What to Look For at the Miami Boat Show
Whether you’re headed for Florida or just watching from afar, this boat show has lots to offer.
The Miami boat show is, bar none, my favorite show of the year. It has oodles of hot new models (boats, I mean), the latest and greatest in marine electronics, and boating accessories for everyone from sailors to speed freaks. Whether you plan to head for Miami or simply watch the going-ons from afar, make sure that this year you check out these new introductions:
The Cobalt Marker One pontoon, Beneteau 60, Scout 420 LXF, and Carver C43 Coupe are just a few of the hot new models that will debut in Miami later this month.
1. Cobalt Marker One – Would you believe that Cobalt has come out with a new… pontoon boat? Yup, it’s true. We first told you about the project last summer (read Marker One: Cobalt Enters the Pontoon Boat Market), when they made the announcement. Now, at the Miami show, we’ll finally get to lay our hands on one.
2. Beneteau 60 – In the “Strictly Sail” section of the show you’ll find the Beneteau Oceanis 60. This boat made its world premiere at the Cannes Boat Show in France this past fall, but its initial showing in North America will be… where else but Miami? This boat is a step up from the Oceanis 55, which was already leaving boat territory for the land of true yacht. If a large sailboat is in your future, this is one you’ll want to check out.
3. Scout 420 LXF – Scout joins the world of mega-monster center consoles with its newest offering, the 420 LXF. No one’s slapped an eyeball on this supposed beauty just yet... but wow, we can’t wait!
4. Carver C43 Coupe – Carver has announced that they’ll have a 43 foot express boat at the show, which is quite an interesting development. This company has been steadily rolling out new models in the last couple of years; first the C34, then the C40, followed by the C37 Coupe. Other than size, what will be different about the C43? Stay tuned.
5. Lowrance HDS Gen3 – First there was HDS, then there was HDS Gen2 Touch, and now we have Gen3. Actually, boats.com got a sneak-peek at this unit at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Lowrance was being so secretive about it back then, they actually removed the unit from the test boat to keep it hidden from public view. Now, everyone can get a hands-on look at HDS Gen3. Want a virtual glimpse, right now? Check out the short video we shot during our test:
6. It's a Mystery - We haven't laid eyes on it yet nor has anyone else, but Yamaha is rumored to be introducing an all-new jet boat designed specifically for fishing—a first.
Put all these together, and what do you have? A mere fraction of the cool new boats and accessories that are going to be on display at the Miami Boat Show. See you (and all those hot new models) there!
