Thanks to Wilma’s unwelcome sweep through South Florida, organizers of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show have for the first time in 46 years moved the show back four days to Nov. 3, and will shorten it to a 4-day event.

With 125,000 visitors expected, the show requires infrastructure, electricity and water to support a city of 60,000. Power and water outages will place a premium on available hotel rooms.

Approximately 1,600 watercraft are typically displayed at the Fort Lauderdale show, along with marine equipment, accessories and fishing gear at six different sites. The show generates about $600 million annually for local businesses.

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