The Miami International Boat Show felt somewhat adrift and in search of home in 2020, when organizers announced after five years that it would move from Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin on Virginia Key back to the Miami Beach Convention Center and a handful of other locations. Show plans were canceled in 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but organizers were able to pull off a five-day run in Miami Beach and downtown Miami in February 2022, drawing more than 80,000 visitors — a complete success given the expanded presence of Covid-19 variants and illnesses.
This year’s show, which ran Feb. 15-19, felt as if it had a full breeze back in its sails, with many exhibitors reporting robust sales and satisfaction with the venues. At the same time, though, some exhibitors were disappointed with recent introductions to the show, including the Charged Electric Pavilion, which showcased electric propulsion technology and products. NMMA reported that more than 100,000 people from 35 countries attended the show.
Gary ReichMany trends emerged or strengthened during the show, among them a push toward autonomous boating and artificial intelligence, the electrification of propulsion and power-generating systems, the advocation of alternative fuels for internal combustion engines, and the solidification of data that shows the smaller end of the boat market is cooling after two years of Covid-fueled buying, while the upper end is still thriving.
Soundings Trade Only editors spent three days walking the docks and poring over exhibits at the convention center as they spoke to stakeholders, exhibitors and guests to get the pulse of what’s happening in the industry today and where it’s headed. Here’s what we found.
AIM Marine Group Takes Multiple BWI Awards
Just before the show opened on the first day, Boating Writers International presented the winners of its annual writing awards program, which recognizes excellence in marine journalism. The contest this year attracted 79 participants who submitted 267 entries across 15 categories. The Active Interest Media Marine Group, of which Soundings Trade Only is a part, took four first-place awards, five seconds, five thirds and nine certificates of merit.
Jeanne CraigIndustry Breakfast: Headwinds Are Here
The National Marine Manufacturers Association presented its annual industry breakfast prior to the opening of day two of the show. Dave Chanda, president and CEO of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, started the session with a presentation about the fishing and boating segments.
“We picked up more than 55 million anglers during the [pandemic],” Chanda said. “Unfortunately, boat sales are softening, and we’re experiencing a higher-than-average churn rate. People are leaving angling at a rate that’s higher than we’ve ever seen.”
Chanda said the RBFF is responding this spring with a new campaign to bring more female participants into the sport. “Our new campaign will address those women who want to find their best selves on the water,” he said.
Gary ReichNMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer took the stage next and delivered his annual state of the industry keynote. “We’re all starting to see some headwinds,” he said. “There are conflicting signs and confusion, and rising interest rates are starting to affect dealers. The good news is that Americans continue to prioritize the outdoors, and demand [for boats] remains strong.”
Hugelmeyer also said supply-chain bottlenecks were easing, and inventory pipelines were refilling.
Next, two industry leaders were inducted into the NMMA Hall of Fame. Syntec Industries president Bill Watters and Caymas Boats founder and CEO Earl Bentz welcomed former CEO and principal Joe Miller of William F. Miller & Associates to the stage, followed by former Godfrey Marine president and CEO Bob Deputy, who inducted Smoker Craft president and CEO Doug Smoker.
Miller joined the manufacturer representative agency William F. Miller & Associates in 1968. He purchased the agency in the early ’90s, and coached, trained and led his team for several years, driving the business with new territories, new customers and new products to represent.
Courtesy NMMASmoker joined the family boatbuilding business in 1972. He is a fourth-generation builder and has played an integral role in the success and evolution of Smoker Craft, a privately held business owned and operated by two families.
The Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award was presented to Gemlux CEO Matt Bridgewater by Gemlux director of marketing Lauren Alleva. The award recognizes individuals who’ve made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity and personal motivation.
Robert Newsome, NMMA senior vice president of operations, and Rollick senior vice president of enterprise solutions and marketing Jeff Coffman announced 57 recipients of the 2022 Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index Awards. The CSI awards honor boat and engine manufacturers that actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvement to better-serve customers. Award recipients achieved an independently measured standard of excellence of 90% or higher in customer satisfaction during the program year, based on information provided by customers purchasing a new boat or engine between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2022.
