Luxury Boating in the US

Set in the gloriously boat-friendly US state of Florida, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show not only showcases magnificent superyachts, but also a huge selection of some of the most cutting-edge catamarans, centre consoles and cruising yachts on the planet.

Vessels powered by up to six outboard engines are not a rare sight in the sunny locale and this part of the US is world-renowned for possessing amazing fishing grounds.

To be held from October 26 to 30, the prestigious boat show will feature more than 1,300 boats on display and over 1,000 exhibiting brands, making it the latest in-water boat show in the world.

Take a look at our list of the most desirable fishing vessels on display this year, as well as some efficient multihulls and elegant cruising yachts.

Catamarans

Sunreef’s yachts are fast becoming the most sought-after yachts on the water. A huge deck space combined with innovative layout solutions and clever design features make the 80 Power the perfect vessel for those looking for ease of use, stability and increased fuel economy.

Exterior delineation is bold and assertive, leaving a lasting impression at water level. Patented design features such as a platform for a jet ski that lowers to the water hydraulically below the cockpit and efficient air conditioning make this catamaran uniquely capable and perfect for busy families.

The successor to the Leopard Powercat 51, the 53 offers the kind of layout and design cues that the Leopard brand has become known for. An optional four-room accommodation configuration can be extended with extra berths for the crew while the galley aft configuration allows clear communication between the cockpit, saloon, galley and helm station.

Multihull yachts are up to 50 per cent more efficient than monohulls and the Leopard 53 is capable of cruising in very shallow waters with a minuscule draft of less than a metre. An optional interior navigation station can be included in lieu of one of the saloon settees and the Leopard 53, like the Sunreef 80 Power, features foredeck access directly from the main saloon.

Centre Consoles

Whether you plan to use your centre console for sunbathing, fishing or just motoring around the Keys, HCB is a very good choice thanks to extensive customisation options and onboard comfort. The 53 Sueños offers uncompromising performance and can be fitted with quad 600 Mercury engines producing 2,400 horsepower.

Viking has been manufacturing high-quality sports fishing yachts since 1964, using fibreglass since 1971 to deliver some of the most popular and capable vessels in the US and the world.

This year, the yacht company is bringing one of its Valhalla 46s to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, so be sure to visit the Viking stand and see one of these gorgeous and very capable centre console yachts.

Offering comfort and usability without compromising its sports fishing abilities, the Valhalla 46 features a comfortable twin-berth lower deck for overnight excursions.

Cruising Yachts

Much of the appeal of yachting comes from simply cruising about, exploring far-away bays and just generally enjoying the freedom that open water offers. The Fjord 44 Open is designed for those who are looking for the simple pleasure of being on the water, without the constraints that come with owning a larger yacht.

An uber-efficient hull design and the option for a powerful 960 horsepower engine give the Open 44 an impressive 40 knot (74kph) maximum speed. Masses of exterior deck space and plenty of seating are perfect for groups while a wide swimming platform and storage for Seabobs or other water toys add to her versatility.

Carving out its very own place in the luxury cruising yacht market, Vanquish Yachts has made huge progress and is fast becoming one of the sector’s hottest brands. Building almost all of its products from strong, lightweight aluminium, the company delivers stunningly beautiful yachts that show why many are being converted from large-scale superyachts to this supremely manageable style of boat.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show gives attendees the opportunity to compare these luxe cruising yachts with their larger cousins.

Hundreds of superyachts converge on the beachside Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show each year to show the recreational marine industry’s latest and greatest creations. As well as catamarans, centre consoles and cruising yachts, the show features some magnificently luxurious superyachts.

The Market Herald Fancy Nautica was on the ground at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, exploring the world’s largest and most expensive superyachts and speaking with the people behind luxury yachting’s most influential brands.