SWFMIA Spring Boat Show Moving To Bonita Springs.

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Fort Myers, FL  –  The  Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association has relocated its 25th Annual Spring Boat Show, to the Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track in Bonita Springs, March 6th -9th.

“After more than twenty years at the Lee Civic Center in North Ft. Myers it was time for a change and we could not be more excited about this new venue,” commented John Good, Boat Show Manager.  “It moves our show into the heart of a fast growing population base of Southwest Florida Boaters and gives us a great geographical spread for our three annual shows.  We now have a show in Bonita Springs, our Fort Myers Boat Show, downtown in November, and our Charlotte County Boat Show in January in Port Charlotte.”

The Greyhound Track is located on Bonita Beach Road between I-75 and U.S. 41.  The site offers all the space needed for boat and accessory displays in one area and there is more than ample on-site parking.  “We do not see a downside to this location,” says Good.  “It’s convenient, very easy to find and all displays will be in a large paved parking area.”

Nearly all the area’s major dealers will be on hand with hundreds of boats on display.  The show will feature a wide variety of booth displays with all kinds of marine accessories, and services.  Port Charlotte’s “Fishin’ Frank” and his crew of experienced and entertaining guides will conduct fishing seminars all four days of the show.  Frank’s new fishing simulator will give show visitors a chance to experience the excitement of fighting everything from bass to billfish.

This is a great opportunity to see, compare and buy boats and accessories.  Boat shows are always so appealing to the public because you can shop without driving all over Southwest Florida.  But more than that, if you are new to the area or thinking about getting into boating, the show is a great learning experience.  What do you want to do on the water?  What kind of boat fits your budget?  What about financing and insurance?  What kind of accessories do you need?  How about a boat lift?  How can I learn about safe boat operation?   Where are fun places to go on a boat?  You can answer all those questions at the show.

We’re even bringing our Caloosa Café & Pub that is such a hit at our November Show, featuring great food and all kinds of drinks.  And, of course, the Greyhound Track and Poker Room will be in full operation throughout the show.

Show hours are 10AM-6PM, Thursday – Saturday and 10AM – 5PM on Sunday.  Admission is $8.00 (kids under 16 are free with paid adult admission).  Parking is free.  The Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track is located at 10601 Bonita Beach Road SE Bonita Springs, FL  34135.

For more information about the show and about boating in Southwest Florida,  visit www.goboatingflorida.com or contact:   The Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association.  239-656-7083.  [email protected].

So you think you can build a boat? Prove it!

The 3rd Annual Southwest Florida Boat Building Festival is looking for teams to compete in this year’s event held during the Fort Myers Boat Show, November 14-17, downtown on the riverfront at Harborside Event Center. For a business, youth organization or even a family, this is a chance to learn almost forgotten skills, it’s a great team building experience and it’s a lot of fun.

The Festival is the brainchild of David and Sharon Bickel of the Shipwright Shop in Ft. Myers.  David, a fixture in the local marine community, is a true master ship’s carpenter (not many of those left!).  He has a passion for woodworking and a passion to see his skills passed along to a younger generation.

No experience is required.  David and his team of experts supply all the materials and tools and work with all competitors over 2 ½ days as they each build their own wooden boat.

If you are into boats and into working on them, this will be an experience you will never forget.  The cost is $1,750.00 per team.  And that’s cheap considering that on Sunday, you go home with your very own seaworthy wooden skiff!  For organizations or businesses, there are all kinds of opportunities to use the skiff as a fund raiser.  For a family, you’ll have a lifetime of memories and with a little TLC, a boat that will last as long as the memories.

If you’re interested, give David or Sharon a call at 239-850-6844 or e-mail [email protected]

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