The early boat show scene reports strong sales - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 4 Feb 08:00 PST
Minneapolis Boat Shows © National Marine Manufacturers Association
The Discover Boating New York Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive, and the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive, took place last weekend amid challenging external conditions that impacted attendance in both markets.
Despite disruptions, exhibitors in both cities reported strong sales and engagement, reinforcing boat shows' importance as key retail and marketing platforms. In New York, Winter Storm Fern affected travel across the region, leading to lower overall weekend attendance and forcing the show to close on Sunday. Even with the abbreviated schedule, several exhibitors reported solid interactions with customers, reflecting strong buyer intent among those able to attend.
The NMMA and Boating Writers International (BWI) announced the panel of judges set to evaluate product entries for the Miami Innovation Awards. As one of the industry's most prestigious honors, the Awards recognize manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market. The 2026 award recipients will be announced during the Industry Breakfast at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show on February 12 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sunset Ballroom.
Virgin Islands Boating Expo - The Caribbean's bespoke boating exhibition set for May 14-16. There's no waiting in line at VIBE — only stepping aboard. Returning to IGY's award-winning Yacht Haven Grande Marina on St. Thomas for its third year, the Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE) delivers a hands-on, bespoke alternative to the traditional boat show. It offers direct, on-the-dock access to the latest sail and power yachts in a setting designed for meaningful engagement and just minutes from world-class cruising grounds.
GranOcean, the specialized builder of semi- and fully-custom power catamarans, is seeing notable growth across the U.S. and European markets. Following a series of recent deliveries from its W-Series line, the company continues to attract experienced owners seeking advanced performance, bespoke design, and strong value in the luxury power catamaran segment. Recent deliveries include a W-60 model to a Florida owner in June 2025, followed by two W-72 models delivered in late 2025 - one to Florida and another to Italy, where it will enter crewed charter operations.
Hefring Marine, a leader in marine artificial intelligence solutions, announced that its Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS) is now available as an approved integration on Raymarine's LightHouse operating system. This collaboration enables Raymarine Axiom display users to access IMAS's advanced AI-powered digital assistant directly from their helm, delivering real-time guidance for safer, more efficient voyages. The IMAS Helm serves as an intelligent co-pilot for vessel operators, providing continuous monitoring and analysis of vessel performance, weather conditions, and operational parameters.
Avikus, HD Hyundai's specialized Autonomous Navigation Technology subsidiary, announced the launch of the next evolution in its NEUBOAT autonomous vessel system, NEUBOAT Control. NEUBOAT Control enables the vessel autonomy features of Avikus' award-winning autonomous vessel systems such as NEUBOAT Dock and NEUBOAT Navi, and provides the interface required for smart navigation and auto-docking features. With its ability to seamlessly integrate with existing systems and user-friendly interface, NEUBOAT Control ensures a comprehensive and cohesive boating experience, enhancing safety, efficiency, and enjoyment on the water.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media