The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show puts more eyes on more boats than almost any other week of the year in South Florida — whether your vessel is on display or just docked nearby at Bahia Mar, Las Olas, or Pier Sixty-Six. Here's a realistic timeline for getting it ready.
6-8 Weeks Out: Correction Work
If your gelcoat has any oxidation, chalking, or old wax buildup, this is the window for machine polishing and correction. Trying to correct and protect in the same week never gives the finish enough time to be assessed properly.
3-4 Weeks Out: Ceramic Coating or Wrap Work
Once correction is done, this is the ideal window for ceramic coating application or wrap installation. Both need some cure time, and booking this far out avoids the scheduling crunch every detailer in Broward County sees in the two weeks before the show.
1-2 Weeks Out: Marine Protection Film Touch-Ups
If your bow or waterline film has any lifting or is due for a refresh, handle it now — not the week of, when installers are booked solid with show-prep work.
Show Week: Detail and Final Polish
A final wash, glass and chrome detail, and quick touch-up polish the week of the show keeps everything camera-ready without redoing any of the underlying protection work.
Why Booking Early Matters More in Fort Lauderdale
Between FLIBS exhibitors, brokers prepping listings, and owners who just want their boat looking its best during the busiest week on the water, detailing and protection schedules fill up fast every October. We prioritize show-prep bookings but the early slots go first.
YachtWraps services Bahia Mar, Las Olas Marina, Pier Sixty-Six, and Hall of Fame Marina. See our Fort Lauderdale service page or book your show-prep slot now.