Will tide turn in Miami?

Signs of an improving economy generate optimism for the big show among organizers and exhibitors

The thousands of boats, engines, electronics and accessories on display at the 2012 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail are only the beginning of what there is to see and experience at one of the world’s largest boating events.

The five-day show, in its 71st year, takes place Feb. 16-20 across three sites: the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center and Miamarina at Bayside (the sail component). It runs concurrently with the Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach, staged on Collins Avenue, and there is free shuttle service between the independently operated productions.