MANY NEW MODELS DEBUT AT THE 2013 FT LAUDERDALE INT’L BOAT SHOW

In his speech at the Industry Breakfast event that traditionally opens the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, manager Efram (Skip) Zimbalist III announced that the show’s footprint had expanded to be by far the biggest in the show’s history.

In terms of revenue will also be the biggest show in the history of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show which has a staggering 3,000,000 ft.² of exhibit space across three different locations. The indoor area at the Convention Center has been expanded by 30,000 more square feet to accommodate more of the smaller boats including pontoons, so this isn’t just a super yacht show.

Many of the builders took this opportunity to introduce new models. Chris Craft showed their beautiful new Corsair 36 Hard Top; their first new enclosed model in some time. The Beneteau Groupe showed their stunning new Monte Carlo 5, a 50-foot flying bridge yacht with IPS power and elegant new interior styling.

Jeanneau and Prestige introduced several new models. The builder announced their new Prestige 750 was undergoing sea trials right now. Their Prestige 450 and 450 S models are two new boats on display at Fort Lauderdale for the first time. They also introduced new Concept and Velasco models as well as their Leader line in an event Friday, November 1st.

Boston Whaler held a media launch for their new 350 Outrage salt water centre console model and their new Boston Whaler 345 Conquest which is a hardtop with more cabin space and cruising accommodations.

Sea Ray held a by-invitation gala with an impressive air-conditioned indoor slip to  introduce their new 510 Flybridge motor yacht and 350 SLX sport boat.

SeaVee Boats announced three new twin-stepped hull center consoles in their Z Series.

Also, Volvo-Penta of the Americas president Ron Huibers made their first North American introduction of their new Glass Cockpit control and navigation systems, along with new Volvo Penta IPS950 models powered by their D11 diesels. The company also showed the new V8-430 CE Aquamatic stern drive. The Chris Craft 36 Hard top was one of the very first boats to get this powerful new-generation engine.

Tiara Yachts 50 Coupe was also shown for the first time and this yacht 35-knot yacht is powered by the new Volvo Penta IPS950s and D11 diesels. It’s also the first North American production yacht equipped with Volvo Penta's Glass Cockpit.

These are just a few highlights that was saw in the first two days of the 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. It looks like the marine industry globally, is getting back into high gear with innovative new boats and accessories!

CAPTION: Cruisers Yachts showed their new Cruisers Sport Series 328 SS bow rider in the Black Diamond Limited Edition. This new style of yacht includes grand cockpit and bow seating with a full standing height head and galley facilities plus that boat also has a cabin berth.