The Miami International Boat show 2024 closed its doors on February 18. It's the first boating event to kick off the season in the United States, the show is a good opportunity to assess the market.
Given the context, with high inflation in boat prices and very high interest rates, we were expecting a sad show. The pleasant surprise is that this was not the case. On the contrary, the U.S. marine sector proved to be quite resilient, and the Miami boat show was once again a sell-out.
A reorganization that confirms its success
The event is also fine-tuning the organization between the different sites, a formula that was born three years ago and is working rather well.
The sailing section at Museum Park, for example, was fully booked, with the vast majority of the entries being multihulls. Multihulls were also to be found at Herald Plaza, where the main entrance to the show was located, and where most of the powerboats and yachts were on display.
Right next door, Venetian Marina once again became the test base, with only boats scheduled to go out.
Another important site, but this time located in Miami Beach, the Convention Center welcomed small powerboats, as well as engine and equipment manufacturers. The exhibition continued outside, with a number of pontoon boat brands, as well as initiation areas around the outdoor pool.
Last but not least, Yacht Haven Grande Miami, which was unfortunately reserved for VIP ticket holders, was reserved for Superyachts, a unique opportunity to discover some of the world's largest yachts.
With over 100,000 registered visitors, the show continues to attract a large number of visitors, despite the high entry fee (starting at $40). A good sign for the boating sector, and one that didn't come alone. The builders' stand was also packed, with a good number of world premieres that we weren't necessarily expecting.
Numerous world premieres
There were a number of world premieres at the Miami International Boat Show 2024.
Without a doubt, this was the most eagerly-awaited novelty of the show. Yamaha unveiled a prototype outboard motor powered by hydrogen. Although little information has yet been released, the engine was presented attached to a 26-foot Regulator Marine boat containing three hydrogen tanks.
- Tiara EX 54
The all-new Tiara EX 54 is a small cabin cruiser offering considerable exterior space thanks to the fold down gunnels, and an interior with two cabins capable of sleeping four people.
- Formula 457 CCS
Formula displayed the very attractive 457 CCS, a highly versatile 45-foot open boat. While performance has not been forgotten, as evidenced by the 3 x 600 hp on the transom, the boat offers a more family-oriented layout.
- Regal 50 SAV
The Orlando-based shipyard exhibited the 50 SAV, a day cruiser featuring an innovative, user-friendly aft cockpit, as well as a cabin capable of sleeping four.
- Boston Whaler 365 Conquest
The new 365 Conquest has much in common with the 405 from the same range, but naturally with smaller spaces. The equipment is still complete, and there are some fine innovations, such as the electric interior table.
- Harris Crowne 250
The pontoon boat brand exhibited the Crowne 250, its latest model, a boat that combines the practicality of a pontoon boat with the luxury of a well-equipped rigid hull.
- Manitou Explore 24 Max
A wind of innovation from Manitou with the Explore 24 Max, a pontoon boat powered by two 150hp Rotax S engines. A boat with plenty of tricks up its sleeve.
- Iliad 53 F
A flybridge version of the 53 S, the Iliad 53 F is a luxurious cruising catamaran capable of high performance in comfort.
- Grady White 231 Coastal Explorer
The latest addition to the Grady White range is a 32-foot open boat that combines the pleasures of fishing with those of family outings, thanks to its versatile layout.
- Chaparral 310 OSX
Chaparral has unveiled the flagship of its OSX range, the 310. The newcomer offers a unique concept, featuring a bow rider with lounge seating, as well as a small cabin. There's also a very open aft cockpit and even an outdoor galley, making this boat highly versatile.
- Smart Cart S 280 Open
From South Korea, the Smart Cat 280 S is, as the name suggests, a 28-foot catamaran. Fairly basic, it nevertheless includes enough space to sleep six to eight people.
