The entire boating industry throughout the United States endured a horrible hammering from the economic downturn and according to Thomas J. Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, with the nation feeling the onset around September, 2008. However, Dammrich feels a rebound after a somewhat strong 2010 exhibition..

'Rapid recovery certainly wont happen but it will eventually present itself and we definitely feel a stronger degree of confidence for the future,' he says. In comparison to my 2008 Miami visit, this years boat show revealed much stronger vibes, he added.

It was very encouraging to feel the emerging confidence at Miami, 2010. You could say that Miami consists of 4 venues; the Miami Beach Convention Centre, the Miamarina at Bayside and the Sea Isle Marina, both in Miami and the enormous brokerage show at Miami Beach. To renowned Australian exhibitors, Riviera and Maritimo showcased their range at the brokerage show; After visiting both displays I eventually found myself chatting with Maritimo's marketing director Luke Durman, Dave Northrop, president of Maritimo USA. Durman was thrilled to report one boat had sold prior to the boat shows actual start up along with two selling during the show. 'It's been very good for us,' he said. The brokerage display was a showstopper with a lot of vessels prices tags in the USD$12 million-plus range. I also managed to catch up with Barry Bailey, currently and Australian Gold Coast resident. Just recently Bailey was promoted to recently appointed Asia-Pacific representative for the Turkish-built Vicem yachts and introduced me to the somewhat unknown, although brilliantly-built line of motor yachts .Moving throughout the boat shows events appeared to be a fairly easy task for visitors with non-stop shuttle buses operating through the boat shows hours. Always sponsored, This year's shuttles were courtesy of Sperry Topsider deck shoes and Raymarine.

The NMMA doesn't disclose which venue attracts the largest number of visitors, although the Convention Centre is renowned for the boat shows top HQ. Its by far an enormous facility, much larger than the venue of the Sydney International Boat Show. Its totally impossible to see everything at the Miami boat show in one day. After dedicating five fun filled days I can honestly say, I still didn't see it all. A few examples of some of the boat shows highlights included sport fishing boasting its Big Game Room, currently in its seventh year. For a big time angler this room is considered one stop-shop heaven featuring all the latest fishing gear, seminars and top fishing destinations. The United States Coast Guard was on hand hosting a program called a 'First Mates Course', educating what every skipper's right-hand man should be aware of. One venue that created quite an attraction was the unveiling of the AMG Mercedes-Benz-inspired Cigarette speed boat; partnered with the magnificent Mercedes sports car alongside. The NMMA's Discover Boating Centre proved popular with show visitors; it was staffed throughout the show by experts able to answer any question related to recreational boating and offer advice on the best course to choosing a boat to suit lifestyle and budget. There was also a photographic exhibition staged, very similar to one last year at the Sydney International Boat Show; sponsored by the Miami Herald, visitors were encouraged to submit their best image showing how they discovered boating.

The Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion displayed the largest collection of artwork, merchandise and apparel imaginable from the legendary Dr Guy Harvey. Harvey currently celebrating 25 years as a famous artist, scientist, diver and photographer was recently inducted into the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame.There were many exciting attractions throughout the boat show such as: the Kids Aboard Boatbuilding Workshop' and the two day Marine Meteorology Weather Course educating on route planning in relation to weather. And finally the daily sailing seminars, where showgoers can join in free half-hour sails along Biscayne Bay with an expert skipper passing on his knowledge. So my overall experience of Miami Boat Show, 2010, was certainly encourageing and brought hope. Hope that the global economic downturn is well on its way to recovery for all.