Bustling with on-the-water activities — and known as the sportfishing capital — Islamorada will again serve as the destination for a three-day boat show this weekend.
Boat dealers from the Florida Keys and South Florida will descend upon the grounds of Islamorada’s Island Community Church, ready to feature their best boats during the annual Island Boat Show. Beginning Friday, Jan. 19 and concluding Sunday, Jan. 21, boating fanatics and the public will get the chance to get a close look at the hottest vessels on the market all while enjoying food, music and other activities.
All available boat spaces for the show are sold out, said Annie Reckwerdt, event organizer.
“We have more boats this year,” she said, noting that last year’s show welcomed around 100 boats.
For years, Hawk’s Cay Resort on Duck Key served as the venue for the annual event organized by Island Community Church. Last year, the boat show committee decided to make a move to Islamorada. It proved to be a worthwhile venue change, as Reckwerdt said attendance was the best they’d ever seen. For the second straight year, boats ranging from small fishing skiffs to large offshore center consoles will be situated on the church grounds, located at 83400 Overseas Highway.
Some of the boat brands featured at this year’s show are Contender, World Cat, Grady White, Pathfinder, Carolina Skiff and Boston Whaler. Caribee Boat Sales & Marina, SD Marine Group, Plantation Boat Mart, Sea Hunter, Tiki Water Sports and Seven Sports Marine are some of the local boat vendors in attendance during the three-day boat extravaganza. A number of marine vendors will also be on hand, including Stanz Fishing, Wave Armor, Tri Sea Stabilizers and Bayside Yacht Maintenance. A full list of vendors is at islandboatshow.com.
Attendees can also bid on silent auction items, participate in raffles for tackle and merchandise and sign up for boating and fishing seminars. Food trucks and live music will be available during the three days.
Entry to the show is $10 per person. Free parking is available onsite. Proceeds support the Island Community Church’s missions and scholarships for local graduating seniors and college students.
BOAT SHOW TIMES
Friday, Jan. 19: 1 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 20: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 21: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