Courtesy Chris-CraftThe program wrapped up with the presentation of the Miami Innovation Awards, which honored 10 recipients; three honorable mentions also were handed out. The awards recognize manufacturers and suppliers that bring innovative products to market. Entries are judged by a panel of eight Boating Writers International members. The winners are as follows:
• Center Console/Walkaround Fishing Boats Valhalla Boatworks V-55 center console. Honorable Mention: Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless.
• Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software Navico Group, Lowrance HDS PRO with Active Imaging HD and ActiveTarget 2. Honorable Mention: Maretron, WSO200 Ultrasonic Wind and Weather Station.
• Consumer Safety Equipment ACR Electronics, ResQLink AIS personal locator beacon. Honorable Mention: Navico Group, B&G Zeus S.
• Cuddy Cabin, Bowrider, Deckboats Sea Ray SLX 260 Outboard.
• Deck Equipment Deckpad.
• Electric Motor/Battery-Powered Propulsion/Hybrids Mercury Marine, Avator 7.5e electric outboard.
• Mechanical and Electrical Systems Navico Group, Fathom e-Power System.
• Outboards: BRP, Rotax S.
• Personal Watercraft BRP, Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170.
• Propulsion Equipment and Parts Volvo Penta, joystick system for single-diesel Aquamatic sterndrives.
Mercury MarineRise of the Machines
Autonomous boating was a hot topic during the show, with commercially viable systems now likely less than a year away from launching. Perhaps the biggest news was the announcement that Raymarine and autonomous-navigation company Avikus signed a multiyear, exclusive partnership agreement, setting in motion the development of an autonomous boat solution that Raymarine says is a world first.
“This partnership will allow us to launch the world’s first autonomous boating solution for the recreational boating market,” Raymarine senior global product manager Jamie Cox told Soundings Trade Only. “We’ve been working with the Avikus team for the last several months and expect to bring this product to market for the Fort Lauderdale boat show in October.”
The Avikus Navigation Assistant System allows a boat to recognize and assess on-water situations in real time and without human intervention through deep learning and sensor fusion algorithms, according to Cox. As data is processed, the system creates and maintains an optimal route for safe, autonomous navigation.
Navico GroupIf desired, the system allows users to experience the autonomous navigation process through an augmented- reality screen that indicates risk level using color informational boxes. Boaters can also control navigation from anywhere on board with a mobile device.
A Docking Assistant System allows a boat to dock itself through integrated cognitive technology. An Avikus 3-D surround-view system and collision-warning alarm helps users cope with situations that may occur while docking.
“Raymarine is the perfect partner for Avikus,” Avikus CEO Dohyeong Lim said in a statement. “Their technology and experience bring us the best opportunity to reach out to customers. The NeuBoat was already the most advanced autonomous leisure boat system, and with this exclusive business partnership, it will continue to be the market leader for many years to come.”
Additionally, the Yamaha Marine U.S. Business Unit provided a preview of its prototype automated docking system, DockPoint, to select marine industry journalists outside boat-show grounds.
“It’s an aid to help the boater,” new product introduction manager Dave Meeler told Soundings Trade Only. Once a skipper is confident about docking, the theory is that he or she will stay in boating and hopefully move up to a bigger boat.
Developed at Yamaha’s new Marine Innovation Center in Kennesaw, Ga., DockPoint uses GPS coordinates and inertial navigation software with data-roaming technology. The skipper programs an initial GPS coordinate and labels it on the plotter. When DockPoint is deployed, it uses a midpoint between the dock and the boat’s location to determine the approach the dock. The system can store up to 100 locations.
When the boat enters a 10-meter-diameter “circle of trust,” the system takes over and moves the boat into a slip or alongside a dock. DockPoint was demonstrated with a Grady-White Canyon 336 center console with twin 450-hp Yamaha XTO Offshore outboards.
An Electrified Future
A growing number of boats at the show were equipped with large lithium battery banks charged by high-output alternators and managed by systems that circumvent the need for gasoline or diesel generators. Additionally, electric propulsion technology continues to march forward, with multiple propulsion units and electric boats launching at this year’s show.
