Miami International Boat Show 2025: Recap & Highlights from Our Crew
A week of innovation, luxury, and high-speed adventure on the water in Miami.
February 19, 2025
The 2025 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show once again proved why it’s the premier event in the marine industry. From February 12th to 16th, the show took over six locations across Miami, drawing over 100,000 attendees and featuring more than 1,000 exhibitors. It was a massive showcase of everything from cutting-edge marine electronics and accessories to the most luxurious yachts on the water today. With boats ranging from personal watercraft to 280-foot superyachts, this year’s show was packed with incredible debuts, thrilling sea trials, and more than a few unforgettable moments.
Above: The dock at MIBS 2025 full of yachts as the sunsets on the final day of the show. Photo by Ryan McVinney.
Our boats.com crew was on the ground (and in the water) all week along with our team of marine journalists, boat reviewers and videographers, capturing social media content, testing the latest marine innovations, and stepping aboard some of the most impressive boats and yachts at the show. We also teamed up with YachtWorld, Boats Daily, Moby Media and Boat Trader for some unique on-the-water adventures during the show. Here’s a firsthand look at how it all went down.
Arriving in Style Aboard Ocean Alexander’s Newest Superyachts
Our journey began well before we even stepped foot at the show. We had the privilege of riding into Miami aboard one of Ocean Alexander’s latest superyachts as part of their three-superyacht display at the show. If there’s a way to make an entrance, this was it.Our arrival aboard one of Ocean Alexander’s latest superyachts set the tone for an unforgettable Miami showcase, offering a firsthand experience of the brand’s meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Gliding into the show in absolute comfort, we were able to take in the seamless blend of power and elegance that defines Ocean Alexander’s fleet. The yacht’s expansive deck spaces, refined interior styling, and effortless performance underscored why the brand continues to be a leader in the luxury yacht market. From the moment we stepped off, it was clear that their presence at Island Gardens would be a highlight of the show. At the heart of their impressive display was the highly anticipated Puro 35, a breathtaking 113-foot superyacht making its North American debut. Designed in collaboration with renowned Italian designer Giorgio M. Cassetta, the Puro 35 embodies contemporary sophistication with an emphasis on open, flowing spaces. The master suite on the main deck is a true sanctuary, offering panoramic views and a sense of serenity, while the expansive beach club creates an intimate connection to the water with a private, sheltered retreat. Above, the sprawling sun deck is an entertainer’s dream, featuring plush lounge areas, a full wet bar, and ample space for socializing or soaking in the Miami skyline. It was the perfect place to pause and take it all in before moving on to explore the rest of the show. |
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Herald Plaza: Notable Yachts & 2025 Debuts
Once docked in Miami, we headed straight to Herald Plaza via the convenient water taxi (always a highlight of the show for us). Herald Square is currently the primary in-water location for motor boats and power yachts up to 100 feet at MIBS. Here, we toured a mix of performance boats, luxury cruisers, and some of the most exciting new models making their Miami debut.
Mangusta 104 REV "JACQPOT"
One of our favorites? JACQPOT, the Mangusta 104 Rev, a sleek 104-foot superyacht with a top speed of nearly 40 knots. For her size, she's a rocket ship on the water with that signature Mangusta DNA—sleek, aggressive, and built for speed. We captured a quick video walkthrough tour of JACQPOT, which you can watch on our YouTube channel and Instagram.
