How to Purchase a Boat at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in 2025
- MJ Yacht Pro
- Aug 25
- 5 min read
Your Guide on How to Purchase a Boat at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in 2025
With thousands of exhibitors and hundreds of yachts, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is the biggest in-water boat show in the world. FLIBS 2025 is a fantastic opportunity for serious buyers, but without a plan, it can be overwhelming. Starting as boat owners, boat buyers, and now yacht brokers, our years of experience have taught us that a strategic approach is essential. Here are our best suggestions for making the most of your time and getting the greatest bargain on your next used or new boat.
Plan Ahead: Arranging Tours and Establishing Objectives
Plan your boat tours ahead of time. Make appointments with listing brokers or dealers after deciding which boats you wish to view. Arriving unexpectedly can result in lengthy waits or lost opportunities, as many exhibitors only show vessels to scheduled buyers.
Establish a budget and priorities. FLIBS is very popular. Select only boats that fit your needs and price range. You can compare similar models more effectively and save time with this focus.
Make use of a yacht broker (VIP access). A custom itinerary will be arranged by a broker such as J Brothers. We help you navigate special events, reserve private walkthroughs, and secure tickets. Without straying, you'll hit every target.
Don't go shopping on the dock. Sincere purchasers are always prepared. Dockside haggling on the spur of the moment rarely succeeds. Instead of treating the show as an impromptu flea market, treat it as a series of appointments.
Entering and Exiting: Practical Advice
On weekdays, park at the Convention Center. FLIBS's transit hub is the Broward County Convention Center, which offers more than 3,000 parking spaces for a flat fee of about $20 per day. Parking here avoids the worst traffic, especially Wednesday through Thursday for the show. All show locations are accessible by convention center golf carts, water taxis, and shuttles for a small fee.
For the weekend, Uber in, Water taxi out: Take an Uber to the Coconuts Restaurant entrance or Bahia Mar for the busy weekend (Friday–Sunday). When departing, take the FLIBS water taxi to the 17th Street dock (or another stop) for a speedy exit after the show to avoid ride-share delays.
Schedule pickups ahead of time. FLIBS crowds can cause Uber and Lyft pickups to stall, even during the week. Sometimes wait times reach an hour or more. If you depend on ridesharing, think about booking your ride in advance or walking a block to a less congested area.
Dress to Succeed on the Docks
Wearing comfortable clothing is essential when touring boats all day.
Protection from the sun. Put on sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Boats don't have much shade, and the Florida sun is very strong.
Layered garments. It can be cool in the mornings and hot in the afternoons in October. It's smart to pair a light long-sleeve shirt (polo) with a jacket or vest. Layers keep you comfortable because boat cabins frequently have air conditioning.
Shoes that are suitable for boats. Put on cozy walking or boat shoes with non-slip white soles. To protect decks, many exhibitors require white-soled shoes. Shoes that are rough or dark can scratch decks (and may be denied). However, you also need to be prepared for shoe removal, so bring a nice pair of socks to keep your style in check.
Neat, casual appearance. FLIBS is polished but casual. Wear smart-casual attire, such as polo shirts, crisp shorts, or trousers. Steer clear of shoes with black soles that could mark a vessel, and definitely skip the flip-flops.
Astute Approach: Compile Information, Avoid Closing Deals
Gather information, then bargain. Take notes, compare specifications, and speak with several sellers using FLIBS to unload their boats or yachts. And NEVER sign a contract right away, especially on the first few days. Rather, take a backseat and let your yacht broker handle the transaction later. We can negotiate from a strong position with all the show's information, which frequently results in you getting extras, upgrades, or better pricing.
Make use of J Brother’s FLIBS experience. We've seen the boat-show deal game, so let us strategize for you. We know what add-ons to request, what the most recent warranty packages are, and which yachts are motivated to sell. To ensure you get the best deal without the hassle, let us do the back and forth.
The Worth of a Buyer’s Representative Yacht Broker, Especially at FLIBS
Perk #1… Personalized VIP tours: We handle every aspect of your trip, including arranging viewings, organizing your route, and offering in and out access. In addition to avoiding lines, you'll receive a customized experience that frequently grants you access that walk-ins do not.
Market intelligence: J Brothers offers current demand trends and pricing information. We are aware of which models have been sitting, which are popular, and where you may have influence at the show. You won't overspend or pass up better options as a result.
Professional bargaining: On the docks, our brokers never expect to close deals at the shows. In order to drive the best price, we contact sellers with structured offers after FLIBS. To make sure you get the best bargain, we take into account the entire package, including price, extras, delivery, and financing.
Complete support: Once you lock down the boat of your dreams, we take care of paperwork, closing, sea trials, and surveys after the show. That means that at FLIBS, you concentrate on choosing the ideal boat while we take care of the details. Following the event, we ensure a seamless closing of the deal and a hassle-free delivery of your new yacht.
FLIBS Commonly Asked Questions
Q: Which days are ideal for attending FLIBS?
A: Early or mid-week are ideal (Tue–Thu) – these days have fewer crowds, are dedicated to serious boaters, and offer more one-on-one time. Opening day has all the new boat debuts, and the last day (Sunday) often brings motivated sellers and some outstanding deals. Friday–Saturday are busiest, so expect heavy traffic.
Q: What should I wear to the boat show?
A: Dress for the sun and comfort. Wear a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring layers (it can be cool in the morning and hot by noon). Wear comfortable shoes with clean white non-skid soles (boat shoes or white-soled sneakers are best). Avoid flip-flops or dark-soled shoes that could mark decks.
Q: How should I handle negotiations at the show?
A: Never finalize a deal on the docks. Gather information and quotes during FLIBS, then negotiate after. A yacht broker (like J Brothers) can use that information to secure the best terms off-site. This way you avoid pressure and often get extras (upgrades, better financing, and more).
Q: Is hiring a broker necessary at the show?
A: It’s not mandatory, but smart. A good buying yacht broker organizes your visit, provides insider knowledge, and negotiates for you. This saves time and often money – we help you stay focused on finding the right boat while we handle the details.
With the right preparation and support from J Brothers, you can turn the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show into a smooth, successful yacht-buying experience.
Gaining the Right Representation
So you ask, how to purchase a boat at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in 2025? Bring a licensed yacht broker.
Sign up for a complete "VIP Buying Experience" and make your next boat purchase unforgettable. Learn More >>
All Sources
Comments