Navico Group’s Fathom e-Power system, which uses lithium batteries to store energy from high-output alternators to power air conditioning and other high-power loads, was installed on a number of boats at the show, including four Boston Whaler models. The system is designed to eliminate the need for a standalone gas or diesel generator.
“A growing trend in recreational boat systems uses high-capacity electric systems to power all the house loads, including air conditioning, without an on-board generator. Navico Group meets this challenge with a fully integrated system based on lithium batteries operating at 48 volts to extend the time away from charging sources and remove one internal combustion engine from the boat,” Miami Innovation Awards judge Tim Murphy said in a statement.
Mercury Marine officially launched the first commercially ready version of its Avator 7.5e electric outboard, which produces 750 watts of power — about the equivalent of a 3.5-hp conventional outboard. The 7.5e weighs 60 pounds with the battery and quick-fit transom bracket, and has a tiller that can be folded for use as a carrying handle. The company plans to grow its electric outboard lineup this year by several models.
Engine manufacturer Ilmor also introduced an electric outboard at the show, a fixed unit it calls ION. The 48-volt outboard provides a maximum 6-kW output with a 7-kW boost mode. It has a five-blade composite propeller with an automatic seaweed detection system, integrated power tilt and trim, and an external LED array that doubles as a Coast Guard-approved transom light.
Chris-Craft unveiled its first electric concept boat, the Launch 25 GTe. The bowrider is powered by a 420-hp EVOA electric motor paired to a sterndrive to provide a 50-mph top end and two hours of run time with a 133-kWh battery bank. The builder plans to further test the prototype to develop a commercial version.
“The Chris-Craft brand has always been synonymous with the finest quality and craftsmanship in the industry, and today we unveil an all-electric concept boat that meets those same standards,” Chris-Craft president Stephen Heese said in a statement. “The Launch 25 GTe is our exploration into the burgeoning electric boat space and our next step on a continuous journey of bringing innovation to the marine industry.”
The Launch 25 GTe was built in a partnership with parent company Winnebago Industries’ Advanced Technology Group, which focuses on improving the company’s ability to identify, evaluate and deploy technologies across its marine and RV portfolios.
“Our Advanced Technology Group is excited to partner with the Chris-Craft team to bring forward electric drivetrain advances to an iconic brand,” group vice president Shailendra Singh said in the statement. “This is our first manifestation of an electric marine product under the Winnebago Industries portfolio, and we look forward to making future advancements within our marine segment.”
Show organizers this year launched a standalone electrification room — the Charged Electric Pavilion — that featured electric inboards and outboards, charging stations, bicycles, two X Shore electric boats, an Ingenity 23E, Taiga electric PWC and two electric vehicles from Ford Motor Co.
Fresh Fuels
The NMMA hosted a panel discussion about sustainable fuels. With the growing popularity of electric technology and its future, the organization took some time to address what boaters can do now to help reduce carbon-dioxide emissions.
“The goal is not, how do we electrify,” said Jeff Wasil, NMMA director of environment, health and safety compliance. “It’s, how do we reduce CO2 emissions? The marine industry needs to do its part.”
The NMMA reported that the boating industry had taken significant strides to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and continues to pursue solutions. Since 2000, NMMA said, emissions from marine engines have decreased more than 90%, and fuel efficiency has increased more than 40%.
Wasil pointed out that there are 12 million registered powerboats in the United States, and that boating accounts for 0.7% of carbon-dioxide emissions in this country and 0.1% in Europe. If manufacturers designed hulls that were more efficient, considered hybrid-electric propulsion and implemented sustainable fuels, the industry could start reducing its carbon footprint sooner. “You have to make it easy for folks to be able to do their part,” Wasil said.
Dirk Vaughn, head of market development for Renewable Road Transport, discussed its Neste MY renewable diesel. “Our renewable diesel is made with a petroleum-diesel hydrocarbon,” he said. “It looks like water and smells like water.”
