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Boaters hunker down at Stuart Boat Show

Posted at 11:44 PM, Jan 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-14 23:44:57-05

Boaters are hunkering down for strong winds and storms at the Stuart Boat Show. Captains and crew members made last minute preparations to secure their vessels after reports of possible severe weather come through overnight.

When you're dealing with half-million dollar yachts, a little rough weather can cause a lot of damage.

"They could break into another boat, crack gel coats," said John Blumenthal with Down East Yachting in Jupiter.

Blumenthal spent Thursday evening adding more fenders to cushion is boats.

"History has it that we've had a few strong winds in this particular show over the years, so I think the wind is going to be coming from the west side early in the morning. We want to be prepared for that," added Blumenthal.

Nearly one-thousand boats have been making their way north of the Roosevelt Bridge for weeks for the largest boat show on the Treasure Coast. Now on the eve of the big show open, organizers are alerting crews to be ready for it to get rocky.

"Hopefully it's not as bad as everybody says but we have let all the captains and crew know from all the boats, we've put extra rope," said Marketing Representative Marisol Forjen.

Forjen says even if rain does prevent you from checking out what you would have bought with your Powerball millions, there will be seminars and other events fully sheltered.

"It's the place to be this weekend," said Forjen.

New this year there will be also be sea trials where you can test ride your favorite boat. The show runs until Sunday.