Miami International Boat Show returns with focus on eco-friendliness (includes video story)

The Miami International Boat Show returns for its 54th year at the Miami Beach Convention Center with a special focus on eco-friendly boats. The show features electric and battery-powered boats, signifying a shift in the boating industry.

James Breyer, CEO of Hercules Electric Marine, is a returning exhibitor for the show and is hopeful of seeing a change in consumer habits toward environmentally-friendly boats.

“It is about consumer awareness,” Breyer said. ”When the consumer wants a better solution to a problem, they’re going to demand that solution. For us, it’s really about getting our name and technology out there so the consumer can make a better choice.”

In the past year, the show amassed around 100,000 visitors to both its land and sea displays. The on-land show at the Miami Beach Convention Center is accompanied by on-water events at the Venetian Marina, Herald Plaza, Museum Park Marina and Yacht Haven Grande Miami.

“The atmosphere at the boat show is all about enthusiasm,” Breyer said. “The city is a great place to be… we’re just really excited to be here in Miami as part of our coming out party for this technology.”

The show runs from Feb. 15-19, with general admission tickets starting at $42. More information can be found on their website, miamiboatshow.com.

Kenneth Bueno is a junior majoring in the Digital Broadcasting field. He is a sim racing commentator for Podium eSports and aims to apply his love for sports into the sports broadcasting industry after graduating.