Your Insider’s Guide to FLIBS, Top 11 Boats to See
I’m only 37, but it feels like I’ve been going to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) forever. Long enough to know which lots are worth parking in, which zones to completely disregard, and why the addition of real restaurants on site is about to change the game for good.
Whether it’s your first time attending or your tenth, FLIBS can be overwhelming. It’s the world’s largest in-water boat show, after all. But I’m here to show you how to navigate it like a seasoned pro, from smart parking strategies to which day boats deserve your time.
This year, I’ll walk you through all the essentials: key details on tickets, hours, and logistics; tips for making the most of your visit; and my personal shortlist of boats you need to check out.
FLIBS 2025 Quick Facts
Dates & Times
DATES: OCTOBER 29 – NOVEMBER 2, 2025
Wednesday, Oct 29: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday, Oct 30: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday, Oct 31: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday, Nov 1: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday, Nov 2: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tickets
Available online only (no on-site box office). Options include: 1-day GA, 2-day GA, Wednesday Preview, and multiple VIP packages.
VIP Experience
Windward VIP Lounge at Superyacht Village
New: Windward VIP Cabana Club at Hall of Fame Marina
Early one-hour Superyacht Village access
Complimentary self-parking at Superyacht Village (limited availability, first-come, first-serve)
Getting Around
Parking at Broward County Convention Center ($20/day)
Shuttle buses, water taxis, and ICON golf carts available
What’s In The Water
Check out the show’s In-water boat list to see what’s on display.
Show Locations & Maps
Save these to your phone so you have an instant reference point when you inevitably get lost inside.
Bahia Mar, Hall of Fame Marina & Las Olas Marina
Pier 66 & Superyacht Village
Broward County Convention Center
How to Experience FLIBS Like a Pro
Keep in mind, this is a preview to see the show efficiently; get in, get out, and leave educated. If you’re looking for which beer tent to hit, or what the live music lineup is, this isn’t your preview.
Go Early. Park Smart
The most popular question I get asked: What time should I go? Answer: Mornings. The weather is cooler, the crowds are lighter, and all the brokers are still shaking off the night before. You can check off your must-see list in just a few hours.
If you’re driving, park in the garage near the North entrance (Entrance 30). It’s certainly pricey, but the convenience is unbeatable. You’re jsut steps from the entrance and you never have to sit in the stop/go traffic on Seabreeze Blvd. Avoid private day lots on Seabreeze unless you’re okay with dropping $100+. I always end up parking there if I’m in a rush, and I leave feeling like I got hustled.
Make Appointments
Whether its through a broker (like me) or direct with the brand you’re touring, schedule something. Brands/brokers appreciate the forward thinking, and in some cases may clear the boat for you ahead of time. Scheduling also prevents standing around waiting for your turn, which no one wants to do when they have true intention and the rest are just gawking.
Dress for the Docks
Your date can leave the heels at home. Dress smart. FLIBS is a massive show requiring a lot of walking on planked docks. And don’t discount the heat. Even though our Florida summer is about to be over, its still hot for 90% of people. Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, and leave the club attire for afterwards.
New On-Site Eats
Skip the standard festival food and try the two new on-premise restaurants this year:
Ocean Prime (North end, near Entrance 30 brokerage section overlooking the slips)
Sotogrande (inside Pier 66, overlooking the marina)
Finally, you can sit down for a real meal without leaving the show.
The Top Yachts to See in 2025
FLIBS is unrivaled when it comes to showcasing the full spectrum of boats in the water—from an 18’ Scout to the 242’ Casino Royale by Amels. With more than 1,000 vessels on display, narrowing it down is tough.
But if you want a starting point, here are my Top 10 picks for this year’s show (in no particular order) plus one great off-site deal:
Bluegame BGM75 (U.S. Premiere)
Why see it: The Sanlorenzo group’s new “multihull” that blends the brand’s mono-hull elegance with cat stability and a full‑beam owner’s cabin below. Fit with the industry’s first dual-gyroscope system on a multihull and a tender garage that will blow you away, this is cool just to see how one of the industry’s leading brands changes direction and delivers something completely different.
