SHOW: Fort Lauderdale Boat show

Located in the largest marina in the world, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is a reference in the world of boating. Every year in the autumn, the event allows the market to be gauged with a first assessment of the past season, and also allows the discovery of a number of world premieres announcing the next season. To understand the importance of this show, we must look at the figures. More than 1000 exhibitors and nearly 1200 boats on display. About 100,000 visitors in five days, 8,000 full-time jobs, 72,000 hotel nights booked and nearly 1.3 billion dollars in revenue generated for the city, it's a dream.

Text : Dominique Salandre Photos : the author and D.R.

As soon as we entered, we discovered a show that was much more modest than in other years. With a smaller overall surface area, many spaces were free. This was due to the absence of many foreign brands or simply of staff who, because of the borders that were still closed at the time, were unable to attend. The show therefore appeared more American than ever. If the market is beginning to suffer from a lack of boats, the year 2021 was still marked by record sales, particularly in the first-time buyer segment, and there was no real cause for concern. To fill some of the vacancies, brokers were called to the rescue, leaving their traditional zone to invade a good part of the show and this, in all sizes. America is still America and the surrounding madness was there. In addition to the traditional “supercars” and other customised jeeps with oversized tyres, there were a number of outrageous powers on the pontoons, including 425 hp Yamaha, 450 hp Mercury Racing and of course 600 hp Mercury. The prize for outboard power this year went to Cigarette, who equipped the Tirranna 59 with 6 x 450 hp Racing, i.e. 2700 hp outboard... who could say better.

In terms of new products, there were a few good surprises, such as the Azimut Verve 42. Pursuit also unveiled the 358 Sport while Boston Whaler exhibited an anniversary version of the 420 Outrage. On the large size side, Horizon presented the PC 60 Deck Master, a motor catamaran designed for cruising, and for the offshore fans, Nor-Tech lifted the veil on the new 460 Flyer. In short, a transitional show while waiting for better days.

Overall length: 12.9 m Width: 3.94 m Fuel tank: 1,750 litres Water tank: 250 Litres Power: 3 x 450 hp Mercury Verado

BUILDER Azimut Yachts

(Italy

Buoyed by the success of the 47, Azimut has launched a slightly smaller model in the Verve series, the Verve 42. The Verve 42 offers a nice cockpit area, a space that expands thanks to the folding bulwarks and the large bathing platforms that surround the engines. This area has a large L-shaped bench seat with a central table that can be lowered to form a large solarium. An outdoor kitchen with grill allows for a picnic while a refrigerator and large cooler built into the floor will keep drinks cool. Finally, on the port side, a television can be removed from the cabinet if required. Another convivial space is available on the bow with a large bow-rider that can easily accommodate six people around a table and, again, the whole can be transformed into a solarium. The sleeping area offers not only a large convertible saloon, but also a small kitchen, a nice bathroom with separate shower and a good-sized mid-cabin. Decorated in a modern and sober manner, the boat is full of storage space, which is always practical. As for the piloting part, the crew has three individual and adjustable seats while the two large Raymarine screens display all the necessary information. The cockpit is ergonomically very good and the finish is very good, as is the whole boat. The only thing left is the engine, and in this area, with 3 x 450 hp Mercury, the shipyard has not gone easy on the engine, as the boat can reach 45 knots.

Overall length: 19.46m Width: 5.77 m Fuel tank: 8,332 litres Water tank: 1,143 litres Max power : 2 025 hp

BUILDER Viking Yachts

(USA)

Known to all coarse fishing enthusiasts, the Viking brand is now a reference in this field, having sold more than 550 units in the 60 to 70 foot segment in twenty years. The new 64 Convertible should not break this virtuous circle. In the manner of luxury car brands, Viking is constantly innovating, while maintaining a timeless style and elegance. Aesthetically, the 64 does not break any codes. A large cockpit with a magnificent fighting seat, a bench seat leaning against the cabin and wooden sides that sound like modern sculptures. Once through the electrically operated door, the main deck is organised around a saloon, a dining area and a large galley with bar. The whole area has been modernised with more contemporary colours. A little lower down, the night area offers four cabins including the famous owner’s room with the transverse bed. These cabins also benefit from a modern treatment with, for example, completely redesigned doors. The finishing touches are exceptional and the equipment is of course very complete. The helm station is located on the flybridge, which also has a lounge seat in the front. From there, you can also control the trolling rods. Constructed from fibreglass and composite, the 64 is lightweight and is available with a choice of six Man, Caterpillar or MTU engines, from 1,550 to 2,025 hp. The Viking 64 will also be offered in an enclosed flybridge version.

