By Eric Colby for US Harbors
US Harbors made our annual trip to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), joining thousands of boaters, builders, and marine businesses across seven venues on nearly 90 acres of waterfront. Now in its 66th year, FLIBS featured more than 1,300 vessels, 1,000 exhibitors representing over 50 countries, and delivered an estimated $1.78 billion in economic impact for Florida, according to show organizers.
This year’s event attendees were invited to contribute to Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts in Jamaica, ultimately raising more than $8,000 to support rebuilding on the island.
A Show for Big Boats—and Big Crowds
Fort Lauderdale is considered by many to be the “Yachting Capital of the World,” and this show is known for attracting some incredible vessels. The largest yacht at the event was the 242’ (74 m) superyacht, Casino Royale, which was built by Tankoa yard. Another impressive vessel was the 213’ (65 m) yacht, Eternity, built by Italy’s Codecasa yard. This collection of superyachts helped bring over 100,000 visitors from all over the world to the show this year.
We spent multiple days navigating the show. The scale of FLIBS makes it nearly impossible to see everything—so we focused on a few areas. Here are several innovations, announcements, new models, and boats that stood out during our time walking the docks and tents.
Suzuki Marine Teaser Video
Suzuki had their full lineup of engines on display and at their press event and presented several promotions. They unveiled a teaser video that suggests a new product launch sometime in 2026. Check out the video on their website.
Southport 42 DC
We’re based in Maine, so we always have a soft spot for boats built in the state including Southport, based in Gardiner, ME. The company unveiled renderings for its new Southport 42 DC, a dual-console with several outboard-power options, or the twin Volvo Penta DPI diesel driveline. Designed for offshore performance, this new model will feature fore and aft seating with a focus on family cruising. The customizable aft cockpit and helm deck will let owners tailor layouts, seating, storage and entertainment options to their needs. The new 42 DC is scheduled to arrive in 2026. Check out the spec sheet for more details.
Aspen C128
We did a review of an Aspen C128 in October and the boat made its public debut at FLIBS 2025. The 44’ catamaran is powered by twin 300-hp Suzuki outboards. Below deck accommodations include three cabins and twin heads. Passengers can gather in the large cockpit or on the flying bridge that features a second helm and lounge that wraps around a dining table. Like all Aspens, the C128 rides on a PROA cat hull. One of the sponsons is a third thinner than the other side. The idea is that less resistance translates into better fuel economy. Both hulls have narrow entries forward that slice through the water.
Cutwater C-288 Command Bridge
Cutwater Boats introduced its C-288 Command Bridge, a Downeast-inspired design from the Pacific Northwest. Powered by twin Yamaha F250s, the model rides on a twin-stepped deep-V hull with Laminar Flow Interrupters. Overall length is 36’3” and dry weight is 10,500 pounds. She draws 33” with the engines down and has a fuel capacity of 200 gallons. Highlights include Cutwater’s Clear-Path swim platform that wraps around the outboards. At the helm, Garmin electronics include a chartplotter, sonar, radar and autopilot. Yamaha displays and electric dual throttle levers keep the captain apprised of engine health and in command.
Formula 360 CBR
Formula Boats is getting ready to unleash its 360 Crossover Bowrider, a 36’ dayboat with an 11’3” beam with both sterndrive and outboard driveline options. Sterndrive choices range from twin 430-hp MerCruiser 8.2 MAG HO packages up to twin Ilmor Marine 7.4L MPI-S OPS 520s. Outboard options span triple 300-, 350-, or 400-hp Mercury Verados—or twin Verado 600s. This new dayboat is the first design from Formula’s new designer Michael Young.
MJM 38RS
MJM Yachts moved to the Carolinas in 2019 and apparently some of the management and design teams have spent some time chasing big game. The new 38RS is described as a “luxury fishing boat that combines offshore capability with refined comfort and style”. The 38’6” model has an 11’ beam and can be powered by either twin 300 or twin 400-hp Mercury outboards. She displaces 13,310 pounds and draws 35” with the outboards trimmed down. The cockpit has dual livewells, tackle storage, and a removable bait-prep station. After the fishing gear is stowed, the cockpit converts into a social zone with optional grill, refrigerator, icemaker, and sink.
Tiara 39 LS
The Tiara 39 LS is a dayboat designed with multiple social zones. She measures 39’6” long with a 12’6” beam with a dry weight listed at 21,339 pounds. She draws 3’5” with the twin Mercury V12 Verados trimmed down. In the bow, wraparound seating converts to a large sun pad. Aft, an owner can choose between rotating lounge seating with storage or opt for a module focused on fishing. To expand the cockpit space, A port-side terrace expands cockpit space, and a starboard hull side door provides easy boarding from the dock or after swimming.
Palm Beach 85
Palm Beach Yachts has a new flagship, the PB85. Overall length is listed at 90’5” with a 22’2” beam. She’s available in sedan, flying bridge and sky bridge configurations. Advanced composite engineering and Palm Beach’s proprietary V-Warp bottom design combine with the standard twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta IPS 1350S engines to push the boat to a top speed of 26 knots and a cruise of 23 knots. Upgrade to twin 1,300-hp V8 MANs and the speeds increase to 27.5 knots at top end and with a cruise speed of 25.
The energy, innovation, and fun atmosphere make FLIBS a favorite of boaters from around the world, and a focal point for the marine industry. We hope to meet more of you on the docks at a show this season—or out on the water.
Resources:
Suzuki Marine
https://www.suzukimarine.com
Southport Boats
https://www.southportboats.com
Aspen Power Catamarans
https://aspenpowercatamarans.com/
Cutwater Boats
https://cutwaterboats.com/models/model-category/c-288-cb
MJM Yachts
https://www.mjmyachts.com/
Tiara Yachts
https://www.tiarayachts.com/
Formula Boats
https://www.formulaboats.com
Palm Beach Motor Yachts
https://www.palmbeachmotoryachts.com/