Location: Bahia Mar, Face Dock
Sanlorenzo SP92 (U.S. Premiere)
Why see it: The U.S. Premiere of Sanlorenzo’s single-level stunner. When you want something no one has, the SP line is for you. Of all the Sanlorenzo products, the SP line is the brand’s most directly delivery of art. A 92 foot yacht with under 4 foot of draft? The Bahamas are calling…
Location: Bahia Mar, Face Dock
Pershing GTX70 (U.S. Premiere)
Why see it: Pershing’s answer to the recent beach club trend premieres at FLIBS to lots of excitement. I believe its an incredible upgrade from the 7X (inside and out), while sharing about the same beam (17 ft 7 in). Head to the Pershing booth and tell me which you prefer. I don’t think its even competitive.
Location: Bahia Mar, Face Dock
Van der Valk Edge 65
Why see it: The VDV Edge is the coolest boat in the show. Aesthetically. Mechanically. Architecturally. It’s not a new launch, but it’ll be the first time it’s in my presence, so I am treating it as such. If you haven’t seen a Van Der Valk boat in person, its a pleasure to experience. Buyer beware: pricing is stratospheric.
Location: Bahia Mar, D418A
Wajer 55 (U.S. Premiere)
Why see it: It’s so new there aren’t any pictures, just a badass website to promote the launch. Wajer represents the top of the day boat category. When you see the new 55, the changes won’t be major, but they’ll be worthwhile. For more information on what’s changed on the new Wajer 55, read our previous blog.
Location: Bahia Mar, FD20A (Adjacent to Hall of Fame Marina)
Pardo 43 (U.S. Premiere)
Why see it: Its been a while since Pardo redid its moneymaker, and at FLIBS 2025 you can see what all the fuss is about. If 43 isn’t the right size for you, the changes are said to be in process on the brand’s other day boat sizes: 38 and 50.
Location: Bahia Mar, F Dock
Saxdor 400 GTS (U.S. Premiere)
Why see it: Saxdor continues to develop slight changes in the 400 series that key on f specific regional styles. The GTO brings your backdoor patio to the water, the GTC encloses the cockpit for cooler climates, and the new GTS (pictured) delivers a conventional center-console day boat layout that will kill it in Florida. The 400 GTS may be the market’s best value-play at 40’.
Location: Bahia Mar, FG Dock
Vanquish VQ55
Why see it: Yes, the VQ55 is nothing new, but when a new one comes off the ship, I like the think most people are running to take a look. I can make a pretty strong argument that the VQ55 is the “ultimate dayboat”, and every hull comes with 1 or 2 new features that WoW you. Head over to the Vanquish booth to see what special features come on board the newest edition in a custom green (not pictured).
Location: Bahia Mar, Face Dock 19
Mangusta GranSport 33 “MYSTERE”
Why see it: After a fresh $990k price drop, the completion of an upgrade period in August, and warranties through 2028, Mystere packs a pretty serious punch. Sporting IPS drives yields massive interior space on this 110’ beast, plus a low draft and the ability to turn on a dime.
Location: T-head of B Dock at Pier 66
Deal of the Show: Riva Dolceriva 48 (Off-Site)
Why see it: Sometimes it worth a little drive to get a great deal. Regal Silver metallic, hard‑top, and a spec list that hits the sweet spot. 2 cabins in glossy mahogany, Seakeeper, Volvo joystick, bow thruster, 40‑knot max, and elegant Riva finishing. In its beautiful Fort Lauderdale showroom, Riva is showcasing this 2024 in its still “new” condition. Sure, its a year dated, but the available discount compounded with a full warranty could leave you feeling like the king of FLIBS.
Where to find it: Off‑site at the Ferretti Group Showroom, Fort Lauderdale (easy Uber from Bahia Mar). Book an appointment. Worth the detour.
ON THE HUNT FOR YOUR NEXT BOAT?
If you’d like my services during FLIBS 2025, email me at Reed@RNMarine.com.
About the Author
Reed Nicol is a licensed yacht broker with experience in all corners of the marine industry. He’s worked as an executive and sales director in yacht manufacturing and distribution, has structured commercial charter operations, and designed and executed notable refits. Read more about Reed’s marine journey, his love of helping 1st time boaters and his entrepreneurial spirit here.
Reed Nicol [Licensed FL Yacht Broker #11926]
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