-->
Thursday, March 28, 2024
spot_img
HomeBoatMiami International Boat Show Recap

Miami International Boat Show Recap

You know you want it...

Mocka Jumbies and Rum...

- Advertisement -
The New Tiara Coronet 3600
The New Tiara Coronet 3600 launched at the Miami International Boat Show - Image Courtesy of Tiara Yachts

New boats and new products for 2012

For five days in the middle of February, the Miami Beach Convention Center turns every available space both inside and out into a motorboater’s dream. With over 2,000 exhibitors and 3,000 boats on display, the Miami International Boat Show was where you needed to be to see the latest boats, equipment and apparel this winter.

A large crowd gathered at the Tiara Yachts booth as they introduced the Tiara 3600 Coronet and the 3600 Open. CEO David Slikkers began presentation by expressing the company’s “desire and quest to be the very best while providing the tool to create life memories for each of their customers.” Tiara offers a variety of models to find your own destination whether it is a trip to a waterfront restaurant, a short hop to the islands or the ultimate cruise across the ocean.

First to be christened was the Tiara 3600 Coronet, the latest entry to their day boating fleet. The boat combines the luxury standard features you come to expect from Tiara Yachts with an innovative choice of propulsion/power packages — either Inboard or ZF Pod Drive — And a choice of power: Twin inboard Mercury 8.2 DTS/375 H.P. gas, or Cummins QSB/380 H.P. diesels, or ZF Pod Drive with twin Cummins QSB/380 H.P. diesels. The 3600 Coronet offers an oversized upper/lower cockpit providing great entertaining options and a comfortable retreat below with teak floors, a full galley and sleeping accommodations for four.

- Advertisement -

After the champagne was broken across the bow of the 3600 Coronet, Mr. Slikkers was ready to unveil the yacht under the large cloak. The new Tiara 3600 Open boosts the same propulsion/power options as the 3600 Coronet and an oversized upper/lower cockpit provides a great platform for cruising or fishing. Jane Galati from Galati Yacht Sales was honored to christen the 3600 Open for Tiara Yachts.

There was no shortage of vendors demonstrating the latest in equipment for any type of boat. Dometic Marine, a division of the Dometic Group, the world’s largest supplier of innovative products for yachts and pleasure boats, had two new ice producing products. The new EI540D was designed for the sports fisherman wanting to ice down their catch. This smaller, more compact unit is capable of producing 540 pounds of freshwater flaked-ice per day, doubling the output of the older EI250D. The 30 feet of flexible insulated hose gives the owner greater flexibility in the placement of the unit. The use of R-404A makes it more energy efficient and allows the water to freeze quicker. Full production began in mid-January 2012 and authorized dealers are now trained and ready to install new units.

Immediately adjacent to the EI540D was what is best described as an oversized bread machine. The Dometic Portable Ice Maker is a counter top unit weighing just 32 pounds and capable of making 33 pounds of ice every 24 hours. Simply fill the reservoir full of fresh water and in as little as 15 minutes you will have usable ice. The removable basket holds 2 ½ pounds of ice and has drain holes to allow melted ice to return back into the reservoir.

Safety products were scattered throughout the show. A product seen in the hands of many shoppers was the Dock-N-Loc by Boat Security Products, LLC. Once installed it disables the steering of the boat preventing a thief from driving off. The two-piece lock is made of stainless steel with a protective Polyarmor coating and comes with a 2 3/8 -inch stainless steel disc lock with a 5/16 -inch shackle. To install, just turn the engines to one side exposing the steering piston then attach the Dock-N-Loc over the piston. The company also makes a lock to secure outboard engines to the boat. This product is great for dinghy motors as well as engines on small fishing boats. Both products can be found in marine stores throughout Florida or ordered directly from Boat Security Products.

You couldn’t walk anywhere in the convention center without stepping on a static cling of the new ResQLink+ by ACR Electronics. At just 4 ½ -inches tall and 5.4 ounces, this 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is powerful enough to guide rescuers to within 300 feet of your position in a life-threatening emergency. Chris Wahler, Product Line Manager of Beacon Solutions – ACR/Artex Products, gave a demonstration of the proper placement this new waterproof and buoyant beacon. To activate simply deploy the antenna, push the on button then give it a clear view to the sky. The optimal placement of the unit is near the shoulder of your PFD. “This new PLB is great for single-handed boaters or those using a watch system on a crossing,” stated Mr. Wahler. Priced at less than $300 it gives boaters peace of mind if an emergency situation arises.

There was definitely no shortage of apparel options. Native Outfitters, a six-year old company out of West Palm, Florida, has a unique design logo and artwork to appeal to anyone with an active outdoor lifestyle. Their clothing line series includes surf/paddle, saltwater, resort conservation, logo, native beauty and freshwater and all have their native themed artwork. The company recently added a rhinestone overlay option to their women’s wear. Stephanie Ortiz said, “Our women apparel sales have exploded over the past year with the addition of the extra bling. Woman consumers now make up 45% of our sales.” Native Outfitters has 200 dealers throughout Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas. Their products can also be found in the Orlando Airport.

These were just some of the many new and exciting products presented at this year’s show. You truly needed all five days to see everything the exhibitors had to offer. If the crowds served as any indication, the waters will be full of new boats with boaters sporting the latest equipment and apparel.

- Advertisement -

Don't Miss a Beat!

Stay in the loop with the Caribbean

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

RELATED ARTICLES

So Caribbean you can almost taste the rum...

- Advertisment -
- Advertisment -spot_img

Recent Posts

Recent Comments