The 2018 Miami International Boat Show was BIG: More than 1,100 exhibitors showcased 1,400 boats in the 1,000,000-square-foot show space, and more than 100,000 attendees from 35 countries shopped the deals.
Lakeland Boating walked the docks to find the latest and greatest boats and marine accessories unveiled at the show. A few of our favorites are:
Seakeeper took the Seakeeper 3 and made it even smaller. The Seakeeper 2 is 25 percent lighter, 20 percent smaller and designed for boats 27 to 32 feet. And it still eliminates 95 percent of boat roll. The Seakeeper 2 can be installed almost anywhere, including inside the leaning post. seakeeper.com
Yamaha introduced its V MAX SHO 90, the smallest of the SHO family and among the strongest of all the 90-hp outboards on the market. yamahaoutboards.com
Honda has redesigned three of its flagship motors, the BF200, BF225 and the BF250. All three motors feature Honda’s new “Progressive V Form,” which includes both aesthetic and technical enhancements. hondamarine.com
Seven Marine launched its Seven Outboard Portfolio, which features new 527- and 577-hp models, as well as a redesigned 627-hp model. These high-power outboards are built on the company’s 6.2L supercharged V8 platform and are offered with Seven’s new twin-prop CR (contra-rotating) gearcase option. seven-marine.com
Boston Whaler had three new boats on display: The Montauk 190, Montauk 210 and 380 Realm. The new Montauk models join two previous versions unveiled last summer (the 150 and 170) as a total redesign. The 380 Realm is a new model with a center console layout that emphasizes seating and ease when moving about the boat. bostonwhaler.com
World Cat presented its new 280DC-X dual console catamaran, which, according to World Cat, combines, “the unmatched smooth ride of a catamaran with new levels of features and versatility that only a dual console design can offer.” (See page 33 for Lakeland Boating’s spotlight). worldcat.com
Mercury Marine presented the 150 Pro XS, the quickest, lightest and most advanced in the series. And if that’s not enough, Mercury Marine has also introduced a whole new V-6 FourStroke outboard family, which includes 175-hp, 200-hp and 225-hp FourStroke outboards, as well as a V-6 200-hp SeaPro commercial outboard. mercurymarine.com
Beneteau had its world debut of the GT50, which features a planing hull, Volvo IPS 600 engine power, a built-in retractable sun visor in the hardtop and modular side glazing. The model on display had two cabins and a lower L-shaped “cosy” lounge opposite the portside galley. beneteau.com
Hurricane Boats debuted five new models: The SunDeck 191 OB; SunDeck 217 OB; Sundeck Sport 192 OB; Sundeck Sport 192 RL OB; and Sundeck Sport 218 OB. All deckboat models feature conversation-friendly layouts at an attainable price point. hurricaneboats.com
Chris-Craft unveiled it’s all-new 28 GT, featuring a walk-through transom, a reversible sunpad that moves forward and backward for lounging, a dive door, a new upholstery pattern and a folding tower. The 28 GT is available with sterndrive or outboard power. chriscraft.com
Marlow Yachts debuted its newest model, the 75E, featuring four staterooms, a large custom dining area and a commanding pilothouse. marlowyachts.com