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**David M** · 23-09-2008, 08:59

Which of the boat shows in Florida is the really large one with the greatest number of catamarans?

Thanks

BoatTed · 23-09-2008, 09:16

I don't know about the boat shows in Florida, but the upcoming sailboat show in Annapolis, Oct 9-13, is touted as the largest in th world. The promotional material indicates a large number of catamarans will be shown as well as hundreds of other types too numerous to mention. My wife and I went to the one last year, and it was most impressive as well as having easy access. I hope this info helps.

**David M** · 23-09-2008, 09:34

Thanks Ted,
My wife and I are going to the Annapolis show next month. If anyone else is going then PM me if you would like to meet at sometime during the show. I dont see any Catanas, Privileges or Gunboats at the Annapolis show which for me is a little disappointing but I do see a number of other catamaran manufacturers there. I'm hoping the Florida show does have those manufacturers. We sent in a request already to do a few demos on Tuesday.

So whats the big one in Florida called? ...I think it was in the winter?

**Pblais** · 23-09-2008, 09:37

The Miami show next February is a very large show. I am not sure there is any details on the vendors for the Miami show but the Annapolis show is obviously only a few weeks away. Going on VIP day Thursday is worth the extra ticket price.

**David M** · 23-09-2008, 09:52

Thanks...how so Paul?

**Pblais** · 23-09-2008, 10:51

The Annapolis show is a pretty confined space and it is in the center of town. That part makes it a very unique show. They fill in the harbor with docks and all the parking lots become the tents for the vendors. You have to take a bus into town that is included with parking. The Fri, Sat, and Sun shows get mobbed by noon. Friday not so much as Sat and Sunday. Going on Thursday the crowds are not much but you get all the good access to all the boats and vendors.

Pelagic · 23-09-2008, 11:10

Ft Lauderdale show (around Halloween) is huge, but I don't know if cats are prolific

speciald@ocens. · 23-09-2008, 11:27

I've found the crowds larger on Thursday at the Annapolis show despite it costing more. The following Monday has the smallest crowds and sometimes the best bargains. After the show many of the cat dealers have sailing days to try out their boats. I have been disappointed by the Miami show

imagine2frolic · 23-09-2008, 11:57

In 92 I waited for the last day of the Jack London show. I went in, and got some great buys on equipment. I did the same thing in 05 in Miami. Purchased a 12ft caribe for nearly half price.

Previously I went to the J.L. show every year with big eyes. These two shows I went in there on a mission. Most vendors don't want to load the stuff back up on to the truck.

CarlF · 23-09-2008, 13:45

Annapolis is far and away the best sailboat show in the US. Don't worry about which day. One day isn't going to feel like enough.

Ft. Lauderdale is huge but is almost entirely power. If you need a boat that comes with a helicopter this is the show for you. I went last year and there were about 10 cats stuck way down the dock. Even fewer monohulls.

Miami is also mostly power but has some sailboats especially cats. Fewer sailboats each year but the fuel prices may bring some back. If you live where it's cold, the weather makes it worth the trip even if you are only looking for a new a teak cleaner and to chat with the attractive young ladies working at the powerboat exhibits. (this isn't a negative comment against women working at the sailboat exhibits, for all I know they are even more attractive but I only remember the sailboats.)

As mentioned, the last three hours of Miami is a great time to buy equipment. It's the last big show of the year. The discount goes up with the weight of the item (but you have to figure out a way to lug it off)

Carl

speciald@ocens. · 23-09-2008, 16:57

Miami Show will have the new releases on all electronics but the sailboat part of the show stinks. Annapolis claims to have the best display of cats. I'll be there on Thursday and Saturday. One day is not enough to see everything.

Randall · 23-09-2008, 20:37

yes i agree with that. if you are really looking 1 day is not enough. i would suggest get up early and be first.

**David M** · 23-09-2008, 20:55

We are going to be there Saturday and Sunday....plus some sight seeing of Washington DC and Annapolis on other days.

Thanks everyone for the help!

SeaKing · 06-10-2008, 10:10

Looks like my plans to go on Friday changed to Saturday as we have some friends that want to go and can't go until Saturday. I May have to go back on Monday now to see what I missed due to the crowd.

Anyone want to meet for a beer PM me and I'll send you my phone number. I probably will go sailing on Sunday if anyone from out of the area would like go cat sailing on Sunday also PM me.