Overall length: 21.23 m Width: 5.80 m Draught: 1.62 m Fuel tank : 6 500 Litres Water tank: 750 Litres Maximum power : 2 x 1 550 hp

BUILDER Riviera Yachts

(Australia)

The SUV range of the Australian builder Riviera has been a great success and the 645 SUV was therefore eagerly awaited. For the occasion, the shipyard has taken up the idea of the double cockpit with a first part very open to the rear including a grill, two iceboxes and a livewell and a second more cosy part including two sofas. Another remarkable point is that the foredeck has a very large seating/solarium/picnic area, all of which can be protected by a shade sail. Inside, in addition to the main saloon with its kitchen, dining area, driver’s station and bar, the 645 SUV has three or four cabins depending on the version chosen, and four bathrooms. The owner’s cabin occupies the entire width of the boat. The only drawback is that it communicates directly with the crew cabin and the engine room. The atmosphere is quite contemporary and the customer can choose between a classic pack or a much more modern decoration with the Newport Edition pack. To move the 40 tonnes of cargo, you can opt for 2 x 1300 hp Man V8 or 2 x 1550 hp Man V12.

Overall length: 14.00 m Width: 3.65 m Draught: 0.91 m Fuel tank: nc Power: 4 x 450 hp

BUILDER Nor-Techs

(USA)

Based on the 450 Sport’s stepped hull, the 460 Flyer is part of the Florida-based offshore builder’s “Day yachts” range. The aim of this boat is to retain the sensations and performance for which the brand is renowned, while offering a little more comfort. The aft part of the cockpit has several bench seats, including the central dining area that can be transformed into a solarium. The bow is completely new and offers good seating, well protected by the imposing planking. The electric table can transform the picnic area into a solarium. More surprisingly, between this bow-rider and the cockpit there is a cabin with a toilet, a mini kitchen and a sofa, or, on request, a double bed. Without the optional hard-top, the boat looks even sportier. The boat can be powered by up to 1,800 hp, which gives it a speed of almost 60 knots.

Overall length: 35.6 m Width: 7.64 m Draught: 2.11 m Fuel tank: 19,500 Litres Power: 2 x 1,900 hp

BUILDER Ocean Alexander

(USA - Taiwan)

Designed by Evan Marshall and Arrabito Naval Architects, the 35 R is the flagship of the Revolution series. Built to stay just under 300 tons, the 35 R makes no sacrifice in comfort. One enters the ship through the beach club with a small lounge, refrigerator and guest toilet. Nearby, there is also a sauna and a gym area. The main deck opens onto a very large volume bathed in light thanks to the huge windows. There is a large dining room and just behind it, the dining area. Then comes the owner’s cabin which occupies the whole front part. The lower deck has four cabins, each with its own bathroom. An ingenious door hidden behind a niche gives access to the crew quarters, which are particularly well treated. The flybridge houses an equally efficient control station and a very nice saloon with bar and jacuzzi. A huge sunbathing area on the bow with a large bench seat and table is an incredible spot to relax at anchor. The R35 has a powerful design with a forward bulbous hull for smooth sailing. Ocean Alexander has chosen a dual MAN engine with a combined 3,800 horsepower to achieve a top speed of 23 knots.

Overall length: 18.52 m Width: 7.47 m Draught: 1.45 m Fuel tank: 3,785 Litres Water tank: 945 Litres Power : 2 x 705 hp

BUILDER Horizon Yachts

(USA - Taïwan)

Horizon continues to develop its catamaran range with the arrival of the PC 60 Deck Master. Taking advantage of its experience in yachts, the builder delivers here a boat with luxurious features. In addition to a cockpit largely covered by the rear of the flybridge and offering a bench seat and a large table, the boat stands out for its very large main deck. This space includes a beautiful kitchen with a central island, a small sofa on the port side and a saloon on the forward side, with an unrestricted view. In fact, each model delivered by the shipyard can be extensively customised. The floats are reserved for the cabins with, on starboard, the owner’s suite comprising the bedroom and a large independent bathroom. The starboard float offers two cabins, each with its own bathroom. One of the highlights of this boat is of course the very large flybridge, which can be opened or closed in its forward section. At the stern, there is a terrace for sun loungers, a lounge or to store some toys, taking advantage of the crane installed at the station. The PC60 is powered by two 705 hp Cummins engines, which can reach speeds of up to 24 knots.

Overall length: 15.90 m Width: 3.96 m Draught: 0.81 m Fuel tank: 3,785 litres Water tank: 227 Litres Power: 4 x 425 hp

BUILDER HCB

(USA)

Based in Venore, Tennessee, HCB, formerly Hydrasports, is known in the United States for building very large open hulls and holds a record, as the 65-foot Estrella is considered the largest centre console open boat in the world. The 53 Sueños is only 53 feet, but still impressive. In addition to the sheer volume of the cockpit, the boat offers a large galley with grill and fridge. The bow has a V-shaped seat and a lounge seat. The electric table can be used for a meal or as a solarium. In addition to the comprehensive instrumentation, the boat offers two rows of seats, all well sheltered by a T-top. Even though it is an open boat, the HCB offers a good-sized cabin with a double bed, a small kitchen and a real bathroom with a separate shower. Of course, the boat has air conditioning, a Sea Keeper and the list of equipment can be extended. The most impressive feature, however, is the propulsion, as the Sueños can be powered by up to 4 x 425 hp Yamaha, 5 x 450 hp Mercury or 4 x 600 hp Mercury. In fact, as this is a semi-custom build, the manufacturer does not state a maximum power rating, so it’s up to you...