When the “Yachting Capital of the World” puts on the world’s largest in-water boat show it draws nearly 1,500 boats and covers more than three million square feet of exhibit space spread over seven locations. That’s more than four billion dollars worth of gear and floating toys! Karen and I went for last night’s opening. (11-5-15) We only walked the areas at Bahia Mar, the Hall of Fame Marina and Las Olas Municipal Marina, but that was more than eye-popping. The 56th Annual Fort Lauderdale Boat Show is extravagance extraordinaire!

 

 Are four, 557-horsepower outboards enough for ya!

Are four, 557-horsepower outboards enough for ya!

 

 

 

She show ended at 7pm, when the private after parties started.

The show ended at 7pm, when the private after parties started. We misplaced our invites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You're gonna need a cool ride to visit your new boat in.

You’re gonna need a cool ride to visit your new boat in. Aston Martins at around $330,000 each.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, you went to the Boat Show and bought a helicopter?

So, you went to the Boat Show and bought a helicopter? It was a little tight at the helm, but the four back seats had leg room and cup holders for a cool $5.2 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This power cat was Karen's and my favorite at the show.

This power cat was Karen’s and my favorite at the show. If I move up in size, this 43-foot Endeavor would fit the bill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You garage is not this clean and doesn't have as many cool toys.

Your garage is not this clean and doesn’t have as many cool toys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Putting an out of place fire hydrant to good use.

Putting an out of place fire hydrant to good use in an exhibit hall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A look at the big boats from Los Olas bridge.

A look at the big boats from Las Olas bridge.

 

 

 

In honer of Mr. Bond's new movie, and old favorite.

In honer of Mr. Bond’s new movie an old favorite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shore power.

Mega Yachts drew mega watts as massive generators hummed nearby.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everything sprouting out of the tops of these yachts costs crazy money.

Everything sprouting out of the tops of these yachts costs crazy money.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

toys

If your priority is toys, they are kept on the aft deck and not stowed away. Six jet skis, 25-foot inflatable and a few jet packs for swimming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Big Boat has to have a distinctive bow.

Your Big Boat has to have a distinctive bow. Will that be circular seating, lounge bed or hot tub?