Yes, the kids are all aflutter about picking out Halloween costumes. Yes, everyone is ordering turkeys for Thanksgiving. Yes, some stores are putting up Christmas decorations. Already. But all boaters know the real reason for celebrating the season: It’s time for the largest in-water boat show in the world.

The 2018 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is scheduled October 31 through November 4. There will be seven locations with water taxis and shuttles connecting them all. A new entrance is in the works, along with a new concessionaire, Proof of the Pudding, which is promising a menu with “a wide variety of healthy eating choices.” And then, of course, there are the real stars of the show: the boats. Here’s a look at five noteworthy yachts that are registered to be on display this year.  

 

Utopia IV


Utopia IV


Rossinavi launched this 205-footer earlier this year for owners JR and Loren Ridinger, founders of Market America. Utopia IV is fast for her size, with a cruising speed of 26 knots and a top end of 33 knots (thanks to four Rolls-Royce engines and four water jets). There’s a nearly 20-foot-long balcony off the master stateroom, along with a 750-square foot beach club for guests to enjoy at water level.

Ocean Alexander 90R


Ocean Alexander 90R


Ocean Alexander will host the world debut of its 90R at the Fort Lauderdale show. It’s the first model in a new series called Revolution that’s a collaboration among the shipyard, designer Evan K. Marshall and Arrabito Naval Architects. The idea behind the 90R is to retain Ocean Alexander’s styling and performance DNA while modernizing the brand’s look. Features will include a beach club with a skylight, and an interior with sole-to-ceiling windows.

Hatteras GT59


Hatteras GT59 Convertible


Hatteras Yachts is planning to host the world debut of its GT59 Convertible at the Fort Lauderdale show. It’s part of the builder’s GT series that includes models from 45 to 70 feet length overall. Performance speeds will top 40 knots, the builder says, and the 18-foot, 9-inch beam allows for a three-stateroom layout. Owners can choose optional lower-deck layouts and add a tackle stowage room with a workbench or additional head. For fishing, the cockpit is 153 square feet with mezzanine seating, a transom live well, rod stowage and a mounting plate for a fighting chair.

Zeelander Z55


Zeelander Z55


Zeelander says the Z55, which will debut at the Fort Lauderdale show, is its fastest yacht ever. The top speed reportedly pushes past 42 knots, thanks to twin 1,000-horsepower Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines. In order to install those motors, Zeelander had to increase hull strength around the engine room and add lamination thickness from the bow to amidships. Zeelander says the result is not only its fastest and most powerful model to date, but also its quietest.

Elandess


Elandess


As of this writing, the 242-foot Abeking & Rasmussen Elandess is the largest yacht signed up to attend the Fort Lauderdale show. Delivered this past summer, she has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure with interior and exterior styling by London-based Harrison Eidsgaard, which was working with Abeking for the first time. Features include a 26-foot long pool and an upper-deck observation lounge.

Don't forget to check out the highlights from last year's show: 2017 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Preview.

Written by: Kim Kavin
Kim Kavin is an award-winning writer, editor and photographer who specializes in marine travel. She is the author of 10 books including Dream Cruises: The Insider’s Guide to Private Yacht Vacations, and is editor of the online yacht vacation magazine www.CharterWave.com.