The Miami International Boat Show opened its 85th edition on Thursday with a reimagined layout that returns luxury yacht displays to Collins Avenue for the first time since 2018, alongside world debuts in AI-driven marine technology and hybrid propulsion systems.
Return to Collins Avenue Waterfront
The show introduced the Miami Beach Yacht Collection along Indian Creek between 44th and 47th streets, bringing powerboats and motor yachts from 30 to 125 feet back to the waterfront near the Fontainebleau and Eden Roc hotels.
Premium yacht manufacturers including Azimut, Absolute, Aquila, Ferretti, Galeon, Mangusta, Prestige, Princess, Riviera, Sanlorenzo, Sunseeker, Tiara, Vanquish and Viking committed to the new in-water display location, which organisers positioned to improve proximity to the Miami Beach Convention Center.
The 2026 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is officially underway as we celebrate the show’s 85th anniversary in South Florida.
Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows with Informa Markets, stated:
This year introduces a reimagined footprint designed to create a more connected and accessible experience. Sailor’s Cove at IGY Yacht Haven Grande Miami makes its debut as a new show destination, while the Miami Beach Yacht Collection on Collins Avenue returns for the first time since 2018.
Boston Whaler Unveils Next-Generation Center Consoles
Boston Whaler debuted the all-new 330 Outrage and 290 Outrage at the show, marking a redesign of the iconic Outrage family. The 330 Outrage represents the first stepped hull in the brand’s history.
Lenn Scholz, President of Boston Whaler, described the launch as a “significant leap forward” that honours the Outrage line’s offshore DNA while introducing performance, comfort and control innovations for contemporary boaters.
Technical Note: The 330 Outrage features dual Mercury 400 hp V10 engines with joystick piloting, integrated Simrad navigation systems, and an automotive-style helm with modern control interfaces.
Brunswick AutoCaptain AI Docking System
Brunswick Corporation demonstrated its AutoCaptain autonomous boating system on a Boston Whaler 405 Conquest equipped with triple Mercury 600 hp outboards. The AI-driven system assists with docking, undocking and short-distance maneuvering using six depth-perceiving cameras integrated into the hardtop.
Operators drag a boat icon to the desired position on a Simrad touchscreen display, which interfaces with sensors controlling propulsion and steering. The system maintains position at the dock using joystick piloting technology.
AutoCaptain first appeared at CES 2026 in January, where Brunswick showcased the technology alongside its ACES strategy covering autonomous, connected, electrified and shared marine systems.
Mercury 808 Concept Engine on Display
Mercury Marine displayed its 808 hp concept engine at the show, continuing development work that began with the CES 2026 unveiling in January. The concept represents a potential evolution of Mercury’s 7.6-litre V12 Verado platform through supercharging or other performance enhancement technologies.
Brunswick described the 808 as part of Mercury’s work “advancing propulsion” but provided no timeline for production availability. The concept remains on display at booth MB1700 in the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Hybrid and Lithium Battery Propulsion
Scout Boats introduced four new models including the 435 LXF Li-Ion, which features a Fathom e-Power lithium battery management system eliminating the need for a generator. The lithium batteries charge from the Mercury engines during operation.
Steve Potts, Scout Boats founder and president, also unveiled the 288 Dorado alongside the lithium-powered luxury center console.
Hybrid designs at the show included the Pathfinder 2800 Hybrid and Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 Hybrid, demonstrating the industry’s exploration of alternative propulsion and efficiency improvements.
Electric Innovation: The Fliteboard RACE high-performance eFoil made its debut as a collaboration between Flite and Mercury Racing, while electric and performance-driven platforms showcased advances in battery technology and charging systems.
Marine Electronics and Navigation Systems
Global premieres in marine electronics included the B&G Zeus SRX and Simrad NSO 4, representing next-generation integrated navigation and control technology. Mercury Marine introduced a keyless ignition system alongside its high-horsepower engine concept demonstrating propulsion, security and digital integration convergence.
Yamaha Marine displayed its wireless controller for the Helm Master EX system, giving operators freedom to move about the deck whilst maintaining complete boat control. The remote includes full maneuvering functionality and an LED display showing depth, heading and speed.
Additional World and U.S. Debuts
Aquila Catamarans presented two world premieres with the 50 Sail and 45 Sport as part of an eight-yacht lineup. Sea Ray launched the SLX 360 Outboard, whilst Chris-Craft introduced the Launch 27.
Highfield USA president Christophe Lavigne announced the ADV9, a new RIB class targeting the adventure-boating market. Lavigne acknowledged the current “difficult environment” whilst confirming expansion plans to maintain position as the largest RIB builder in the United States.
Wellcraft debuted two 28-foot models with the 28 T-Top center console and 28 Explorer walkaround pilothouse, featuring high freeboards, oversized handrails and multiple windshield and roof options.
Additional launches included the Pardo 43 Outboard Walkaround, Galeon 520 and 620, Intrepid 35 Panacea, and Pursuit DC 286.
Sailor’s Cove Sailing Destination
The new Sailor’s Cove at IGY Yacht Haven Grande Miami created a dedicated destination for sailboats, catamarans, sailing gear and the sailing lifestyle. The venue features upgraded docks, modern marina amenities and educational programming.
Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, stated:
Positioning the Yacht Collection closer to the show’s main hub at the Miami Beach Convention Center and having a cohesive destination for sailing are rooted in delivering what attendees consistently ask for – ease – ensuring smoother navigation and a more connected experience.
Industry Context
The show marks its return after the 2025 edition generated more than $6.5 billion in annual sales of new products. Exhibitors and organisers described current market conditions as challenging due to economic uncertainty, whilst new product launches and technology innovations attracted buyers from around the world.
Dave Foulkes, Brunswick Corporation CEO, commented on the 2025 show performance:
Despite continued economic uncertainty, we’ve seen some encouraging signs from consumers and dealers at the early-season domestic and international boat shows enabled by our investments in innovative new products and our industry-leading global teams.
The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is owned by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the International Yacht Brokers Association, and produced by Informa Markets. The event continues through Sunday, February 15.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
