Room for optimism as the boat show season begins - MarineBusinessWorld.com North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 22 Jan 12:00 PST
2025 Winter Boat Shows © National Marine Manufacturers Association
The Discover Boating Atlanta, Chicago and New England boat shows, in partnership with Progressive Insurance, drew in more than 65,000 buyers and boating enthusiasts last weekend, eager to shop deals on thousands of new boats, accessories and the latest marine innovations.
Despite continued headwinds after years of record growth in recreational boat unit sales and Winter Storm Cora's impact in Atlanta, exhibitors expressed optimism with reports of sales and a steady stream of attendees, reinforcing the 2025 market assessment issued by the NMMA last week.
With the 2025 edition of the New York Boat Show now taking place, let's see how far back in time the MarineBusinessWorld video archive can go, with footage from early shows. Whilst we never expected to find videos from 1905 at the first show, we have managed to find one from the thirties!
Meanwhile, the Antigua and Barbuda Yachting and Marina Association has announced its participation in the upcoming Toronto and Düsseldorf Boat Shows, in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. Attendees can visit the stands at both events to discover the vibrant yachting and marine industry of Antigua and Barbuda.
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced the 4th annual International Marine Service Technician Week scheduled for April 21-25. The week is dedicated to recognizing the exceptional skills and commitment of marine service professionals. "Marine technicians are the backbone of safe, reliable, and enjoyable boating experiences," said Shannon Aronson, senior director of marketing and communications at ABYC. "We're excited to celebrate their contributions and highlight this rewarding career path.
This week, Honda Motor Co presented the world premiere of the new BF300 large-size outboard motor at boot Düsseldorf (the Düsseldorf Boat Show), which is being held in Germany from January 18 through 26. The BF300 will go on sale sequentially in Japan, Europe and Asia regions before the end of 2025. Utilizing the 4,952 cm3 (302 in3) V8 engine developed for the BF350, the flagship model of Honda marine outboards that went on sale in 2024, the BF300 provides powerful propulsion with maximum output of 300 horsepower.
Also, OXE Marine Inc has received an order totalling USD 6.6m, to supply a United States Governmental Agency. The scope of supply of the order includes OXE diesel outboard engines, rigging accessories, services kits and OXE's trademarked containerized lifecycle support system, C-CRES. The order is planned for delivery during 2025 and 2026 with the majority expected to be delivered in 2025. The order was placed by a private contractor in the United States and includes a 20% deposit (approximately USD 1.3m).
Power alternatives continue to be installed. McConaghy Boats have introduced the Eco Panther Series, a revolutionary line of full electric yachts. This groundbreaking series consists of the Panther 40, 48 and 56, with the 68 and 78 models under development. Designed to merge sustainability with cutting-edge performance, these yachts promise to redefine your adventures on the open water, offering exhilarating speed and unmatched agility in a lightweight vessel that turns heads with its striking black topsides and silver sleek sheer lines.
In Europe, and announced at the end of the first day of boot Düsseldorf, the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin won the 'Up to 10m' category at the annual European Powerboat of the Year Awards, during the prestigious 'Flagship Night' ceremony. The EPY award is one of the most important milestones in Europe's boating calendar. Winning this award highlights the Axopar 29's unique ability to meet customer needs across a variety of boating activities.
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Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media