The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show opened yesterday under stormy skies at seven locations around the city.
“The 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show opened yesterday, welcoming exhibitors, visitors, elected officials and community leaders from Broward County, the city of Fort Lauderdale and around the world,” Andrew Doole, president of U.S. Boat Shows with Informa Markets, said in a statement. “Now in its 66th year, FLIBS continues to be the largest in-water boat show in the world, spanning seven locations and showcasing vessels of every shape and size, including a record number of catamarans.”
The day began with a Volvo Penta breakfast at the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, where the manufacturer provided updates on its leadership and management staff and commentary on the forward-looking path of sustainable boating, as well as teasing some “fun” products on the horizon.
Volvo Penta president Hanna Ljungqvist spoke to the marine media about the company’s IPS professional products, which are being fitted into larger and larger yachts, including those from Sanlorenzo. She also spoke about sustainability, innovation and the culture at Volvo Penta.
Asked by Trade Only Today about the effects of macroeconomic headwinds such as tariffs, inflation and high interest rates on the company’s business, Hanna Ljungqvist said: “For sure, it is affecting us. Even though stocks are breaking new records, consumer confidence is suffering because of uncertainty. Volumes are at low levels globally, but it feels like we’ve hit the bottom and are optimistic about things improving moving forward.”
As is customary on the first days of the show, boatbuilders, and components and accessories manufacturers introduced new products at press events around the city. The Broward County Convention Center was a hub for several new-product announcements, including Pathfinder’s 2600 TRS and sister company Cobia’s 245 CC and 305 CC.
Suzuki Marine teased a new product that’s rumored to be an outboard in the 450-hp range, according to an anonymous source. The company also touted its environmental and sustainability initiatives, and announced special FLIBS rebates and sales promotions.
Boatbuilders were busy at Bahia Mar. The Palm Beach 85 made its world premiere, Cruisers launched the 38VTR adventure yacht, Formula revealed the 360 CBR, and Saxdor unveiled the 400 GTS. Aspen took the wraps off the new C128 and T13 models, and Cutwater released the CB 288.
Viking launched the Valhalla 46 Sport Yacht, Valhalla 55 Sport Yacht and Viking 50 Convertible. “We’re constantly innovating — designing, refining and engineering to improve upon what we’ve done,” president and CEO Pat Healey said in a statement. “We’ve been at the top of this market for decades. The Viking 50 is the result of all its predecessors.”
Regarding the Valhalla 46 Sport Yacht, Healey added: “The 46 Sport Yacht continues our goal of giving owners more choices and more ways to enjoy time on the water. From 28 to 90 feet, we now offer a Viking or Valhalla for every kind of boating lifestyle, from tournament fishing to family cruising.”
Trade Only Today’s FLIBS coverage continues tomorrow. The show runs through Sunday.
