The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is America’s biggest annual event featuring new and brokerage yachts, with more than 100,000 visitors and more than 1,300 boats on display. This year’s show, which is scheduled to run Oct. 25-29 in southeast Florida, promises new models from top builders all around the world, including Benetti, Azimut, Wally, Princess, Sirena, Sunseeker, Galeon, Maritimo, Riviera, Sunreef, Aquila, Ocean Alexander and Viking.
Article At-A-Glance
- The 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will be held Oct. 25-29.
- More than 100,000 visitors are expected to attend FLIBS in 2023.
- More than 1,300 boats are typically on display for attendees to check out.
- Some yacht-builders with new-for-2023 models include Benetti, Azimut, Wally, Princess, Sirena, Sunseeker, Galeon, Sunreef, Maritimo, Aquila, Viking, Ocean Alexander and Rivera.
New Yachts from European Builders
Benetti and Azimut will be bringing their Italian-built yachts to the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, while the Ferretti Group’s Wally brand will be present with its Monaco-based flair. Benetti will display the 112-foot Oasis 34M Ubiquitous, while Azimut will be showing four models in the United States for the first time, and Wally will be featuring the wallywhy150.
Benetti Oasis 34M Ubiquitous
The Benetti Oasis 34M Ubiquitous is scheduled to make its US debut at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. This is a 112-foot fiberglass motoryacht with exteriors by RWD in Britain and interiors by the New York firm Bonetti & Kozerski. The stern on Ubiquitous has Benetti’s Oasis Deck, which includes two wings that open to enlarge the space. An infinity pool is here as well, and the space adjoins the main-deck salon to give guests the option of sun-drenched or shaded spaces for relaxation.
Also at the show: Benetti will showcase the B.Yond 37M Never Say Never Again. It’s a 121-foot motoryacht from architect Stefano Righini with an E-Mode Hybrid system from Siemens Energy. The idea is to reduce harmful emissions while giving owners the option of four operating modes, including a fully electric mode for zero-emissions cruising.
Four New Yachts from Azimut
Azimut will have four yachts making their Americas premiere at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: the Verve 48 outboard, Magellano 60, Grande 36M and S7.
The Verve 48 outboard is a sport boat for weekends, designed in collaboration with Francesco Struglia. Its power is triple 600 hp Mercury outboards that promise a top speed of 50 knots. The stern has been updated from previous models; it now includes “the most extensive swim platform ever,” according to Azimut.
Crossover appeal is at the heart of the Magellano 60, with features intended for longer-distance cruising. For sustainability, the Azimut Magellano 60 can be delivered with HVOlution, a biofuel produced by Eni Sustainable Mobility. Azimut says this fuel, when combined with the shipyard’s semi-planing Dual Mode hull, can reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by more than 80 percent compared to yachts using traditional fuel.
With the Grande 36M, Azimut is showcasing a semi-walkaround upper deck that runs on the same level from the stern almost to the tip of the bow. The idea is to create an area that didn’t exist before on boats this size. Exterior design on the Azimut Grande 36M is by Alberto Mancini, with interiors by Achille Salvagni.
The Azimut S7 is a 72-foot yacht built with Volvo Penta IPS propulsion and a “super-lightweight” hull for a sporty ride. Azimut says the S7 also reduces fuel consumption and harmful emissions by as much as 30 percent compared to shaft-line boats with traditional chine hulls. Exteriors are by Alberto Mancini, with interiors by Yachtique.
wallywhy150
The wallywhy150 is also expected to be on display at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, following its international debut at the recent Cannes Yachting Festival in France.
This 78-foot motoryacht can be ordered with triple Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines for a maximum speed of 23 knots. With the standard Volvo Penta IPS1200s, that figure is 21 knots. Exterior spaces include a completely open upper deck with dining, sunbathing and a shaded lounge. Inside, there’s sole-to-ceiling glass for great views, with a main-deck master stateroom as well as guest staterooms belowdecks. The yacht can be ordered with a VIP and two guest staterooms, or with twin VIPs.
