The Miami International Boat Show, referred to simply as the Miami Boat Show or MIBS for short, takes place every February in Miami, Florida and is one of the largest boat shows in the world. Spread out between 6 locations throughout the city, this year’s main in-the-water display was set up North and South of the Venetian Causeway at the Venetian Marina and Yacht Club with temporary floating docks east of Herald Plaza, while the on-land portion of the show was centered at the Miami Convention Center on Miami Beach. This year, as in previous years, excitement in the industry centered around a number of hot new boats making their world premiere at the show, where the public could lay their eyes on them for the first time ever. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights this year.
Above: The Miami Boat Show 2023 in full swing. Photo by C. Ryan McVinney for Boat Trader.
2023 Ocean Alexander 32 Explorer (32E)
Ocean Alexander introduced their brand new 32-meter vessel, the OA 32E, as part of the Explorer line. This luxurious yacht is the latest and greatest yacht from renowned yacht designer Evan Marshall and his team. Building on the success of the 28 Meter Explorer and the 30 Meter Revolution, they have taken their extensive knowledge and expertise to further establish Ocean Alexander’s legacy.
Boston Whaler 350 and 380 Realm
At the 2023 Miami International Boat Show, Boston Whaler will feature its latest product and technology innovations, with a special debut of the Reimagined 350 and 380 Realm. This builds on the company’s track record of continuous innovation. Originally launched in 2017, the Boston Whaler Realm series was the first to combine the center console performance and capability with the comfort of an express cruiser and functionality of a dual console, which set an industry standard. The series has been enhanced for 2023, with modernized interior furnishings that promote comfort and adventure, stylish sculpted exterior upholstery built to withstand any weather, an all-new teak trim package that pairs tastefully with the upholstery, fully integrated Simrad® systems for complete control and navigation, enhanced helm switches and cockpit lighting for a more refined experience, and the latest Mercury Outboard technology, which includes the 400HP V10 Verado and 600HP V12 Verado. In addition, the exhibit will demonstrate the future of boating and highlight how Brunswick’s ACES (Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification, Shared Access) strategy is being realized through the Boston Whaler brand.
Galeon Yachts – 2 New Models: 440 FLY and 560 FLY
Galeon Yachts is set to introduce two new models at MIBS 2023, showcasing the company’s boatbuilding expertise. The first model, the 440 FLY, is a medium-sized yacht that boasts a unique approach to utilizing interior space and is equipped with intelligent features. The yacht features a sleek exterior design that is unmistakably Galeon, and offers the option of a two or three cabin configuration with a range of luxurious finishes and additional features that can be customized to meet the buyer’s preferences.
The second model, the 560 FLY, is a visually stunning yacht with a commanding presence, thanks to its muscular and playful lines, and wide beam that provides unmatched interior volume. The yacht’s modern appearance is further accentuated by ample glazing along the hullsides and large windows on the main deck. The 560 FLY also features creatively designed bridge accents that seem to defy gravity, making it a yacht with unforgettable design elements.
2023 Viking 90 Sportfish
Viking’s newest flagship model, the 2023 Viking 90 Sportfish, draws inspiration from its predecessors, the Viking 92 and Viking 80, while representing a completely new design from the keel up. The yacht is powered by twin 2,635-mph, 16-cylinder MTU diesels that allow for a top speed of over 38 knots. It also features the latest lifting-strake design and advanced propulsion systems, and offers a sleek profile with the option of an enclosed or open bridge. With six staterooms, seven heads, and two salons, the Viking 90 is one of the most expensive sportfish yachts at MIBS this year, with a base price of $12.1 million for the 1,925-mhp Caterpillar C32A diesels.
5 New Models by Beneteau
At MIBS 2023, Beneteau will introduce five new models, two of which will be available for sea trials. These new models include the First 44, Oceanis Yacht 60, Swift Trawler 41 Sedan, Antares 7, and Flyer 8 SUNdeck. The First 44, created by Biscontini/Argento, refines and redefines performance, elegance, and comfort and is a natural link between the First 36 and First 53. The Antares 7 is specifically designed for the family leisure market, adopting innovative solutions to make longer excursions more comfortable and relaxing. With its great livability and panoramic views, the SUNdeck displays the character and elegance that typifies the new generation of Beneteau dayboats and benefits from Beneteau’s expertise in terms of fixtures and fittings.
Solara S-250 Coupe
Solara Boats launched their all-new S-250 Coupe, which represents the latest model in its now four-boat lineup. She is a feature-packed pocket yacht cruiser from the brand that was introduced late last year by Fluid Motion, the builder of Cutwater Boats and Ranger Tugs. Solara Boats’ current lineup includes several innovative, versatile and trailerable sport, cruising and fishing designs that are making waves in the industry.
Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer
Grady-White, a well-known manufacturer of fishing boats, unveiled a new 28-foot vessel at MIBS 2022. The all-new 281 Coastal Explorer center console is purpose-built for the serious fisherman, featuring a bow-mounted casting deck with low sides for battling even the toughest fish. Additionally, the boat has an electric fold-down terrace on the port side of the cockpit that can accommodate larger catches. The 281 is designed to handle both shallow inshore waters and rough offshore conditions, thanks to Grady-White’s renowned SeaV2 hull design, which is optimized for wave cutting. With a standard 425 horsepower Yamaha outboard engine and the option of twin 300s, this boat is the perfect choice for avid anglers who demand the best.
Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard and 260 Surf / Outboard
Sea Ray launched their new SLX 280 Outboard model at MIBS 2023, offering a range of features that enhance the boating experience. The boat features modern and athletic hull-side sculpting, with a luxurious and ergonomic cockpit that has been updated to provide more space, improved seating, and seamless storage. The U-shaped bow provides a social area with lounge-style seating, while the optional Power Tower offers sun coverage and easy access to wakeboard racks. The cockpit table provides flexible storage, and the expanded sunpad offers a place to relax, complete with an integrated cooler and storage for inflatables and gear. In addition to the new model, Sea Ray will showcase 10 other models from its Sundancer, SLX, SDX, and SPX families, including the SLX 260 Surf and SLX 260 Outboard, both making their MIBS show premieres.
Valhalla V-55 Center Console
The sixth model in the Valhalla line of exclusive center consoles shares many design traits with Viking’s sport fish yachts. The Valhalla V-55 is a center console boat measuring 55 feet and 7 inches in length with a beam of 15 feet and 6 inches. The boat features twin-stepped hulls designed by Michael Peters and is powered by four or five 600-horsepower Mercury V-12 Verado outboards. With five outboards, the boat can reach speeds of 73 to 74 miles per hour, while it reaches a speed of 64 mph with quads. The boat’s first hull comes equipped with a customized Palm Beach gap tower and Gemlux carbon fiber outriggers. The mechanical and electrical components are housed in a machinery room. The V-55 is designed to accommodate a Seakeeper 9 gyro-stabilizer, a 15-kW generator, omni-directional sonar, and an ElectroSea raw-water cleaning system. The boat’s base price is $2.83 million with quad 600-horsepower outboards.
Aquila 42 Catamaran Debut
The new Aquila 42 power catamaran made its global debut at MIBS 2023. This 42-foot model is constructed to meet CE Certification Category A and comes equipped with a range of features that will appeal to both seasoned seafarers and casual sunbathers alike. Among its many offerings, the Aquila 42 Yacht includes two roomy staterooms with various layout options, a utility cabin, and Volvo Penta engine choices. Additionally, it boasts ample storage and comfortable areas on the flybridge, foredeck, and cockpit.
Sunreef Eco 80 Electric Power Catamaran
Attendees of MIBS 2023 should be sure not to miss this bold, sustainable superyacht with groundbreaking design and solar arrays integrated right into the composite structure.
Four Winns H2e Electric Bowrider
The Vice President of Four Winns & Wellcraft, Nick Harvey, recently expressed his excitement about the H2e, a new 180hp electric bowrider from the builder that launched at Miami International Boat Show 2023, with the production version now available in two locations. Interested customers can see the H2e at the ST 300 J and H, Venetian Marina this week and the Four Winns booth. Deposits and orders will also be accepted at the show.
Lagoon 51 Sailing Catamaran
Visitors of MIBS 2023 can tour this massive flybridge cat that will soon be a favorite in both charter and private ownership! The Lagoon 51 is a new catamaran model with an innovative new layout that offers sustainable solutions for sailors.
V32 HellKat – Fastest Electric Boat In The World!
Vision Marine will be showcasing the V32 HellKat, the fastest electric boat in the world, powered by twin E-Motion Technology Electric Outboards. Attendees of the boat show are invited to visit Vision Marine to witness the latest in electric propulsion technology and the capabilities of these innovative boats.
Tiara Yachts X60
Those in attendance at MIBS 2023 can see the new flagship of the Tiara line up that comes with the amazing Assisted Docking feature from the Garmin/Volvo collaboration. A true reflection of each owner and their unique boating lifestyle, the 60 offers customer flexibility alongside elevated luxury.
Absolute 52 Flybridge Motor Yacht
The Absolute 52 Flybridge offers comfort, luxury and great use of space offered by the latest in the Absolute line of fine yachts.
Leopard 40 Power Catamaran
People lined up to see this power catamaran this week, making its debut at MIBS 2023. Couples will find the model irresistible for its generous spaces, practical design and sensible sizing. The yacht boasts an impressive panoramic coachroof that accommodates a lovely L-shaped galley, and despite its shorter length, it provides ample space for great cabins, each equipped with an island bed and a bathroom, plus the boat has a greatly improved helm station.