Eclipse 505 Shadow with HMY YachtsAnother major highlight was the Miami debut of the Eclipse 505 Shadow, a revolutionary outboard-powered express cruiser designed by Michael Peters, featuring triple 600-horsepower Mercury V12 outboards. With her aggressive profile and serious performance, she was a true standout. The 505 Shadow’s sharp, wave-slicing hull and deep-V design deliver a smooth, confident ride even at high speeds, making her an enticing option for performance-minded cruisers. With a beam stretching over 14 feet, she offers a spacious cockpit and a beautifully designed helm station, complete with twin 24-inch multifunction displays and an intuitive joystick control system. The triple Mercury V12s not only give her an impressive top speed of over 60 mph but also provide effortless handling and enhanced fuel efficiency thanks to their independently steerable lower units. Below deck, the Eclipse 505 Shadow balances high-end luxury with functional design, boasting a refined, contemporary interior finished in premium materials. The open-plan salon is bathed in natural light from oversized hull windows, creating a sense of airiness, while a fully equipped galley and generous accommodations make extended cruising a breeze. The master stateroom offers a queen-sized berth and ample storage, while a convertible lounge adds versatility for additional guests. Whether blasting across open water or anchored in a secluded cove, the 505 Shadow is built to impress, redefining what’s possible in an outboard-powered express cruiser. |
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Fabbro F45We also hopped onboard the new Fabbro F45, a sleek and intelligently designed yacht built for effortless cruising and memorable weekend getaways! 🚤 Its streamlined profile, efficient layout, and smart features maximize every inch of space. The spacious outdoor areas seamlessly blend with modern, cozy interiors, while the innovative fold-down gunnels create even more room to relax and enjoy the water. This yacht offers the perfect balance of style, comfort, and practicality. The Fabbro F45’s refined hull design and well-balanced proportions ensure a smooth, stable ride, making her an ideal companion for both coastal cruising and longer passages. With a beam that optimizes deck space without compromising performance, she features a thoughtfully arranged helm station equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and control systems. Twin Volvo Penta IPS engines provide effortless maneuverability and impressive fuel efficiency, allowing for extended adventures with minimal stress. Meanwhile, her innovative fold-down gunnels expand the deck space at anchor, transforming the aft cockpit into a sprawling waterside lounge perfect for entertaining or unwinding. Inside, the F45 seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with functional luxury, offering a warm, inviting atmosphere for owners and guests alike. Expansive windows flood the salon with natural light, highlighting the yacht’s high-end finishes and well-appointed galley. The master stateroom is a true retreat, boasting a plush queen berth, ample storage, and an en-suite head with a walk-in shower. A versatile guest cabin ensures additional comfort for overnight stays, making the F45 an excellent choice for families or couples seeking a refined yet practical cruising experience. Whether exploring hidden coves or enjoying a lively marina scene, the Fabbro F45 delivers an unforgettable yachting experience. |
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Other Notable Debuts
Several other notable yachts and boats made their global or North American debuts:
- Pershing GTX116 — Making its U.S. debut, this sleek yacht combines performance with luxury, featuring cutting-edge design and powerful propulsion systems.
- Tiara Yachts 56 LS — The flagship of Tiara's Luxury Sport Series, this model offers multiple social zones, a full galley, and twin cockpit terraces that expand to provide easy access to the water.
- Aquila 46 Coupe — A power catamaran making its world premiere, the 46 Coupe offers a blend of performance and comfort, suitable for both day trips and extended cruises.
- Maxim Yachts MAX44 R — This model made its world premiere at the show, showcasing innovative design and performance features.
- Sunseeker Manhattan 68 — Making its U.S. debut, this yacht offers a blend of comfort and performance, with spacious interiors and advanced technology.
- Beneteau Swift Trawler 54 — This model debuted in the U.S., featuring a balance of functionality and aesthetics, ideal for long-distance cruising.
- Absolute Navetta 53 — Also making its U.S. debut, this yacht combines luxury with innovative design, providing ample space and comfort for extended voyages.
These debuts highlight the show's role as a premier event for unveiling the latest innovations in the marine industry.
Miami Beach Convention Center: New Mid-Sized Boats, Latest Marine Tech & Accessories
From Herald Plaza, we hopped on the water taxi and made our way to the Miami Beach Convention Center, where some of the smaller and mid-sized family boats are easy to board and inspect inside. There's also an entire hall dedicated to marine accessories, electronics, and gear. If it belongs on a boat, you could find it here.
