Spotlight On Nor-Tech At Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Uncertain how the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which opened Wednesday in the South Florida city, would play out given the effects of COVID-19 on large-group gatherings around the country, several high-performance powerboat builders opted out—even at the cost of their advanced-paid deposits—of the event this year. But for Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats of Fort Myers, Fla., sticking with the show has so far proven to be the right move, according to company principal Trond Schou.

The expansive new 460 Flyer is heading up Nor-Tech’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show display. Photos by Kevin Lane copyright Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats.

“There were a lot more people than we expected yesterday and Wednesday and the crowd was unbelievably good,” said Schou. “We almost pulled out of this event and we’re really glad we didn’t. The people we saw yesterday were buyers, not lookers. I think we sold two boats already.

“A lot of our competition decided not to go to Lauderdale this year,” he added. “But for Nor-Tech this is looking like one of the best Fort Lauderdale shows we’ve ever done. We had real buyers here all day yesterday and I expect we will again today.”

Check out the slideshow above to enjoy more images from the Nor-Tech exhibit.

Nor-Tech is displaying its new 460 Flyer, a 390 Sport Console equipped as a yacht tender, a 392 Super Fish—the company has built 45 of its angling-centric offerings to date according to Schou—and a 340 with a striking new interior. The 460 Flyer will be part of the Florida Powerboat Club’s Key West Poker Run fleet early next month.

Like all boat builders who planned to exhibit at the 2021 Miami International Boat Show, which was cancelled two days ago, Schou suddenly finds himself with more money to spend on Nor-Tech specific events next year. The company, which celebrates its 30th anniversary next year, had extensive plans for the Miami event. Schou and his team are already planning an event of their own.

“That show costs an arm and a leg to go to,” he said, then chuckled. “Now we have a pile of money to spend on something else.”

Nor-Tech will have representation at its Fort Lauderdale exhibit throughout the weekend.

Related stories
Miami International Boat Show Cancelled For 2021
Striking Nor-Tech 450 Delivered In Naples, Next Stop Key West
Nor-Tech Unveils 460 Flyer