St. Pete Boat Show

Whether you’re a boat owner or a boat dreamer, the Power and Sailboat Show last weekend in St. Petersburg was the place to be. With five full days of water enthusiast displays, seminars, and presentations, what’s known as the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast was not to be missed. 

FLocal local Andi Imaging had the chance to stop into the show and visit Quality Boats, one of the oldest family owned businesses out of the hundreds of local exhibitors. Upon stepping aboard a million-dollar Tiara yacht, Andi spoke with Quality Boats owner, Danny Grant. He gave her the lowdown on the 45-year-old family business. Grant stated it operates much like a car dealership. Quality Boats has four Florida locations with a total of 48 employees. He went on to describe the company philosophy by elaborating on the importance for buyers to question the value of a transaction by stating, “It’s not just about the purchase, it’s about how you are going to help me.” Grant broke this down further, by pointing out how the transaction doesn’t end at the boat sale, it involves any possible needed assistance needed in the future. Examples he gave were with things like use of navigation systems and electronics, to routine maintenance. 

After learning a bit about how much goes into owning a boat from Danny Grant, it was no surprise to discover the show ticket included a multitude of free seminars on living the life aquatic. From morning to afternoon each day you could catch a free training session sponsored by Sail America or IGFA School of Sportfishing. Whether you wanted to learn how to Target Gamefish on Nearshore Wrecks and Reefs, or How to Purchase Hurricane Damaged Boats, the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show had you covered. Other interesting seminars included, Celestial Navigation, Using Wind and Solar for Making Fresh Water, and How to Keep Your Interior Space Comfortable (Climate Control Without Air Conditioning); not to mention sailing lessons! If you missed this year’s boat show, don’t let it sail away again next year!