The new engine tech on display was especially impressive this year, with several new releases from Mercury and Yamaha drawing major crowds. But the real showstopper was Dometic’s DG3 Gyrostabilizer, which won the Innovation Award for its faster spool-up time and improved handling while underway. We knew we had to experience it firsthand, so we scheduled a sea trial for the next day with Dometic.
Testing the New Dometic DG3 Gyrostabilizer
The next morning we headed back to Herald Plaza for our highly anticipated sea trial of the Dometic DG3. With a compact design optimized for boats in the 35-41 foot range, the DG3 stood out immediately for its fast stabilization time—just 16 minutes from startup—which is significantly quicker than competing systems.
Underway, the difference was night and day. The DG3 reduced roll instantly, making for a much smoother ride. But perhaps the most unexpected highlight was its "Party Mode," a setting that intentionally rocks the boat back and forth in still water. It made for an entertaining demo at the docks, where we had a good laugh watching people try to figure out why the boat was rocking in a calm marina.
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We filmed the entire sea trial experience, so if you want to see the DG3 in action, check out our full review and video on Instagram.
Island Gardens: Touring Superyachts BOLD & REDUCE
From there, we took another water taxi ride back to Island Gardens, where the real giants of the show were docked.
The biggest head-turner? Without a doubt, the 280-foot superyacht BOLD by Silver Yachts. This beast of a yacht features a 40-foot-wide deck, a helicopter landing pad, an arsenal of water toys and tenders, and a multi-purpose space that functions as everything from a dance floor to a full-scale beach club.
And if that wasn’t enough, the same owner also had another of his yachts at the show—REDUCE, a 118-foot luxury catamaran with a 3,300-nautical-mile cruising range and more space than some Miami penthouses. We toured and filmed both BOLD and REDUCE extensively for our YouTube channel and social media, so be sure to check those out.
South Beach Marina: Side Mission with VEHICULE x VICE
During the Miami Boat Show, we took a little side mission over to South Beach Marina—off the official show grounds—for a special sea trial of a Wally 48, outfitted with naturally aspirated Mercury V10s enhanced by Vehicule-branded Koshi Marine performance scoops and a sleek Mohawk Trim. This was part of an exclusive collaboration with the newly launched VICE Marine and the popular, ever-trendy VEHICULE Racing Team. We fired the engines up at the docks—with the throaty sport exhaust mode engaged, turning heads at the marina.
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We then cruised the bay, putting the boat through its paces, capturing some epic drone footage, and testing its handling in various conditions. Of course, we couldn’t resist exploring Wally’s signature features, from the drop-down gunnels that expand the deck space to the sprawling sunpad—because, let’s be honest, it was a perfect day for it.
Departing the Show in Style With Royal Yachts
As the sun set on another incredible Miami Boat Show, we headed back to Island Gardens and wrapped up our time by boarding MINI K2, a 100-foot superyacht built by Extra Yachts. This sleek, modern yacht—currently listed for sale for $10 million by Royal Yachts on YachtWorld—was the perfect way to say goodbye to Miami in style. We were also joined by a special guest—The Wolf of Yachting—a famously enigmatic yachting influencer known for his distinctive style and signature custom wolf mask. Think Deadmau5 and Daft Punk mystique with a touch of Eyes Wide Shut intrigue, but on the water.
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With its expansive windows, open decks, and ultra-luxurious interiors, MINI K2 gave us one last taste of what makes this show so special. As we cruised away, we couldn’t help but reflect on the week—on all the incredible boats, the sea trials, and the new innovations that are pushing the marine industry forward.
See More from the Show!
If you missed the Miami International Boat Show this year, don’t worry—you can still experience it all through our exclusive walkthrough videos and sea trials on YouTube. Be sure to follow @boatsdotcom and @YachtWorld on Instagram for even more behind-the-scenes content.
Until next year, Miami!
