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The annual Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show concluded its 85th edition following five days of industry engagement and qualified buyer activity across Miami and Miami Beach, attracting tens of thousands of boating enthusiasts worldwide to see and shop new boats, global debuts and marine innovations, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone marketplace for the recreational marine industry. 

Strategic enhancements to the show’s campus footprint, including the return of in-water yacht displays along Collins Avenue and improved connectivity across venues, strengthened navigation, elevated the attendee experience, and helped drive targeted traffic to exhibitors throughout the week.

Exhibitor feedback reflected a mixed but encouraging retail environment consistent with broader industry trends. While several manufacturers and dealers reported year-over-year sales gains and strong lead generation, others cited measured demand as market headwinds continue to influence buyer behavior.

"Streamlining five locations into three focused venues improved connectivity and created clear product differentiation for our customers," said Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets, show producer. "The Convention Center and Progressive Boat Show Experience, Yacht Collection on Collins Avenue, and Sailor's Cove at IGY Yacht Haven Grande each offer distinct experiences and products for attendees. This rebranding and footprint consolidation improved traffic flow between locations and created an effective marketplace for exhibitors and buyers. We’re thrilled with the 2026 launch of the reimagined campus, and we’re already focusing on areas of opportunity for 2027."

“The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is a cornerstone event for our industry, serving as both the global stage for the largest concentration of new product introductions and world debuts in recreational boating and significant sales driver for the industry,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President & CEO, National Marine Manufacturers Association, show owner. “As the North American launch point for the sales year, the show serves as a critical bellwether for market performance. Exhibitor results reflected both momentum and ongoing market challenges, with some reporting increased sales and others seeing more moderate demand. We remain focused on building on the successes of 2026 to support the industry’s growth moving forward."

Boat manufacturers and dealers reported positive buyer engagement, with new product introductions and model debuts contributing to booth traffic and purchase discussions.

“Returning to Collins Avenue was a great move and the energy across the show reflected that. Activity at the Miami Beach Convention Center was strong, and our brands having a presence across all three primary locations allowed us to fully engage customers across our brands throughout the event. Collins Avenue also produced a number of very high-quality prospects that were new to MarineMax. The reimagined show footprint created a strong experience for both exhibitors and buyers,” said Chuck Cashman, Chief Revenue Officer of MarineMax.

“The Miami International Boat Show isn’t just a moment for Yamaha. It’s a momentum setter that carries through the entire year,” said Bryan Seti, Vice President of Yamaha Boat Business Unit. “Miami is where innovation meets the market, and this year it clearly validated the direction we’re taking as a brand. Seeing the Yamaha CrossWave earn Boating Magazine’s Boat of the Year at the show, along with the Miami Innovation Award for Personal Watercraft, confirms that our ideas aren’t just different, they’re connecting. That recognition fuels momentum for our dealers, our customers, and our product roadmap long after Miami ends.”

Reimagined Campus Strengthened Buyer Flow and Marketplace Performance

The 2026 show operated across three primary locations:

• Miami Beach Convention Center and Pride Park
• Miami Beach Yacht Collection along Collins Avenue
• Sailor’s Cove at IGY Yacht Haven Grande Miami

The return of in-water yacht displays to Collins Avenue for the first time since 2018 re-established a central waterfront corridor, improving visibility and creating a more seamless experience for serious buyers navigating between land-based exhibits and on-water showcases.

The Miami Beach Yacht Collection delivered a focused environment for luxury and internationally minded consumers, while the Convention Center remained a high-traffic hub supporting discovery, accessories, engines, and volume-driven boat categories.

“This year’s Collins Avenue layout delivered a more effective environment for yacht exhibitors and buyers,” said Paul Flannery, Chief Operating Officer, International Yacht Brokers Association. “The displays were easier to navigate, engagement was strong, and we see opportunity to expand our presence next year.”

Sailor’s Cove debuted as a dedicated destination for the sailing community, featuring sailboats, catamarans, equipment exhibitors, and educational programming — broadening the show’s reach while attracting qualified buyers within the sailing segment.

Miami Boat Show Anchor for Marine Innovation and Global Debuts

The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show continues to serve as a global launch platform for new boats, marine technologies, and product innovations spanning nearly every segment of recreational boating.

Advancements in connected vessel systems, hybrid propulsion, intelligent docking, and integrated helm technologies demonstrated how manufacturers are continuing to enhance usability, safety, and accessibility for boaters while investing in sustainability and efficiency.

The annual Innovation Awards recognized standout achievements across propulsion, electronics, onboard systems, safety, and vessel design — honoring manufacturers and suppliers driving the industry forward through technological advancement.

A Cornerstone Event for the Global Marine Industry

For 85 years, the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show has played a defining role in shaping recreational boating globally — serving as both an economic engine for South Florida and an international marketplace connecting manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, and buyers. International attendance increased approximately 20 percent year over year, with more than 100 countries represented and notably strong attendance from Latin American countries.

The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show returns February 10–14, 2027.