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Boat Show Inspiration

The 2014 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: Great place to get ideas.
Boat Show Inspiration

When you think boat shows – like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show underway now through Nov. 3, 2014 – you think about boats, at least initially. Yet a relatively small percentage of boat-show attendees actually go to buy a boat.

Many go to see what’s new in marine accessories, electronics and other gear. I fit into this category, but I also like to check out the boats on display to get ideas for improvements and modifications to my own boat back at home.

Try it for yourself, and you might be surprised how many ideas come to light. Here are 10 boat-improvement ideas I have already come across during this year’s Fort Lauderdale show.

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•Replacing the stationary hydraulic helm with a tilt-and-lock version.
•Installing a pressurized freshwater shower system.
•Adding a pull-out boarding ladder to the transom area.
•Installing an overhead electronics box on my hardtop.
•Adding a set of outriggers.
•Installing a television in the cuddy cabin.
•Adding a thermal imaging camera system for night navigation.
•Installing a glove box in the helm area.
•Adding a fold-out bench seat across the transom interior.
•Creating a small alcove for the securing a fire extinguisher.

Once you settle on a project or two, you can also look around the show for the best marine-accessory items to get the job done.

That’s what I call boat show inspiration. See you at the show.

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