FORT MYERS, Fla. - One of Florida's oldest boat shows has sailed into Fort Myers! The annual event attracts hundreds from the boating community. But in this economy are people ready to spend the big bucks?

"I come every year basically to talk a look and see what's available and what the prices are," said John Haydock.

Boat or no boat, you can find  long-time friends John Haydock and Dick O'Neill strolling through this show every year.

O'Neill sold his boat three months ago is now hunting for a new one. He's one of hundreds expected to walk through downtown Ft. Myers this weekend, looking at the variety of models and prices available.

"The marine industry is a huge part of southwest Florida, just because there's so much to do on the water," said event coordinator John Good.

Among the 180 exhibitors here is Don Maki with Paradigm Yacht Sales. The company is based in Cape Coral. "It's all about value," said Maki.

He says in this economy, buyers are looking for the best bang for their buck.
"We have boats positioned to sell in a market thats kind of soft right now," he said.

But many. like O'Neill and Haydock, are keeping a close eye on their wallets.

"Until things kind of quite down and settle down and kind of figure out where the economy is going, I think that's probably got a lot of people worried," said Haydock.

O'Neill says he won't be spending money toda, but there's never any harm in taking a look. "It's just nice to look at the different types of boats. I enjoy looking at them," he said.

The 39th Annual Ft. Myers Boat Show takes place Nov. 10-13th.

10:00am - 6:00pm Thurs. - Sat.

10:00 - 5:00pm Sunday

Admission is $8.00 per person, with children under 12 free.