Going to the 2011 Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show

Go On Thursday

Be sure to go on Thursday which costs a little more but is so worth being there without the huge crowds you will encounter the other days.

Check out Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2011 for all your show info including a list of boats on display and vendors. With the show being spread out over several sites planning on which sites to visit and where to spend your time is important. At the main site there are several specialty tents for electronics, custom yachts, engines, and accessories. For smaller boats plan on going to the Convention Center site.

If you want to go on any of the larger boats be sure to make an appointment ahead of time. Thursday is your best bet for getting on the bigger boats that have the ominous By Appt Only signs at their gangway and for enjoying the show in general.

It is like going to Disneyland except for yachties. If you show up with no plan of attack you will be overwhelmed. If you do your homework you will have the time of your life

The marina in Muskegon?

Hey Cary 50, You happen to know a Jim Thompson??? Just curious

Bring lots and lots of business cards

Being in the marina business I would rent a runabout Fort Lauderdale, Florida Premier Boating Club for half a day and cruise the Intracoastal and New River where you will see all the show venues, yachts, local marina competition and many of our marine service facilities where more yachts are located. Riding the water taxi, normally a great way to see the Venice of America, will be quite the adventure during the show

And of course there are lots of great restaurants and shopping as if the show will not be enough Where are you staying and what kind of food do you like for recommendations? Reservations will be a must for any of the better places that weekend.

Lauderdale Marina (right across the canal from where you're staying) rents Boston Whalers of all sizes, and I believe there is also a boat rental concession at Pier66 Marina (across the ICW) from where you're staying. Giorgio's on 17th street has good pizza and panini's. Rustic Inn has terrific seafood and is about 10-15mins away by car. The water Taxi is a great idea as well. I would check out the convention center (you can walk there), all of the trailer boats and accessories are there, from there you can hop on the free bus to the bahia mar location.

Boat Rentals Prices In Fort Lauderdale, & Fleet their prices are there. The rental place at Pier 66 is probably cheaper, but you could probably call pier 66 and get their phone number. I don't know the name of the concession.

Perfect location for the Boat Show! Taking the water taxi to the venues will be easy since the Lauderdale Hilton is one of the stops

You can get great steaks at Grill 66 right across the Intracoastal from the Hilton or at Chuck's as you know. A short cab ride away is Timpano on Las Olas Blvd 5 mins, 10 mins away you will find The Capital Grille, Trulucks, and of course Ruth's Chris. On Boat Show weekend you will need an advanced reservations.

For seafood right across the canal from your hotel is 15th St Fisheries and down the canal is the Southport Raw Bar. The Pirate Republic Bar(water taxi stop) next to the Riverfront Marina where the boat rental place is located in downtown, 10 mins cab, is great for seafood too.

Across the street and a few blocks down from the Hilton is the Chef's Palette Cafe & Grill 1650 SE 17th Street 954-960-7957 you can get a great gourmet lunch or dinner on Thurs and Fri prix fixe for less than $20. Best little known deal in town Reservations required.

If you go to the Pier 66 site check out the Pelican Landing Grill on the 2nd floor of the marina building on the fuel dock. Great views and tasty food. They have a great seafood burrito

If you are into Irish and yacht conversation meet the captains and crew at Waxy O'Connor's close to Chuck's at 1095 Southeast 17th Street. Great bangers and mash No reservations!!

Seems to me it was a little over $300 for half a day at Fort Lauderdale Boat Rentals > Best Boat Club & Rentals

Freedom Boat Club Fort Lauderdale, Florida Premier Boating Club may be easier to deal with on Boat Show Weekend since that are not at any of the Show sites. They have a really nice fleet of clean well kept boats.

Yeah, but the whole day was not much more. Like $30-50

It ain't cheap but if you want one of the best meals in Ft. Lauderdale, go to Market 17 on the south side of 17 st. The food is fresh and very well prepared.

If you’re a meat lover, you can’t miss Chima, the Brazilian steakhouse on Las Olas. They offer all-you-can-eat cuts of great meat: filet mignon, top sirloin, flank steak, ribeye, beef ribs, plus lots of fish, chicken, lamb and pork. All cut right at your table until you tell them to stop piling it on. To die for.

Yeah, it is about $50 a plate, but if you can eat say 4 or 5 platefuls then it's definately worth it!

The reason I was asking is I knew he has a friend up on the great lakes that has a Cary. ( thought it might be you) Jim is the engine builder's engine builder............ been in the racing scene probably longer than I've been alive. Any way........found a pic of his friend's Cary................pretty sweet!