4 Hot New Boats For 2023

The 63rd edition of the famous Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) 2022 took place at the end of October, and showcased more than $4 billion worth of boats, yachts, marine accessories, fishing gear and nautical merchandise. Among the boats presented there were some spectacular new vessels for 2023, ranging from fast RIBs to coming-soon express cruisers and more. Let’s take a look at some of these hot new models as we head into the new year.

1. Highfield Sport 900 RIB

Above: 2023 Highfield Sport 900 on the water. Photo via Coral Gables Yachts in Holland, Michigan.

A freshly launched flagship, the Highfield Sport 900 is a 30-foot, 60-knot luxury rigid bottom inflatable (RIB) that’s equally at home as a standalone runabout or as a superyacht tender. Featuring an aluminum hull that can be beached without worry about gelcoat dings, a center console walkaround design, and 23-inch Hypalon tubes, the Sport 900 is loaded with features that can take you out for an hour or a day.

The helm is tucked under the Sunbrella T-top which can be upgraded to a composite hardtop. The dash is well-laid out with two large multifunction displays that are the heart of the command center bringing together all onboard system and navigation information. Also at the helm are two plush seats for the driver and companion. They’re protected by a full acrylic windshield which diverts spray and helps fight wind fatigue.

Twin sunbeds (one at the bow and one at the stern) will delight sunbathers or provide a place for the kids to nap. Aft is seating for six around a removable table, a Vitrifrigo refrigerator, a kitchenette and an outdoor shower. The cockpit is self-draining and there’s a powder coated aluminum towing arch for watersports. The double diamond-stitched upholstery, brushed foam teak finish, and luxury touches will please even the most discerning guests.

Speed and range are key, so this RIB is powered by a single 300-hp outboard that draws on an integrated 114-gallon fuel tank. The Sport 900 is a versatile platform – it can fish, dive, tow, and distance travel at lighting speeds so it will fit just about anything you want to do with it.

2. Pearl Yachts 72

Above: 2023 Pearl 72 Yacht running on the water. Photo via Atlantic Yacht & Ship in Dania Beach, FL.

British builder, Pearl Yachts, launched a 72-footer that slots nicely into their range which currently includes models 62-95 feet. The Pearl 72 is the work of British duo Dixon Yacht Design and Kelly Hoppen, and their work doesn’t disappoint.

A unique layout includes twin master suites – one forward and another full-beam aft which is great for co-owners who like to boat together. On deck, there are plenty of gathering spots including a sunbed and lounge at the bow, a sunpad and dinette on the flybridge, and a cozy dinette in the aft cockpit. Inside, you’d be hard pressed to find a yacht with more windows and better views. Luxury finishes include layered use of steel, stone and timber that are modern, bold and overall exquisite.

The Pearl 72 is a distance cruiser but she’s also sporty in both looks and performance. Her sleek profile defies categorization and she looks more like a fast sedan sport boat than a staid cruiser. Her twin MAN 1400-hp diesels (there’s an option to upgrade to twin MTU 1600-hp engines) will deliver 30-knots of top speed and a 25-knot cruise with a 200+ nautical mile range.

3. Eclipse 505 & 605

Above: 2023 ECLIPSE 605 yacht. Photo by HMY Yacht Sales in West Palm Beach, FL.

You may have to wait a bit on these next two but rest assured, they’ll splash soon. HMY Yacht Sales announced becoming an exclusive dealer for a new brand of express cruisers called Eclipse which will be built in South Africa by Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing. The new line is the work of architect Michael Peters with his patented SVVT hull. Interiors will be influenced by automotive trends and are by Silver Arrows Design.

There are technically four models in the line (505, 605, 505 Shadow and 605 Shadow) with the Shadow series of each length offering more exclusive features and additional outboard power. That’s right, expect to see twin, triple or quad Mercury Verado V12 600-hp motors on the transoms of these luxury speedsters.

The Shadow 505 includes a two stateroom/two head layout while the 605 adds one more of each. Hi-tech and upmarket features will include Starlink connectivity, surround-view cameras, Seakeeper gyrostabilizers, flush deck entertaining, galley and bar aft, and drop-hull sides for expanded living aboard. Be on the lookout for these head-turning yachts soon.

4. U-Boat Worx NEMO2

For a fantastic experience below the waterline, Dutch builder U-Boat Worx showcased their latest submersible, the sophisticated NEMO2. The diminutive sub is like a private bubble for two beneath the waves. It can dive down to 330 feet (100 meters) and propels along at three knots.

Two sit side-by-side in air-conditioned comfort, looking out the surrounding spherical acrylic viewport. Owners undergo pilot training at the U-Boat Worx Sub Center on the island of Curacao to learn how to drive the battery-powered electric boat and manage all its safety systems.

Weighing in at 5,500 pounds, the sub is about the size of two jet skis combined or roughly 10 x 9 feet. Best of all, you won’t even need a mothership to keep it on because it’s trailerable so you can drive it anywhere with a car.

The NEMO2 may look like it’s fresh out of a James Bond film but it’s nowhere near that exclusive. In fact, its mission is to provide access to the underwater world to as many people as possible, from tourists to serious explorers. Pricing varies but starts at approximately $600,000.

So Many New Boats

Dozens of new boats have launched in 2022 so whether superyacht or submarine, there’s something for everyone heading into 2023. Happy shopping!

Written by: Zuzana Prochazka

Zuzana Prochazka is a writer and photographer who freelances for a dozen boating magazines and websites. A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana has cruised, chartered and skippered flotillas in many parts of the world and serves as a presenter on charter destinations and topics. She is the Chair of the New Product Awards committee, judging innovative boats and gear at NMMA and NMEA shows, and currently serves as immediate past president of Boating Writers International. She contributes to Boats.com and YachtWorld.com, and also blogs regularly on her boat review site, TalkoftheDock.com.