Downtown Fort Myers makes a splash with the 45th anniversary of the Ft. Myers Boat Show on the Caloosahatchee, in the heart of the “River District.” Southwest Florida’s Premier Boating Showcase, is set for Nov. 16th-19, 2017 running Thursday through Sunday. With a booming marine industry along with redevelopment in the downtown area, the show’s redesigned and expanded layout features more boats, products, and services than ever. As Mainsail Lodging & Development renovates the Harborside Event Center and builds an adjoining hotel, the show’s entrance has shifted to the west end of Centennial Park. Entering at First St. & Carson St. (next to Joe’s Crab Shack), show goers enjoy attractive displays along the river stretching from Centennial Park through Downtown along Edwards Dr. to the City Yacht Basin. With plenty of accessible parking in the large grass lot at First St. & Altamont Ave. (next to Publix), the show is very consumer and family friendly.
Southwest Florida features a wide array of waters from back country flats, bays, rivers, and estuaries to the Gulf of Mexico. With such a diverse boating market, there are a variety of boat types on display including jet skis, skiffs, bay boats, flats boats, center consoles, pontoon boats, deck boats, cruising boats, sport fishers, and more. To accommodate an increasing demand in the market, the show and the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association have made a substantial investment in floating docks & equipment which make for more impressive in water displays at the City Yacht Basin. In addition to boats, you will find the largest display of accessory items and marine services of any Boat Show on Florida’s west coast including electronic equipment, motors, boat lifts, docks, clothing and more.
Fishing continues to be a highlight of this year’s show. Well know from National Geographic’s “Wicked Tuna” Paul Hebert, captain of the “Wicked Pissah” will be in attendance Friday, Saturday and Sunday to meet and greet show guests at the Maui Jim booth. Fishin’ Frank and his crew continue to make a splash with an expanded “Fishin’ Frank’s Fishin Village” under the Heitman Bridge. Highlights include tackle displays with factory representatives on hand, a seminar area with local charter captains, show specials with factory pricing, and Frank’s popular fishing simulator giving guests a chance to catch anything from a Largemouth Bass to a Marlin.
The Fort Myers Boat Show runs Thursday, Nov. 16th through Sunday, Nov. 19th. Hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 per person, and children younger than 16 are free with a paid adult admission. Parking is just $5 in the grass lot at First St. & Altamont Ave. (next to Publix) and includes a short trolley ride to the entrance.