New Yachts from the UK, Turkey, Poland, Australia and China
Princess Yachts and Sunseeker International, both in the United Kingdom, will have new yachts at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Also from overseas will be new models from the Turkish builder Sirena Yachts, Polish builders Sunreef and Galeon, Australian builders Maritimo and Riviera, and China-based Aquila Power Catamarans and Ocean Alexander.
Princess Yachts Y95
The Princess Yachts Y95 is the new flagship of the builder’s Y Class series, which features open-flybridge models 72 feet and larger. This 95-footer can reportedly achieve a top hop of 24 knots, thanks to the twin 2,000 hp MAN V-12 engines, and it has a full-beam master stateroom on the main deck that lets in extra natural light through skylights. Guests are accommodated in four belowdecks staterooms. Draft is 6 feet, 6 inches, making the Princess Y95 a yacht that allows for access to the world’s most beautiful harbors.
Sunseeker Ocean 182
The Sunseeker Ocean 182, which was also displayed at the Newport International Boat Show, is an 88-foot yacht that is the fifth model in the builder’s Ocean series. It has an enclosed, air-conditioned flybridge that is home to the only helm station on board. Power is a pair of 1,650 hp or 1,900 hp MAN V-12s, with the builder promising a top speed of 27 knots. At a cruise speed of 12 knots, range is reportedly 1,800 nautical miles. All the guest accommodations are belowdecks: an amidships, full-beam master along with four guest staterooms.
Sirena 78
Turkish builder Sirena Yachts is bringing the Sirena 78 to the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Its design is by Cor D. Rover and Germán Frers, with the builder reporting a top speed of 27 knots as well as a cruising range of 1,550 nautical miles. Some of the key design features include a versatile flybridge with customizable spaces and sizable guest accommodations.
The Superpowered Princess X80
Princess Yachts is also bringing its X80 explorer motoryacht to the Fort Lauderdale show. Along with 31-knot speed and four en suite staterooms, the X80 has what the builder calls a “super flybridge.” Princess says this deck is 30 percent bigger than other flybridges on similarly sized flybridge yachts. This space has four gathering areas, including two sun pads forward, a wet bar aft and an L-shaped settee with a dining table to port. The X80’s main deck is dedicated entirely to socializing, with an L-shaped settee accompanied by a dining table forward.
Galeon 450 HTC
The big premiere from Galeon Yachts at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will be the Galeon 450 HTC. It’s a Tony Castro design that can be ordered with an optional hydraulic swim platform and an optional third stateroom for guests. The standard layout is two staterooms with two heads, including a full-beam master. This yacht has a 4-foot, 3-inch draft that allows it to access skinny waters in locations like the Bahamas. Power is a pair of 480 hp Volvo Penta D6 engines.
80 Sunreef Power Eco
Polish builder Sunreef Yachts will be making a big show of the first 80 Sunreef Power Eco, which has been christened SÓL (after the Norse sun goddess). Sunreef is heralding this vessel as the most advanced electric luxury catamaran in the world, with a “solar skin” built into the hull, and the biggest battery bank in its category of recreational yachts. Accommodations are for eight guests
Maritimo M60 Flybridge Motor Yacht
Maritimo’s M60 Flybridge Motor Yacht will make its US debut at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Its hull has a variable deadrise with a deep keel, sharp bow entry and flattened progression aft, all intended for comfortable and efficient offshore cruising. Standard power is twin 800 hp Volvo Penta D13s. Owners also can opt for 1,000 hp Volvo Pentas or 1,150 hp Scania Di16s.
Riviera 585 SUV: Does It All
Riviera says its multi-uses 585 SUV represents the “culmination of 10 years of evolution and the launch of more than 220 SUV yachts.” The yacht has three staterooms and three heads with a full-beam master amidships. In addition to its cruising, water-sports and angling flexibility, the 585 SUV is entertainment-centric with its sizable cockpit and semi-enclosed alfresco deck. Power is a pair of 900 hp Volvo Penta IPS1200s or 1,000 hp Volvo Penta IPS1350s. For flybridge enthusiasts, the builder is also debuting its 46 Sports Motor Yacht.
