Seven categories in the running
On Thursday November 30, the Berlin Boat Show hosted the Best of Boats Awards 2023 ceremony. Each year, some fifteen international journalists gather to elect the best motorboats of the current year. To do this, each journalist carries out sea trials of all the models launched, before meeting to choose the finalists and then the winners. The special feature of this competition is that the boats are sorted by category rather than by size. So, for this year 2023, seven categories were up for grabs, including a new one for electric and hybrid boats. A total of 23 boats were selected from the finalists.
BOB 2023 winners
In the best boats for beginners, the Flyer 8 from Bénéteau wins the vote. This 8.17 m open hull, available in Sundeck and Spacedek versions, is ideal for beginners. The Flyer 8 is easy to handle, fun to sail and well-equipped for enjoying time with family and friends, convincing the jury.
In the electric boats it's the X-Shore 1 that's getting noticed. With its 125 kw, it is a fast electric boat, capable of reaching 30 knots in 4 seconds. At 6.50 m in length, this model nevertheless offers a deck layout that makes for a comfortable and quiet outing at sea.
The D Antonio 50 Coupé is the winner of the family category . With a length of 15 m, two or three cabins and the possibility of adding a jacuzzi at the bow, this model has everything to seduce. With its two, three or four outboards rated at up to 1,800 hp, it can reach speeds of up to 50 knots.
In the travel category the first Prestige catamaran, the M48, is the big winner. Although high up on the water, it offers excellent handling and sailing qualities. Its layout is ideally suited to long-distance family cruising, with plenty of comfort on board.
The AMT 240 DC, though unknown to French yachtsmen, is well worth a look. It won the fun category . This 7.30m open hull is a real pleasure to sail and easy to handle. Playful on the water, it also offers a comfortable deck layout with all the equipment you'd expect for sunny sailing.
In the performance category the Frauscher 1212 Ghost Air was the winner. Members praised not only its incredible Frausher design, but also the ride quality it offers.
Finally, in the last and newest hybrid Concept Boat category, for the future the Volvo Penta / Beneteau concept is the clear favorite. This is a prototype of the Jeanneau NC37, whose 37-foot size is equipped with a Volvo Penta twin D4-320 DPI Aquamatic hybrid-electric concept. With this system, the NC37 will be able to offer up to 3 hours of autonomy at a cruising speed of 8 to 9 knots.