Vaughn said the fuel can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 75% and has a flash point greater than 60, which makes it safer to handle than conventional diesel fuels. It’s also non-polar, meaning it doesn’t attract water.
Panelists Mark Walls, director of research and development, fuel technology and quality for VP Racing Fuels, and Dan Porneau Sr., of plastics, chemicals and refining company LyondellBasell, said their companies were partnering to formulate Ecogen 93 gasoline. Ecogen 93 is a sustainable marine fuel that Walls said is a direct replacement for rec-90 (an ethanol-free, 90 octane gas blend) and reduces carbon-dioxide emissions by nearly 30% more than gasoline with 10% ethanol.
Jess Hewitt, president of Hyperfuels in Houston, discussed his company’s gasoline with Gevo biobutanol, a marine-industry-approved sustainable fuel. “This product is EPA-approved for blending with gasoline, and it’s endorsed by the NMMA,” Hewitt said.
He said the American Boat & Yacht Council endorses the fuel for use in a vented fuel system. It can reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by up to 30%.
New Boats Abound
A loose tally among Soundings Trade Only’s sister Marine Group publications shows that around 35 new boats were launched at the show. Among them:
• Absolute 52 Flybridge
• Galeon 440 and 560 Fly
• Aquila 42
• Bayliner M19
• Heyday 22
• Beneteau Swift 41 Trawler Sedan
• Boston Whaler 350 and 380 Realm
• Caymas 34 CT
• Cobalt R35
• Fjord 41 XL
• Fountaine Pajot 67
• Grady-White 281
• Hylas M49
• Intrepid 41
• Jeanneau 65
• Jupiter 40
• Leopard 40
• Prestige M48
• Regulator 30XO
• Riviera 46
• Scout 260 LXF
• Sea Ray SLX 280
• SeaVee 420Z
• Sunreef 80
• Sunseeker 55 Superhawk
• Sunseeker 67 Predator
• Veer X13
The Mood Among Exhibitors
“We had a really good show — probably the best show we’ve had in Miami to date,” Sportsman Boats president Tommy Hancock told Soundings Trade Only. “We have seen some tightening on some of the smaller boats, say about 24 feet and smaller, but everything larger than that is selling extremely well.
“We’re also enjoying some really good success with our Phenom brand. Our two new models are selling well, and we generated a ton of leads at this show,” Hancock added.
Nautical Ventures chairman and CEO Roger Moore told Soundings Trade Only: “We had 17 different displays with 77 boats, and the experience we had was different everywhere. Our goal was to do $10 million in sales, and we exceeded it, but the sad part was that our two new segments [sail and electric] were goose eggs.”
Brunswick Corp. CEO Dave Foulkes, in a statement, said: “Miami is a bellwether U.S. saltwater show, and I am extremely encouraged by the success all of our brands and products experienced at this year’s event. The 2023 show season is off to a solid start, with good attendance and engaged consumers at shows across the United States, Canada and Europe, and I am very proud of our teams for another outstanding performance in South Florida.”
International Yacht Brokers Association COO Paul Flannery, in a statement, said: “The docks were full, the weather was perfect, and guests were able to enjoy the best in the industry and Miami. The excitement is still settling in, but we are already looking forward to topping our historic numbers next year. Thank you to our partners and community leaders for all the hard work it took to make this event live up to its esteem.”
Hugelmeyer, in a statement, said: “The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is an international hub to see the wide range of new boats and marine products entering the market. This year’s boat show unveiled several next-gen marine technologies, from hydrofoils to sustainable fuels to more efficient boat hull and engine designs. As an industry, we are listening to the market’s demands, learning and growing alongside our consumers to deliver exceptional products that will sustain boating as one of the greatest outdoor recreations.
“Year after year, we make it our top priority to not only put on an event for attendees to enjoy, but also ensure that we create a space for our industry partners and exhibitors to showcase their new products and highlight the best in boating at the world’s greatest boat show,” he added.
The 2024 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is scheduled for Feb. 14-18.
This article was originally published in the April 2023 issue.
