About the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS)

Now entering its 66th year, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS 2025) will run October 30 – November 3, 2025, spanning seven venues including Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Las Olas Marina, and the Broward County Convention Center. More than 1,000 exhibitors and hundreds of superyachts are expected, making it the world’s largest in-water boat show.

From brokerage deals to new builds, FLIBS is where buyers, sellers, and industry professionals converge. For yacht owners, the timing—right at the close of hurricane season and during the seasonal migration of yachts back to Florida—creates both opportunity and complexity.

Why FLIBS 2025 Matters for Buyers & Sellers

• ⚓ Migration moment: Superyachts are already arriving daily in Fort Lauderdale. Owners not here can miss critical timing.
• 📈 Buyer competition: The best-positioned yachts move quickly once the show begins.
• 🛠️ Seller readiness: Documentation, presentation, and minor service work matter most before FLIBS, not after.
• 🌎 Global focus: Fort Lauderdale draws buyers, sellers, and media from every major yachting hub.

Acting early positions you ahead of the crowd. Waiting until the docks are full often means missed chances or rushed outcomes.

Why Work With Kevin St. Clair

Kevin St. Clair is the owner of St. Clair Superyachts, a Florida-licensed brokerage. With more than 200,000 nautical miles logged as Captain, Engineer, and Project Manager, Kevin combines technical depth with transaction experience. In 2025 alone, he has successfully managed over $7M in international superyacht transactions, including discreet off-market opportunities. His approach is trusted by UHNW owners who value discretion, clarity, and engineering-level diligence.

Kevin is not a listing service. He is a decision-maker’s advisor—trusted by yacht owners because he protects outcomes, timelines, and budgets across the full lifecycle: buying, owning, and selling.

3 Costly Buyer Mistakes at FLIBS

1. Relying only on glossy photos: Many yachts arrive straight from heavy summer use; condition varies widely.
2. Overpaying due to urgency: Competition is high, but terms can be managed with the right strategy.
3. Skipping local context: Dockage, yard timelines, and seasonal bottlenecks can derail ownership if ignored.

3 Costly Seller Mistakes at FLIBS

1. Waiting too long: Buyers build short-lists weeks before the show. Unprepared yachts fall behind.
2. Neglecting service records: Buyers discount heavily when documentation is incomplete.
3. Assuming privacy equals safety: Discreet exposure to the right network can be more effective than silence.

💬 Buyer Intelligence Q&A

❓ Why request advisory before the show?

✅ FLIBS week moves fast. Having an advisor already in Fort Lauderdale means fewer missed opportunities and better positioning.

❓ How do off-market opportunities fit in?

✅ Many serious transactions never hit the open portals. Networked access provides earlier visibility.

❓ Do you work alongside existing brokers or counsel?

✅ Yes. Coordination with existing advisors is common and keeps momentum smooth.

💬 Costs, Registry & Resale Q&A

❓ What’s a realistic operating budget for a 100’+ yacht?

✅ Planning bands average 10–12% of asset value annually. With the right advisory, owners often reduce downside costs significantly.

❓ How do flag/registry choices impact a deal?

✅ Registry drives crewing requirements, tax posture, inspection cadence, and charter flexibility. These should align with usage before committing.

❓ What protects resale value best?

✅ Entering at the right price, documenting service, and prioritizing reliability upgrades are proven ways to safeguard exit value.