Category: Boat Shows

Boating is beloved by many for the escape and solitude it provides. Nothing beats hitting the water for a bit of tranquility and time away from the hustle and bustle of cell phones, social media and emails. However, tech is also poised to make boating a whole lot easier, interactive and downright interesting in 2016. Let’s examine a few tech trends to look for in the boating industry this year.

Boating Tech Trends in 2016

• Improved Websites: Not just in the boating industry, but everywhere, the use of cell phones to surf the web has companies to take another look at their websites. Due to people visiting websites on everything from a gigantic, widescreen computer monitor to a smartphone that fits in a back pocket, websites are being forced to consider conforming to whichever format the user chooses. To do so, look out for revamped boating websites that are responsive, meaning they automatically reformat to best fit the screen at use ( a design that our very own website utilizes).
• Interactive Videos: If you haven’t seen a 360-degree video posted online yet, we highly recommend you give one a look. This tech allows users to watch a video, but also view it at any angle they choose. It’s something similar to wearing a virtual reality headset and is a great way to provide an inside look of boats or yachts in full motion. The possibility of virtual tours has us excited to see where they take this tech in 2016.
• Wearable Technology: Speaking of virtual reality, VR headsets are new, improved and ready to take over the tech world this year. Imagine being able to tour a legendary fishing spot from the comfort of your own home before booking your trip. Smartwatches may also have a promising future in boating, allowing for more easily accessible weather warnings, GPS locating and more.
• Mobile Apps: Apps are still a huge opportunity for boating brands to tackle in 2016, taking full advantage of the vast majority of people that utilize cell phones throughout the day. Look out for new apps to assist you in all aspects of planning a day of boating, from weather to fishing tips to finding your next boat.
• Beacons: Along with VR, beacon technology is a new and exciting possibility for boating companies to interact with you. With this tech, companies at a boat show or marina could directly send you details about the boat or product kiosk you’re walking by, directly to your smartphone.

Though we may not have flying cars and robot maids, the future is here in the boating industry. Everything from beacons to apps, virtual reality to responsive websites are making our lifestyle even easier to enjoy. Though we still enjoy simply hitting the water with a fishing rod and a friend, we’re excited to see what advancements in boating tech do to the pastime that we know and love.

Information provided by: Boating Industry

With 2015 in the books, it’s just about time to start planning your boating adventures for the brand new year. One thing we always look forward to is the treasure trove of boat shows that flood The Sunshine State all year long. Below, you’ll find five of some of our favorite Florida boat shows. Get out your calendars: you won’t want to miss these fantastic events in your backyard.

Can’t-Miss Florida Boat Shows in 2016

Charlotte County Boat Show

Hosted in the Charlotte County Fairgrounds, this show is free to the public and is a perfect chance to window shop for your next boat or catch an educational seminar in the Charlotte, Florida area this January 14-17.

Stuart Boat Show

Featuring more than 190 local, national and international exhibitors with displays both in water and on land, this is huge show that you’ll not want to miss if you’re in the “sailfish capital of the world,” Stuart, Florida. Don’t miss the seminars, food, drinks and fun to be had this January 15-17.

Naples Boat Show

As the area’s largest premier recreational boat show, check out the offerings from top marinas and dealers. Held at the Naples Airport on January 21-24, be sure to grab your tickets soon!

Palm Beach International Boat Show

The 31st Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show is headed to Downtown West Palm Beach for four days of fun, from March 17-20, 2016. Top marine manufacturers and hundreds of boats make this show worth catching.

Suncoast Boat Show

The annual Suncoast Boat Show is headed to Downtown Sarasota this April 15-17, featuring the perfect opportunity to scope out your next boat and the latest marine electronics and accessories.

All in all, 2016 is looking like a good year for boaters and fishing enthusiasts thanks to some standout Florida boat shows that are hitting our shores (and convention halls) all year long. Cheers to the new year and these fantastic excuses to meet boat enthusiast communities across the state.