- The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) was a hit; according to Informa, the show’s producer, the 58th annual FLIBS attracted about 105,000 international buyers, sellers and browsers from more than 50 countries. Informa also says that attendance at this year’s event was up 7 percent from 2016. Thousands of new boats, gear and electronics were displayed at the show. Below are a few of the highlights.
• Groupe Beneteau announced 38 new models across its 10 brands. New models include the Four Winns 290 OB; Glastron’s new GTD series; the Scarab 255 Open and the Jeanneau Leader 9.0. The company also announced its new Ship Control system.
• Sunseeker made four U.S. debuts, including the 76 Predator, Predator 57 MK II, Manhattan 66 and 95 Yacht.
• Galeon Yachts unveiled five new yachts, including: The 460 Fly, 510 Sky, 405 HTS, 430 HTC and 485 HTS.
• S2 Yachts, parent company of Pursuit Boats and Tiara Yachts, showed off the new Tiara 38LS and Pursuit Boats Dual Console 365.
• Garmin introduced the next-generation ECHOMAP Plus combo series; STRIKER Plus fishfinders; ActiveCaptain mobile app; and Descent Mk1.
• Hinckley had the world’s first fully electric luxury yacht, the Dasher, on display. They also previewed renderings of the upcoming Hunt 40 CC, which will be available this summer.
• Absolute showcased its new 58 Fly and flagship Navetta 73. They also previewed renderings of the upcoming 2019 Navetta 48.
• Volvo had its most powerful diesel engine ever on display: The D13 1,000-hp engine.
• Boston Whaler debuted its new 150 Montauk, 170 Montauk, 350 Realm and updated 380 Outrage.
• Chris-Craft debuted a pilothouse version of its Catalina 34, as well as a 38 Launch with new hardtop, a Commander 44 with updated interior and a new Port Red metallic color option.
• SureShade was on more than 100 new boats, and touted its new stainless steel MTX manual pull-out shade system, available in 6- and 9-foot extension lengths.
