February 12 - 16, 2009

Miami Beach Convention Center
1901 Convention Center Drive
Miami, FL 33139

Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center
1635 N. Bayshore Drive
Miami, FL 33132
NOTE: This location does not require a pass or ticket for entry.

MIAMARINA AT BAYSIDE (Strictly Sail Miami)
401 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132

Show Hours
"Premier Day"
Thu, Feb 12, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Fri, Feb 13, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Sat, Feb 14, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Sun, Feb 15, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Mon, Feb 16, 10:00am - 6:00pm

Marina locations open at 10:00am and close at 6:00pm daily

Admission
"Premier Day" - $28.00
Friday - Monday:
Adults - $16.00
2 Day Pass - $30.00
Junior Boaters: 13-15 years - $6.00
12 and under - FREE

Buy Tickets
Click here to purchase tickets online

The 2009 boat show season is in full swing and the news from the sales floor is good and getting better for boat buyers looking for a great deal and boat dealers armed with great boat show offers.

But that’s not all the news. This year, boat manufacturers are introducing the most exciting line of boats and personal watercraft the boating industry has seen in years. Yamaha, for instance, comes to the boat show with a long list of awards that include Watercraft of the Year for the Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO, Boat of the Year for the Yamaha AR230, Best Selling PWC of the Year for the Yamaha VX Deluxe, and the Excellence in Design Award for the all-new Yamaha 232 Limited S.

And for those of you interested in financing one of these boats, Yamaha reports the number of applicant approvals is the same as last year, which is more good news that contradicts recent headlines. 

Yamaha’s award-winning boat and PWC line-up is hard to ignore when walking the boat show. New this year are five new models that include the all-new FZ Supersport WaveRunner Series, the all-new High Output WaveRunner Series and the new 23-foot flagship 232 Limited S boat.

The all-new Yamaha FZ Series combines the industry’s most advanced hull and the industry’s largest displacement, supercharged engine in one adrenaline-pumping package that is available in a two-person or three-person configuration. According to Boattest.com, the FZ Series Waverunners are the quickest and fastest PWC on the planet.

The FZ’s all-new hull design combines remarkably tight turning with an edge-to-edge inside-lean character. The FZ Series also features the industry's first telescopic handlebars, as well as Yamaha’s exclusive, award-winning NanoXcel™ hulls and decks that are engineered using nanotechnology to reduce overall weight. The result is a state of the art watercraft that is quick and nimble, but with balance and maneuverability that truly connects the driver to the machine.

Yamaha also expands on its wildly successful FX Series with the introduction of two new models, the FX Cruiser HO and the FX HO. Both the FX Cruiser HO and the FX HO are powered by an all-new Yamaha 1812cc, normally aspirated marine engine. The FX Cruiser HO and the FX HO also include Yamaha’s revolutionary NanoXcel hulls and feature Yamaha’s exclusive Cruise Assist and No Wake Mode at a value that’s impossible to ignore. These two Waverunners are arguably the best value on the water today.

Yamaha has also added to its already-stellar line of best-selling boats. New for 2009, the 232 Limited S is the premier watersports model that further elevates Yamaha’s boat line to premium status. This luxury 23-foot bowrider expands on Yamaha’s extensive list of amenities to feature a beautiful forward-sweeping aluminum tower with integrated stereo speakers and overhead lighting. Also new for the 232 Limited S are bow docking lights and a distinctive dark blue color and graphics combination. 

To see the entire line-up of Yamaha products, check out www.yamaha-motor.com.

Buying Your First Boat

Starting Up
Naturally, prices for new boats vary, but many boat manufacturers and dealers can put you in the captain's chair for considerably less than a monthly new-car payment. Compare boats and their prices to come up with the ideal choice for you.

Financing
You can finance a new boat just like a new car. As with cars and homes, boat loans have carried extremely appealing interest rates in recent years. Terms generally range from two to 20 years. Comparing rates on-line is a great starting point.

Outfitting
Similar to cars, new boats are offered with different accessories and options. When pricing, factor in the cost of electronics, accessories and water toys. Modern marine electronics are extremely reliable, are loaded with features and more affordable than ever. Don't skimp on safety gear.

Operating Costs
Boating isn't like driving where you're using gas all the time. In fact, when a person is boating, they may be fishing or swimming and not using the motor at all. Most boats in use today are less than 21 feet and do not require exorbitant amounts of gas. In fact, 64 percent of boaters say they purchase less than fifty gallons of gas per season.

Maintenance and Upkeep
Boat, trailer, and motor maintenance can be as simple as a freshwater wash down after each use and keeping them covered. If you don't feel like you have the time and energy to do it yourself, hire a pro. Costs for routine maintenance vary by region, but for more involved services, such as oil changes and winterizing, expect to pay what you would for your car on an hourly basis.

Storage
When it comes to storing your boat, you have several options. You won't find a less-expensive way to keep a boat than storing it on a trailer in your driveway. Another alternative is rack storage that keeps your boat in a covered shed filled with trailer-like cradles. For owners of larger boats, and owners who crave convenience, a marina slip is the best way to go.

Insurance
Boat insurance varies by length, type, cost and level of coverage. Consult your agent for quotes or compare rates online. Smaller boats can be insured for a nominal sum as a rider on a homeowner's policy. You can reduce the cost of marine insurance premiums by taking an education course.

Eco-Friendly Boating Tips

Boaters can help protect the environment now and in the future by following these tips from the Environmental Protection Agency:

• Limit engine operation at full throttle.

• Eliminate unnecessary idling.

• Avoid spilling gasoline.

• Use a gasoline container you can handle easily and hold securely.

• Pour slowly and smoothly.

• Use a funnel or a spout with an automatic stop device to prevent overfilling the gas tank.

• Close the vent on portable gas tanks when the engine is not in use or when the tank is stored.

• Transport and store gasoline out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.

• Use caution when pumping gasoline into a container at the gas station.

• Carefully measure the proper amounts of gasoline and oil when refueling.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.

• Prepare engines properly for winter storage.

• Buy new, cleaner marine engines.

By combining these strategies, boaters can reduce pollution from marine engines and help improve air quality across the nation and protect public health.