Shock Mitigation Directory

Miami International Boat Show - The Heat Is On

08.02.2016

The Miami International Boat Show 2016, February 11 to 15, is one of the world’s largest boat shows - and this year it is on a deadline!!

The 2016 Miami Boat Show marks its 75th year with a new home, the iconic Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin. Just minutes from downtown Miami on Virginia Key, the new location enables visitors to view hundreds of boats on the water and a wide range of marine accessories on land.

The move in 2016 from Miami Convention Centre has offered a new and dynamic site for in-water and on-land exhibits at this legendary show. Virginia Key is accessible by land or sea and the new site will host over 1200 boats, with over 400 on-water slips, plus the deep water basin can accommodate larger boats.

Sounds easy BUT the back story to this years event is very different!!

THE HEAT IS ON...

Final Permit – Issued 6 Weeks before Miami Boat Show

Construction crews had 38 days to erect the floating exhibition area - putting a rush on what show organizers had hoped would be a 90 day window.

First week of January 2016, contractors started work on a 268,000 square foot installation comprising more than 1,000 pilings and hundreds of floating docks at the new Miami International Boat Show location on Virginia Key. This was one week after the US Army Corps of Engineers signed a five year permit allowing the construction of the temporary facility and with less than six weeks to go until the show opens.

An NMMA spokeswoman said, "the shorter time frame will require some extra hours but shouldn’t complicate the show’s opening”. Show Director Cathy Rick-Joule said, “We look forward to welcoming boating enthusiasts from across the globe to Miami. As we have for decades, we will operate the Show with respect for the environment and in compliance with all local, state and federal requirements.”

Securing permits which include conditions to protect manatees, sea grasses and sea turtles took nearly a year. Environmentalists had warned that the show’s move to Virginia Key would endanger protected sea life and encroach on a critical wildlife area.

Miami Vice – Riding with Sonny on the original Scarab 'Go Fast'

In the opening credits of Miami Vice, James “Sonny” Crockett’s speedboat epitomized the action and adventure of the of the iconic 1980’s TV series.

Now after 30 years, this original Miami Vice boat has found its way home to Miami and will be on display at the entrance to this year’s show in Virginia Key.

This 1986 Wellcraft 38KV Scarab, one of the original boats that Detective Crockett played by Don Johnson, used to chase down drug kingpins on the show, is in museum condition after a half-million dollar restoration that took three years to complete. Its authenticity as one of the most sought after 'go-fast boats' in history is verified with the original certificate from Universal Studios. The boat is on site at Miami 2016 courtesy of Dave Martino of Fort Lauderdale.

Latest Update – Water and Land Travel to Miami Boat Show

On January 14th over 100 marine industry professionals attended an update meeting organized by the Marine Industries Association of Southern Florida.

At the event Thom Dammrich, president of the NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association), which owns the Miami International Boat Show, outlined the show’s transportation plan, which he said his team knew would not only be critical for a successful show but would be top of mind for anyone attending the show.

Transport options include free water taxi and shuttle bus from locations throughout downtown Miami. Dammrich said, “We have built the most comprehensive transportation plan the city of Miami has ever seen. With a lot of testing and involvement from our transportation partners we are confident we won’t miss a beat.”

History of the iconic Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key

The 6500 seat stadium was built in 1963 at a cost of around $2 million ($15 million at current rates) and dedicated as the Ralph Munroe Marine Stadium.

The Stadium was host for many world class powerboat events including Unlimited Hydroplane, Inboard, Outboard, Performance Craft, Stock, Modified, Grand National divisions as well as other special event races. The Stadium was also the site of a number of nationally televised events including the Bill Muncey Invitational and the ESPN All American Challenge Series.

The last major race in the Stadium was the 20th Annual Budweiser Hydroplane Regatta in June 1990. In the wake of Hurricane Andrew it was declared an unsafe building under Miami-Dade County building code in September 1992. A group 'Friends of Miami Marine Stadium', including performer Gloria Estefan, was formed in 2008 with the purpose of restoring the venue.

Miami International Boat Show - Home >

Friends of Miami Marine Stadium - Home >

Midnight Express 44 with x4 Seven Marine 557 engines delivering 2228 hp

Launched at Miami Boat Show 2015 - Photo credit: Seven Marine

READ LESS ∧