The 47th annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show showcased over 400 vessels last weekend, drawing crowds to the Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park from January 16–19. However, vendors noted a shift in consumer behavior following the Gulf Coast’s severe hurricane season in September and October, with high-end boat sales reportedly dipping in 2025.

Attendance and Market Shifts

While the downtown waterfront buzzed with visitors, opinions on attendance compared to 2024’s estimated 25,000–30,000 attendees were mixed. Jeff Schrier, a broker with OneWater Yacht Group, observed fewer serious buyers this year, citing the storms’ lingering effects on residents.

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“There are a lot of people saying, ‘I’m still fixing my house; I lost my house, and I don’t have a dock,’” Schrier remarked. He noted that while Saturday saw improved foot traffic, Thursday and Friday were slower, and Sunday was anticipated to be a washout due to inclement weather.

OneWater displayed three yachts priced between $1.6 million and $3 million, a reduction compared to prior years. Schrier anticipates leads from the show but described the event as atypical. “Not having a yacht broker is like going to court without a lawyer,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of professional guidance in yacht purchases.

Budget-Friendly and Practical Solutions

On the other end of the market, Solution One Maritime reported steady interest. Sales Manager Aaron Jadallah described the crowd as “pretty decent” and comparable to previous years, with many attendees seeking education over immediate purchases.

The company showcased inflatable boats and life-saving equipment, including emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs). Jadallah emphasized their utility during extreme flooding, noting that a $3,100 rigid inflatable boat (RIB) offers a compact, practical solution for emergencies. “When you need it, you blow it up and get in. It keeps you out of the water,” he explained.

Pre-Owned Boats Gain Popularity

For Boateka, a certified pre-owned boat dealer attending the show for the first time, the event proved both profitable and an opportunity to boost brand awareness. Director of Marine Retail Robbie Caron highlighted a growing interest in used boats, which often cost 60% less than new models after two years of depreciation.

“Many people lost their boats during the hurricanes and want to maximize their insurance payouts,” Caron said. Boateka also offered sea trials, further encouraging buyers to consider their affordable options.

Innovation on Display

JFA Yacht brought a standout attraction to the event: the Icon A-5, a light-sport amphibious aircraft. Shane Allen, a broker, described it as a “jet ski with wings,” capable of taking off from water at 40–50 knots and reaching altitudes of 13,000 feet. Priced at $480,000, the futuristic two-seater drew significant attention with its foldable wings and removable windows.

Allen noted the historical connection, as St. Petersburg hosted the first commercial flight in 1914. “With JFA just launching an aviation division, being here feels fitting,” he added.

Supporting the Community

The show’s organizer, Informa Markets U.S. Boat Shows, donated ticket sale proceeds to Feeding Tampa Bay to assist residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The gesture underscored the community’s resilience and the event’s commitment to supporting recovery efforts.

As the Gulf Coast continues to rebuild, the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show reflected not just the enduring appeal of boating but also the evolving priorities of a region weathering the storms of change.

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(Image credit: St. Pete Power and Sailboat Show)