Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2022
Fall boat show season is here! Head to FLIBS for some fantastic debuts and on-the-water action.
Fall boat show season is here! And, few shows attract as much attention as Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. This bustling show promises a swath of debuts and innovative new products, plus chances to see all the best boats from this year. From October 26th to the 30th, the docks will come alive with the best of the boating industry. Here's what to expect this year.
Debuts
Valhalla 55
The Valhalla 55 promises to be an absolute wonder on the water. This massive center console was announced earlier this year, and impressed in big ways. First of all, she boasts quad Mercury Verado V12 600-hp outboards and is rated to hold quintets on the back. That's a whopping 3,000 ponies. While the 55 will have features for anglers, like the massive 130-gallon livewell, it doesn't skip on a comfortable cruise. Eight seats are at the cockpit, and the forward lounge seating promises stellar sunbathing. Comfortable accommodations extend below the deck to the cabin. It has impressive, six-foot-ten-inch headroom and a full stateroom, as well as a head and bunks. The galley is feature rich, as well, and has a 32-inch television.
Galeon 375 GTO
The Galeon 375 GTO follows the introduction of the 325 GTO last year. The 325 can be thought of as the 375's little sibling - much is the same between these two boats, although the 375 is larger. One whopping feature on this boat is the aft deck "beach mode". The gunwales fold down, expanding the deck of the boat. This creates a large area for fishing, tanning, entertaining, or whatever else one could imagine doing on that glorious space. Additionally, large swim platforms flank the outboards, and the 375 can accommodate twin Mercury Verado 600HP powerplants. Equipped with them, her top speed is 55 MPH and her cruising speed is 40 MPH. Overall, this boat promises to be fantastic cruiser for entertaining. We're sure looking forward to seeing her at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this year!
Formula Center Consoles
Formula Boats is a big name in the world of go-fast powerboats. At the Miami Boat Show this past year, they announced that they'll be breaking into the center console market for the first time. Formula Boats debut center consoles come in two editions, and both are sharp-looking boats. The 387 Center Console Fish caters to anglers, whereas the 387 Center Console Sport will pique the interest of day boaters and cruisers. Both models sit at 38’7” LOA, and skate across the water on the Fas3Tech hull design. As for power, Formula Boats didn't skimp. Both center consoles can be powered by triple Mercury Verados or Mercury Racing 450R outboards, or twin Verado V12 600-hp outboards.
The 287 Center Console Fish and the 387 Center Console Sport are both debuting for the first time at Fort Lauderdale. While Miami had a duo of model boats on show, FLIBS will be the first time we get to step aboard full-fledged models.
Fairline F//Line 33 and Squadron 68
Fairline typically produces ultra-large and highly luxurious boats. This year, they're debuting a scaled-down version of the high-style boats Fairline is known for delivering. The F//Line 33 is Fairline's smallest boat yet. And while smaller than their previously released vessels, it's got plenty of punch. The interior gives off sporty vibes suitable for a Formula 1 driver and includes a comfortable berth. On the water performance is nothing to sneeze at. Top-end speeds are expected to be at 55 MPH, thanks to dual Volvo Penta stern drives.
As for the Squadron 68, 2022 brought along changes to the model previosuly released in 2019. Changes include a new integrated hard top, newly styled topsides, and an added door joining the cabin to the sidedecks.
Sunseeker 88 Yacht and 90 Ocean
The Sunseeker 88 Yacht will be sliding into Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with impressive functionality and a highly luxurious aesthetic. This yacht moves impressively fast for a boat its size. The 88 Yacht can hit 32 MPH thanks to twin MTU 12V 2000s. It promises a fun ride, with multiple locations to soak in the water-world sights from. Aft, the beach club is spacious and a great platform for tanning or swimming, among other activities. The boat is ultra-luxurious throughout. Overhead rain showers are off the beach club and the galley is well equipped. Additionally, owners will have the option of adding an infinity spa bath with a sun pad.
As for the 90 Ocean, we think it'll be tough to step back off the yacht and onto the docks of FLIBS, which is saying something considering the number of awesome boats that promise to be there. Our favorite aspect of this yacht is the five-person spa.
Festivities
AquaZone
At the AquaZone, FLIBS-goers will have the chance to see water sports and toys in action. For buyers, the AquaZone is a great spot to see how products perform and if they're a good fit. Water bikes, paddle boards, and water sports products will be demo'd in FLIBS 40,000 gallon freshwater pool.
Superyacht Village
Headed to FLIBS to see the biggest boats in town? Superyacht Village is where they'll be. This area is dedicated to the largest boats at the show and the toys that go along with them. Tenders and exotic vehicles will be shown alongside the yachts. Some yachts will be boardable so that show-goers can get the full-yacht experience.
Educational Seminars
Boating education is also available at FLIBS. And, educational seminars are open to all show-goers! Topics include Stand Up Fish Fighting Techniques, Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and a kids fishing clinic. Topics will change from day to day.
Kids Corner
There's something for everyone in the family at FLIBS. The Kids Corner is packed with nautical-themed activities for kiddos, as well as other festive activities. Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinics are a great entryway to angling. Kids will also love face painting and multiple maritime crafts. Additionally, they'll have the change to meet Santa! Winterfest Boat Parade will be bringing Santa to town from noon to 3:00 PM Wednesday through Saturday, and from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Sunday.
Sustainability
A fantastic aspect of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is their commitment to sustainability. They've invested in making the show's environmental impact smaller, as well as providing environmental education through their seminars. The show has invested $2.8 million dollars in moving away from diesel generators. instead, they've moved towards energy-saving technology which is expected to reduce electricity usage at the show by 15-to-20 percent. Additionally, they've moved towards using LED energy-efficient lighting for the event.
Another impressive way FLIBS has demonstrated their committment to sustainability is their catering choices for the show. FLIBS will be totally styrofoam-free, is providing sustainable food, and is phasing out straws. Additionally, they have donated 3,125 pounds worth of food and ingredients to shelters for unhoused people in partnership with Faith Farms.
FLIBS has also made a $300,000 donation to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida in support of multiple environmental initiatives. Likewise, they worked with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center to provide housing for their turtles. The show has loaned their unused marquees from the boat show while the Center is under renovation. FLIBS transport and tech teams set up the marquees at the Center, providing shelter for the turtles.
Looking to attend more boat shows? Here are the Top Boat Shows of Fall 2022.
