MIAMI BEACH , Fla., Oct. 6, 2005 – The 2005 Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail generated $817.8 million in gross sales and wages throughout Florida and supported 9,030 full-time jobs, according to an economic impact analysis released today by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

Prepared by Tampa, Fla.-based Thomas J. Murray & Associates in conjunction with the University of Florida, the study assesses the economic impact of the five-day show on Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, as well as the state of Florida. The 64 th Miami International Boat Show and 20 th Strictly Sail Miami took place Feb. 17-21at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center (formerly the Sealine Marina) and Miamarina at Bayside Marketplace.

“The results of the study demonstrate the show’s impact not only on South Florida’s local economy but to the entire state, where the boating industry represents a total economic impact that is twice the size of the state’s citrus industry, said Cathy Johnston, Southern regional manager of the NMMA. “The Miami show continues to grow by leaps and bounds and enables dealers and manufacturers to showcase their newest products before an international audience of serious buyers. It is truly the greatest show of shows that kicks off boating season and sets the barometer for annual boat sales.”

Other findings of the 2005 study include:

• Total estimated sales by Florida companies during the show reached $428.4 million, which includes approximately $231.3 million in sales from companies based in South Florida’s Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

• Total excise and sales tax generated in Florida as a result of the show was $41.6 million.

• 145,355 visitors attended the 2005 show; 41 percent of attendees were out-of-state visitors who spent an estimated $64.6 million on travel-related goods and services during the show’s five-day run.

• The total number of exhibitors at the 2005 show grew 28 percent since 1999; 51 percent of exhibitors at the 2005 show were based in Florida

• Out-of-state exhibitors expended an estimated $12.9 million on travel-related goods and services

The 65th edition of the Miami International Boat Show and 21 st Strictly Sail is set for Feb. 16-20, 2006, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center and Miamarina at Bayside. It will feature the latest powerboats, engines, sail boats, electronics, marine gear and accessories from more than 2,600 exhibitors.

About Miami International Boat Show

The Miami International Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). NMMA, the world`s first and largest producer of boat shows, is unsurpassed in providing a quality experience for the consumer. NMMA is the leading association representing the $30 billion recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines and accessories used by boaters and anglers in the United States. A non-profit organization, NMMA reinvests its proceeds into the recreational boating industry to benefit boaters. Look for the “NMMA certified” label on boats, personal watercraft and trailers. For more information, visit www.nmma.org.

For more information about the Miami International Boat Show, call (954)