63rd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show opens

The marine world is gathering in Florida, as the 63rd edition of the world’s largest in-water boat show opens its doors at midday today.

The five-day Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), which runs from 26-30 October 2022, features more world and US debuts than any other boat show in the United States.

This year, organisers say FLIBS will showcase over 1,300 vessels, including 150 luxury yachts over 23 metres. Over 20 new vessels will make a world or national debut this week during the event.

“We are thrilled to kick off another fantastic event in Fort Lauderdale for our 63rd year,” says Andrew Doole, president of US boat shows with Informa Markets, which produces FLIBS. “Last year’s boat show was an absolute blockbuster event, generating over $1 billion in economic output for the state of Florida and attracting over 100,000 attendees. Year after year, FLIBS has raised the bar for the marine industry, and we cannot wait to welcome back our incredible community.”

Despite a recent dip in new powerboat sales in the US, demand for boating products is at an all-time high, and FLIBS will be looking to capitalise on this boom. After the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, which swept through Florida last month, it is likely there will be increased interest in purchasing from local owners whose boats were damaged or destroyed.

Viareggio Superyachts’ 64-metre Atomic is set to be the largest boat on display this year. The yacht can accommodate 12 guests in six cabins and boasts interiors from Franck Darnet Design. There are anticipated debuts from brands including Axopar Boats, Northstar Boats, MJM Yachts, Lekker Boats, Islamorada Boatworks, Schaefer Yachts and Invincible Boats.

Princess Yachts will present the show premiere of the Princess V50 sports yacht, and showcase the flagship of the Princess range, the X95 super flybridge yacht. Completing the British boatbuilder’s seven-yacht display will be the Princess Y85, Y72, F55, F45 and the sporty S62.

Hong Kong-based CL Yachts says it is ‘thrilled’ to display its new models, CLX96 and CLB65, at a double debut during the show.

Meanwhile, Sunseeker’s 88 Yacht and 90 Ocean will have their US debuts this week, with the boatbuilder represented by its US distributor, OneWater Yacht Group. Alongside these launches, Sunseeker will also showcase the Predator 65, Manhattan 55 and 65 Sport Yacht for the first time at the show, alongside the Manhattan 68.

Hacker-Craft is introducing its first Ingenity-powered electric boat, a 27ft Special Sport, at FLIBS. The debut comes after Ingenity Electric signed a multiyear agreement to provide and install all-electric drivetrains in new Hacker-Craft models.

Diesel outboard motor manufacturer Cox Marine will demonstrate an Intrepid 345 Nomad, powered by twin Cox CXO300 engines, at the show. The Intrepid is owned by Cox Marine’s Florida-based distributor, Ring Power.

Guests will also have access to superyacht exhibits, family-friendly activities and educational marine seminars. The marine and electronics tent showcases the latest innovations in tech, while the AquaZone by Nautical Ventures features lives demonstrations of the latest in-water sports and marine products in a 40,000-gallon freshwater pool.

“The marine industry has continued to experience unparalleled growth in the past two years, and we remain committed to providing the best show experience that caters to a wide range of audiences within the boating and yachting sector,” says Phil Purcell, CEO and president of the MIASF, which owns FLIBS.

“We are honoured to host the 63rd annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and look forward to showcasing the best our industry has to offer at the largest in-water boat show in the world.”

This year, FLIBS is offering military veterans and first responders complimentary admission on Sunday, 30 October.

FLIBS takes place across seven locations, including the Broward County Convention Centre (BCCC) and the Bahia Mar Yachting Centre. Tickets for the 63rd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show are available online.