Yacht buyers came out to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this year, braving rain to visit the show, returning to their favorite yachts several times, making verbal offers, and generally giving the industry a wave of optimism heading into the new year.

“We had an incredible show,” said Todd Ewing of Northrop & Johnson, noting that he saw more qualified people stopping by. “The show had nice vibes." "Thursday was the best preview day in three years; you could tell in the comings and goings,” said Rich George of Captain-net.com. “The first day sets the tone of the show.” Overall, captains, brokers, dealers and exhibitors were happy with the business conducted at the show, despite the rain. Some even thought the rain helped. "The rain has been good,” said Jim Tippman of United Yachts . “It's kept buyers on the boats." “The people who wanted to be here were here,” said Deckhand Nick Silich of M/Y Touch. “It’s been a nice show,” said Capt. Mark Wellnitz of M/Y Miss Michelle. “We weren’t slammed, but we had a steady flow of people.”