening day on March 19 is $62.10 and a two-day ticket that includes opening day is $83.84. Daily tickets for youngsters ages 6-15 for March 20-23 are $17.60
Info: pbboatshow.com
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