Aquila 47 Molokai
Built in China, the Aquila 47 Molokai is the latest model from Aquila Power Catamarans. It’s outfitted for offshore cruising and fishing, with an en suite stateroom that’s air-conditioned and a queen-size berth. The design and build are a collaboration of Sino Eagle Yachts and Peart Yacht Design.
Ocean Alexander 32 Legend: Crewed-Yacht Living
The Ocean Alexander 32 Legend is a 120-foot superyacht penned by Evan K. Marshall, notable for its sole-to-ceiling glass across three decks, allowing for ocean vista from most points on board. From its seaside beach club to its foredeck lounge, rest and relaxation is at the forefront of this yacht’s design. Off the cockpit, power doors slide away allowing guests to enter the open-plan salon, which benefits from the aforementioned glass, enabling light to flood the space. A formal dining space for 10 is forward in the salon. The sense of volume and openness is palpable. The 32L has a main-deck master suite as well as four guest staterooms belowdecks. This yacht also has a skylounge with a wet bar, a TV, an ice-maker and a refrigerator, expanding entertaining options. Other alfresco spaces include a hot tub aft on the upper deck and a foredeck with a sun pad. Power is twin 2,600 hp MTU diesels.
Riviera 46 Sports Motor Yacht
Riviera’s 46 Sports Motor Yacht is a part of a lineup that also includes 50, 64 and 72 Sports Motor Yachts. The Australian builder collaborated with 4D Designs on the 52-footer, which has a variety of entertaining spaces, from a semi-enclosed cockpit and the flybridge to the salon and foredeck sun pad. Belowdecks, there are three double-berth staterooms and two heads. Owners can also opt to add a hydraulic swim platform. Riviera has two power options for the 46: twin 725 hp Volvo Penta D11 IPS 950s or twin 600 hp Volvo Penta D8 IPS 800s.
Built in the USA: Viking 90
The Viking 90 made its official debut earlier this year at the Miami International Boat Show, but Hull No. 1 is still on its premiere-year tour. It’s been turning anglers’ heads out on the fishing circuit, hauling in big catch. All expectations are that it will continue to impress show-goers at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Viking 90: Ultimate Fishability
The Viking 90 has a fuel capacity of 3,801 gallons in four tanks, which gives the yacht long legs for getting to and from the canyons to chase big game. It can be ordered with an enclosed or an open bridge, and it has a one-piece wraparound, enclosed-bridge windshield for improved visibility. The cockpit has 224 square feet of dance space with a 203-gallon fishbox/live well and a pair of 103-gallon insulated, in-deck fishboxes. Refrigeration on those fishboxes is optional. A Seakeeper 35 is installed to keep everything steady at sea, and the cockpit sole is built with reinforcement for a fighting chair.
Viking 90: Interior Creature Comforts
When the day’s fishing is done, the Viking 90 has six staterooms (including a full-beam master) and seven heads to let everyone relax in comfort. There’s a U-shaped lounge in the salon, along with a home theater that includes a 65-inch high-definition TV. For more casual snacks, the galley has engineered-stone countertops with an overhang and five bar stools, along with a dinette on an elevated platform for great views of the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are expected to attend the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?
In 2022, there were more than 100,000 show-goers. All expectations for 2023 are for a show equal to or even bigger than last year’s.
How many brands will be on display at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?
At least 1,000, according to show organizers. More than 1,300 boats will be part of the show.
Is there a VIP Experience available at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?
Yes. Participants have access to the Windward VIP Club with premium open bars and gourmet food. The VIP Experience also comes with complimentary water-taxi service for getting around the show’s seven locations.
What are the seven locations for the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?
Show locations include the Broward County Convention Center, the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, the 17th Street Yacht Basin, Pier 66 Marina and the Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South.
Where can I sign up for updates about the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?
The organizers are collecting email addresses for show updates at flibs.com
