Scenes from the 2016 Miami International Boat Show

SF commissioned professional photographer Jason Arnold to snap a few photos of scenes that caught his attention at MIBS in its brand-new location on Miami’s Virginia Key, and these 16 images are the result.
  • Updated: February 15, 2016
MIBS 2016: A New Backdrop

MIBS 2016: A New Backdrop

The skyline of downtown Miami looms behind rows and rows of docked boats during the 2016 Miami International Boat Show at the Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
Iconic Relic

Iconic Relic

The old Miami Marine Stadium stands as an iconic relic in the midst of the boat show venue. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
The State of an Historic Structure

The State of an Historic Structure

While an active campaign to save the historic Miami Marine Stadium could see the iconic structure restored for future boat shows, so far it remains as for decades, unused and unusable, serving mostly as a palette for graffiti taggers. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)

IN MOVING THE MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW FROM MIAMI BEACH TO VIRGINIA KEY, MANAGERS FACED ONE OF THE GREATEST CHALLENGES IN THE HISTORY OF THE EVENT.

In the Early Hours

In the Early Hours

Early on the morning of the show’s opening day, the docks housing hundreds of boats sure to have anglers salivating are not yet swarming with show-goers as they’ll soon be. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
The Spirit of Hemingway

The Spirit of Hemingway

A replica of Hemingway’s boat, Pilar, adds some fundamental fishing history to docks filled with some of the fastest, most advanced fishing boats on the market. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
Under the Big Top

Under the Big Top

Replacing the Miami Beach Convention Center, that for decades housed the boat show, were huge tents. Here, folks stroll one of the marine accessory tents. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
Some Boats Look Fast Even When Sitting Still

Some Boats Look Fast Even When Sitting Still

Barker Boatworks’ 26 Open bay boat powered by Seven Marine’s 627 may be the fastest bay boat on the market. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
In the Marine Electronics Tent

In the Marine Electronics Tent

Checking out the Humminbird display, one of many other major marine electronics manufacturers represented at the show. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
Packed in Tight

Packed in Tight

Boats were lined up tight as sardines in a can along the docks put in at Virginia Key for the show. Here, in a short space — in front of part of Miami’s skyline showing crystal clear in the bluebird morning — are many boat types including a cuddy, center consoles in monohulls and a catamaran, and a bay boat. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
Center Consoles Get Serious

Center Consoles Get Serious

While there were plenty of excellent smaller, single- and twin-engine center consoles at the show, boat builders are adding larger and more powerful boat packages to their lines. This 45-footer boasts 1,600 horses from a quad Mercury Verado setup. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
Walking the Docks

Walking the Docks

What seemed like miles of docks had been put in place to host hundreds of new boats, many available to test drive. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
Empty Docks

Empty Docks

The sun breaks through the clouds behind an Invincible 42 in the early hours before the show opens. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
I See Dead People

I See Dead People

It only appears, thanks to a slow shutter speed, that ghosts stalked the aisles of the boat show in a tent where standup paddleboards, kayaks and inflatables were on display. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
The Smiling Artist
Marine artist K.C. Scott, whose work is displayed on much of Huk’s apparel (and who has been featured by Sport Fishing) is all smiles at his booth in a marine accessories tent. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
An Inventor's Pride

An Inventor’s Pride

Troy Faletra, inventor of the Throw Raft, shows off the first inflatable and throwable Coast Guard-approved flotation device. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com_)
Undisturbed shoreline

Undisturbed Shoreline

Given environmental concerns, the boat show’s promoters worked diligently to avoid any damage to Virginia Key’s mangrove-lined shores. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)

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