Miami Boat Show 2026 Preview: What to Expect 11-15 February

The Miami International Boat Show returns 11-15 February with over 1,000 exhibitors across three consolidated venues in the most significant layout revision since 2018. Performance boat manufacturers expand center console displays while organisers return yachts to Collins Avenue for the first time in eight years. Florida Powerboat Club hosts its annual bash Friday 13 February as part of five days projected to generate $1.34 billion in economic impact.

Show Consolidates Into Three-Location Format

Organisers consolidate the 2026 show into three primary locations after years of six-venue operations. The Miami Beach Convention Center displays boats up to 49 feet alongside engine manufacturers and marine accessories. Collins Avenue hosts the Miami Beach Yacht Collection with in-water displays, while IGY Yacht Haven Grande features SuperYacht Miami and the new Sailor’s Cove sailing venue.

Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets, said the revised footprint “improves how visitors experience every boat category” and represents “years of planning and direct feedback from our exhibitors and attendees”.

Free shuttle buses, golf carts and water taxis connect all venues throughout each day. Wednesday 11 February opens at noon with preview tickets at $66. Thursday through Saturday operate 10am to 7pm with single-day tickets at $45. Sunday closes at 5pm.

Performance Boat Manufacturers Expand Center Console Presence

HCB will display six center consoles ranging from the 42 Lujo to the 65 Estrella at the Miami International Boat Show 11-15 February, representing the most comprehensive high-performance lineup at the event.

The Fort Lauderdale-based manufacturer confirmed the 48 Campeón and two versions of the Sueños at 53 and 56 feet will join smaller models on Collins Avenue, where yachts and performance boats return to Miami Beach for the first time since 2018. Over 1,000 exhibitors will display vessels across three primary locations, with organisers projecting 100,000 attendees.

Florida Powerboat Club hosts its fourth annual Miami Boat Show Bash on Friday 13 February at the Sagamore Hotel in South Beach, presented by Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats. The event opens at 8pm for club members and invited guests.

Technology Focus Shifts to Hybrid and Electric Propulsion

Exhibitors will demonstrate AI-assisted navigation systems, hybrid and electric propulsion, smart dashboards and advanced safety solutions across multiple venues. Organisers highlighted sustainability as central to the 2026 edition, with eco-friendly hull materials and energy-efficient onboard systems becoming standard rather than experimental.

YANMAR Marine International confirmed it will exhibit at Herald Plaza and Museum Park Marina, displaying the 4LV, 6LT, 4JH110 and 3YM30 engines alongside its award-winning Electric Saildrive SDe Series on the sailboat dock.

Electric and hybrid systems featured prominently in pre-show announcements from multiple manufacturers, reflecting the industry’s response to tightening emissions regulations in key markets including California and the European Union.

Luxury Yacht Brands Return to Collins Avenue

Premium brands committed to the Miami Beach Yacht Collection on Collins Avenue include Azimut, Absolute, Ferretti, Galeon, Mangusta, Pardo, Prestige, Princess, Riviera, Sanlorenzo, Sunseeker, Tiara, Vanquish and Viking.

Denison Yacht Sales confirmed it will showcase models from Numarine, Riviera, Absolute, Sunseeker, Sirena and Prestige, with specialists available to discuss new construction opportunities with Majesty Yachts, Gunboat, JFA and Ocean King.

Paul Flannery, Chief Operating Officer of the International Yacht Brokers Association, said returning yachts to Collins Avenue “delivers what our yacht exhibitors and clients have been requesting” and creates “the right environment for serious buyers”.

Show Projects $1.34 Billion Economic Impact

The show generates nearly $1 billion in annual regional economic impact, with the 2026 edition projected to exceed $1.34 billion across five days. More than 1,000 exhibitors will display over 1,000 vessels across all size categories.

Active military personnel and veterans receive complimentary admission on Sunday 15 February with valid identification. Children aged 6-12 pay $17 for single-day admission while under-fives enter free. Two-day passes cost $78.

Organisers committed $250,000 in annual contributions to support public benefits and community initiatives in Miami Beach. Ticket proceeds also fund the Miami Cupid Splash, a nonprofit organisation supporting marine conservation through an annual polar plunge event.

The show maintains its position as the longest-running boat show in Florida and one of the largest marine exhibitions globally, serving as the primary platform for new model launches in the North American market.

John Moore

John Moore’s involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.

He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.

In 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.