The Top Vessels Out of the Miami International Boat Show

In mid-February of this year, tens of thousands of yachting enthusiasts, one-percenters and the nautical brands that cater to them, gathered in Miami for two of America’s most reputable and influential boat shows: The Miami International Boat Show on Virginia Key and Miami Yacht Show in Miami Beach. To simplify matters, the first fair is geared towards millionaires, while the latter hawks mega-yachts that can only serve as toys for billionaires.

“Boating and the Miami Boat Show are big business for Florida, bringing visitors, sales and revenue from around the world each February for the five biggest days in boating,” explained Larry Berryman, International Miami Boat Show Manager, to RealClearLife of the President’s Day Weekend events.

On-site, respected boat and yacht makers, from everyday classics Grady-White and Boston Whaler to the considerably more upscale, Jeanneau, Azimut Benetti and Chris-Craft, demonstrated their latest and most innovative models.

“We are proud to be a part of the greatest boat show in the world and Miami Marine Stadium is the perfect venue,” added Mr. Berryman. “We were able to once again deliver the ultimate boat show experience, bringing power and sail together for the first time.”Here are Real Clear Life’s top seven products and vessels to debut that made the most waves at the 2018 Miami International Boat Show. Start saving!

Boating Highlights:

Azimut Atlantis 50

The Atlantis 50 Coup.

The Azimut Atlantis 50 is built at Azimut’s factory in Avigliana, Italy, the company’s home base and features details such as beautifully finished, lacquered plywood saloon cabinetry and the hull’s Vinylester-resin outer skin and its vacuum-infused laminate. The yacht is available with an open-backed hardtop or the Coupé version, with sliding glass doors to create an enclosed deck saloon.

Leopard Catamarans’ Leopard 50

The Leopard 50.

The next generation of sailing catamarans, the Leopard 50’s exterior gives the hull a sleek and sophisticated look. Available with a multitude of options, buyers can opt for a flybridge lounge option, known as Leopard 50L or the more familiar, continuous hardtop on the Leopard 50P. Available in a three-cabin plus utility room, four-cabin or five-cabin version.

Beneteau GT 50

The GT 50.

Making its North American debut, the sporty and elegant Gran Turismo 50 is the largest model of the range and features a planning hull, Volvo IPS 600 engine power, inbuilt retractable sun visor and modular side glazing. Other highlights include a spacious, submersible swim platform, ideal for storing a jetski, and the on-deck galley can be enhanced with a worktop and grill.

Lagoon Seventy 8

Lagoon Seventy 8.

Designed for owners looking for a whole new generation of large motor yachts, the Seventy 8’s innovative engineering and design offers features such as a fully customizable flybridge – including Jacuzzi, sun lounge and electric sliding sunroof. This motor yacht is available with up to five cabins and the owner’s suite, separated from the rest of the yacht, even offers a private swim platform for direct water access.

Tech/Innovation Highlights

Mercury Vessel View.

This suite of technologies is the closest the industry has come to a driverless boat. Working seamlessly with Mercury engines, the autopilot and cruise technologies get boats to their final destination point while offering signals and alarms (similar to today’s cars) that alert the driver if another boat is coming or if it’s too shallow. Whether it’s quickly plotting out a few nearby fishing spots or heading to a new place that’s hours away – Mercury’s technologies all work together to take the guesswork out of boating.

Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 Action Camera

Garmin VIRB Ultra 30.

This new waterproof camera allows for hands-free shooting with voice control to start/stop recording, take photos and “remember” moments. Three-axis image stabilization ensures not a minute of the action is missed in any terrain, while a 1.75-inch touchscreen display clearly shows what’s being recorded. With the free VIRB® Mobile app, users can even livestream their adventures as they unfold.

Solar Electric Power Zone (solar-powered dock)

Evinrude with Solar Dock.

Presented by Torqeedo and PowerDocks, the new Blue Isles™ floating Solar Micro Grid Dock can self-generate 1,248 watts an hour of sustainable solar power. Attendees got a close-up look at the latest electric boats powered by Torqeedo, including a Volt 18, Bruce 22 and Highfield inflatable. The combination of renewable solar power in a floating dock, plus quiet, clean, electric propulsion opens a new world of eco-friendly possibilities for marinas and boaters alike.