By John Hayden

A rising tide lifts all boats and rising crowds lift enthusiasm. The 63rd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is celebrating a very successful run. This year’s show saw more than 100,000 people from all over come to see the latest in seafaring luxury and technology.

The world’s largest in-water boat show was the last week of October and people were ready to come aboard. The Broward County Convention Center and the Bahia Mar Yachting Center were among the seven locations where people with big dreams or big checkbooks could come to shop. More than 1,300 boats were on display, ranging from Super Yachts to the top day boats and tenders.

One yacht, named Atomic, comes with its own diving centre you reach through a folding balcony in the hull. This diver-friendly vessel topped asking prices at $63,000,000, which is considered a bargain after a $5,000,000 price cut. In all, more than $4 billion in boats and water sports merchandise were on display. 

Aside from touring dream boats, there was hands-on excitement to be had. The AquaZone let you try out water bikes, kayaks, and SeaBobs, while also entering the Pedal Kayak Tug of War.

Next year’s FLIBS is already scheduled for October 25-29, 2023.