FLIBS Debut Roundup & Show Highlights
Rounding up some of the best boat debuts and highlights from FLIBS 2023 in Fort Lauderdale this month.
October 31, 2023
The 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was a resounding success this year, with many new boat debuts and a slew of new marine products showcased to thousands of eager boating enthusiasts. Here we round up some of the notable boat debuts, award winners and products featured at the docks in South Florida this month.
Azimut Grande 36M - "Best Of Show" 2023
Above: A 2023 Azimut Grande 36M pictured below, for sale on YachtWorld by Burgess Palma in Spain. Photo via Burgess Palma.
Azimut's Grande 36M won the "Best of Show" award at the 64th FLIBS event, celebrated for its design, architecture, performance, and technology. Among eight finalists, it stood out for its innovative semi-walkaround upper deck. Federico Ferrante, President of Azimut Benetti Americas, expressed pride in this acknowledgment of Azimut's design and innovation. The yacht, with exterior lines by Alberto Mancini and interiors by Achille Salvagni, is also eco-conscious as part of Azimut's Low Emission Yacht range, cutting consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 30%.
2024 Aquila 47 Molokai
Above: A 2024 Aquila 47 Molokai for sale on YachtWorld by MarineMax in St. Petersburg, FL. Photo via MarineMax.
The new Aquila 47 Molokai Power Catamaran made her debut at FLIBS this year, showcasing a distinctive blend of a luxury catamaran and a high-performance fishing vessel. Traditionally, center console catamarans designed for long fishing trips sacrificed comfort. However, the Aquila 47 Molokai changes that narrative by offering both serious offshore fishing capabilities and luxurious amenities. She boasts a spacious, air-conditioned stateroom with a queen-sized bed, large windows and a proper enclosed full head/shower. With options of twin 600 hp or quad 400 hp Mercury Verado outboards, the twin-step hull design ensures exhilarating performance while maintaining a smooth ride. Maneuvering is simplified with joystick piloting, and a large fuel capacity ensures extensive reach. The helm has two rows of protected, air-conditioned seating, paired with cutting-edge Raymarine electronics and entertainment systems. For anglers, the catamaran features large livewells, spacious fish storage, electric reel outlets, and a carbon fiber hardtop prepared for outriggers and custom towers.
2024 Fjord 41 XL
Above: A 2024 Fjord 41 XL for sale on YachtWorld by Yachting Partners in Valletta, Malta. Photo by Yachting Partners Malta.
The Fjord 41 XL, which just debuted at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, is a 42-foot powerboat offering a blend of iconic design and a high degree of customization. This boat sets a new bar in personalization, allowing owners to tailor both the interior and the upper deck. While the Fjord 41 XL can reach speeds up to 43 mph with an 880 hp engine option, its primary allure lies in the myriad of layout choices and material combinations, making each yacht a distinct representation of its owner's tastes.
2024 Viking 90 Open Bridge
The first Viking 90 Convertible Open Bridge made her debut at FLIBS 2023, as Viking's new flagship sportfishing yacht, replacing its previous flagship, the Viking 92. The deep-sea, offshore fishing centric Viking 90 Open Bridge comes equipped with open flybridge, hence the model name. A thorough-bred, blue water titan, this classic mighty sportfish yacht sports traditional lines and can top out at speeds of up to 40 knots, while conquering heavy seas with confidence and grace. She has a 23 foot beam and is powered by twin 1,925 HP CAT C32S engines, with a starting price of around $12 million.
Sunseeker Ocean 182
Above: A 2024 Sunseeker Ocean 182 for sale on YachtWorld by OneWater Yacht Group in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Photo via OneWater Yacht Group.
Building on the success of the 90 Ocean, the Ocean 182 is Sunseeker’s fresh innovation. It boasts a spacious interior that introduces a new category of luxury, targeting a distinct set of yacht enthusiasts. With a relocated helm station, its main deck offers a lavish open-plan seating area, rivaling superyacht standards. Its Twin MAN V12 engines provide a top speed of 27 knots and an impressive range of 1,800 nautical miles at 12 knots. A standout feature is the uniquely shaped enclosed flybridge.
Galeon 450 HTC
Above: A 2024 Galeon 450 HTC for sale on YachtWorld by Royal Yachting Middle East Boat Trading in Dubai, UAE. Photo via Royal Yachting.
A 45’8” masterpiece co-designed with Tony Castro Design Studio, the Galeon 450 HTC marries Galeon's opulence with sporty finesse. Highlighted features include the Beach Mode, a hydraulic swim platform, and a flexible layout with potential for three cabins.
Princess Y95
Above: A 2024 Princess Y95 yacht. Photo by Princess Yachts.
The new Princess Y95, a flagship of the Y Class range, debuted at FLIBS 2023 with the aim of redefining luxury yachting with its blend of performance and elegance. Boasting a wave-piercing bow, it promises superior seakeeping and can reach speeds up to 24 knots. At 95 ft. 6 inches in length, the yacht emphasizes both privacy and social interaction, featuring extensive hull windows for panoramic views, a full-beam master stateroom on the main deck, and multiple guest cabins below. Each cabin ensures exclusivity with private en suites. Notably, its exterior mirrors the newer Princess models, and the yacht’s amenities and finishes rival the best in the industry. The Y95 seamlessly merges aesthetic appeal, functionality, and luxury, showcasing why Princess Yachts remains a leader in the marine world.
Fairline Phantom 65
Above: Fairline Phantom 65 on the water. Photo courtesy of Fairline Yachts.
Inspired by the award-winning design of the Targa 65, the latest addition to the Fairline family raises the bar by aiming to combine the versatility of a flybridge yacht with the performance of a sports cruiser. She features a large flybridge deck with full controls on an upper helm station an can achieve a top speed of around 35 knots, and has a beam of just over 17 feet. She drafts just over 5 feet and has a length overall of 65 feet. Pricing starts around $2.1 million.
Schaefer 375
Above: The Schaefer 375 HT on the water. Photo courtesy of Schaefer Yachts.
Schaefer’s new 375 model continues the brand's legacy of marrying performance with comfort. This design aims to captivate marine enthusiasts. Showcased at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2023 she spans 37' 3" in length with a beam of 11'5" and a draft of 3'4". The vessel features a semi-enclosed saloon and has the capacity to host up to 12 people within its 2 guest cabins. Constructed with a fiberglass hull and certified by CE class (B), it's optimized for coastal journeys up to 200 miles from the shore and can achieve speeds as high as 32 knots.
Sunreef 80 Power Eco
Above: A 2024 Sunreef 80 Power. Photo by Sunreef.
Making its US debut, this eco-friendly luxury catamaran is at the cutting edge of sustainable yachting. Boasting an advanced solar power system, it can harness up to 40kWp from a vast 200m² solar array.
Maritimo M60
Above: Maritimo M60 on the water. Photo courtesy of Maritimo Americas.
Debuting in North America, the M60 reflects Maritimo’s unique offerings. It prioritizes family accommodations, safety, and a climate-controlled flybridge sky lounge, perfect for extended travels.
Sirena 78
Above: A Sirena 78 underway. Photo by Northrop and Johnson in Monaco.
The Sirena 78, in its US introduction, highlights rapid advancements in design and innovation. It blurs the lines between luxury and performance and stands as a testament to modern technology and craftsmanship.
Additional Highlights
Honda also showcased its new BF350 outboard engine, a V8 designed for regular fuel and there were plenty of big hit events at the show this year, including the Marine Marketers of America (MMA) rooftop pool party at Bahia Mar among many others.
