It's October and that means the largest in-water boat show in the world is upon us again. Held every year in Fort Lauderdale Florida, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (i.e. FLIBS) will kick off on Wednesday October 27 and run to Sunday October 31. Taking place between Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Las Olas Marina, Pier 66 Marina, "SuperYacht Village" at Pier 66 South, Hall of Fame Marina and the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center, the best address for your GPS (or Uber which may be smarter due to traffic), is: 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. This year promises some highly-anticipated big new boat debuts from a number of builders.

Let's take a look at some of the top debuts at FLIBS this year.

Viking 64C Convertible Sportfishing Yacht


Viking 64C Sportfish Yacht

Above: The 2022 Viking 64C Sportfish Yacht. Image by Viking Yachts.



Viking Yachts debuts their latest sport fishing yacht the 2022 Viking 64C this week at FLIBS. This yacht follows suit for the builder who has been a dominant player in the 50-70 foot sportfish yacht market for many years. The hull of the 64C is built with an engineered composite of fiberglass fabrics and coring that’s vacuum - infused with vinylester resin, giving her great stiffness and strength while minimizing weight by utilizing a calculated resin - to - fiberglass ratio. The structural bulkheads and fuel tanks (which are customized to the shape of the hull) are also resin infused, and the hull-to-deck is through - bolted every three inches and fiberglassed from inside for a rock solid union.

The result of thousands of hours on the tournament trail, the 180-square-foot cockpit is clean, streamlined and maximizes freedom of movement, with easy access to storage and service areas. Standard equipment is substantial including flush rod holders, fresh and raw water wash downs, a transom fish box with livewells, rounded coamings, side lockers for tag stick and gaff storage, port and starboard in-deck insulated fish and stowage boxes and an optional in-deck livewell and stereo speakers are all part of the package. The engine room houses numerous mechanical systems including advanced ventilation, fire suppression and oil changing systems with batteries mounted in custom fiberglass storage boxes, a pair of battery chargers and an Onan 21.5 kW E-QD (electronic quiet diesel) Series genset with an option for a second. The 64 will also be available as an Enclosed Bridge model. Twin MAN V12 1550CRM (1550 MHP) diesels serve as the standard power, with several options ranging from twin 1900 MHP to 2025 MHP powerplants. Hull No. 1 of the 64 Convertible will be powered with a pair of MTU Series 12V 2000 M96X (2002MHP) engines.

Pursuit S 358 Sport


Pursuit has announced the builder will debut their latest Pursuit S 358 Sport, which fits snuggly in their center console lineup between the previous 328 and 378. The S 358 is a hair over 35 feet - actually 37'4" LOA, that promises to deliver a stable ride with efficient, high-performance specs.

Jaguar 36 Offshore Fish


North Carolina-based boat builder Jaguar Powerboats has announced the debut of their new fast center console catamaran boat, the Jaguar 36 Offshore Fish. This is a go-fast boat built with fishing in mind - specifically offshore fishing, as the name implies. She promises a stiff, lightweight hull that can achieve speeds of up to 90 MPH! In other words, she is fast.

Burger 50 Cruiser


Wisconsin-based boat builder Burger is known for building large displacement cruisers with a knack for teak accents and stylish bespoke interiors. The builder has decided to build off their previous Burger 48, which was a smaller than normal vessel for them, to create the new 50 Cruiser, which will debut at FLIBS 2021.

Cruisers Yachts 34 GL


One of America's favorite boat builders, Cruisers Yachts has announced the debut of their new 36-foot, compact family cruiser. This model marks the first new boat since Cruisers Yachts was purchased by MarineMax back in June, adding to their existing 16 models. She features 4 sleeping berths, a stand up head/shower and a luxurious cockpit. A great weekender for families to consider for coastal cruising trips.

3 New Ocean Alexander Models: 30R; 35R; 37L


Taiwan yacht builder Ocean Alexander will present three brand new models at FLIBS 2021 including the 30R, 35R and 37L. All three yachts were designed in collaboration with Evan K. Marshall. We're excited to see what one of the top selling brands for large yachts in the U.S. has in store with these models.

Ocean Alexander 30R


The 30R is a 30m (98ft) masterpiece that will take your breath away. Its vertical bow, signature to the
Revolution series, expands living space without compromising the performance and efficiency Ocean
Alexander is known for.

Ocean Alexander 35R


The 35R represents the pinnacle of the Revolution series. The 35R expands on the incredible functionality of her smaller sisters showcasing a modern and sleek exterior design combined with an outstanding interior layout and detailing. This quad deck mega yacht embodies the innovation and masterful engineering and diverse offerings that Ocean Alexander is famous for.

Ocean Alexander 37L


Finally, the 37L is the largest yacht in the Legend series and the entire OA lineup coming in at 118 ft. This quad deck mega yacht is the height of luxury with its striking interior, stunning finishes, and a design that perfectly combines features that are both cutting edge and timeless.

2 Pearl Yachts Models: The 62 And 80


Pearl Yachts is crossing the pond to debut to yacht models to the U.S. market at FLIBS 2021 including the Pearl 62 and the Pearl 80. The Pearl 80 has been called "the pocket superyacht" which sounds a bit like an oxymoron but she features an aerodynamic exterior that helps her reach top speeds of 40 MPH+. Her smaller sister ship the Pearl 62 features Volvo IPS pod drive propulsion and can accommodate 8 guests in 4 cabins.

Boston Whaler 420 Outrage Anniversary Edition


Boston Whaler will be showcasing the new 420 Outrage Anniversary Edition at FLIBS 2021 which is a big beefy center console boat equipped with triple 600-horsepower Mercury outboard engines. The model commemorates 50 years of exceptional boat building and comes with upgraded interior and exterior upholstery, a teak accent package, black hardtop frame package, Seakeeper gyrostabilization system, joystick piloting, and custom engine paint. Cruising at 38 knots, the 420 Outrage has a range of 338 nautical miles, and top speed with the 1,800-hp engines is 51.5 knots at 6,000 rpm.

2022 Everglades 455cc Center Console


This FLIBS will be the first official boat show for the builder's latest flagship model - the new Everglades 455cc. Marking the builder's most heavily tested big center console fishing boat to date, this beast is the longest, widest flagship model in the history of the company and features the largest command center yet. Adorned in beautifully crafted materials and exotic woods, the 455cc includes high-quality leather-like upholsteries, above and below deck climate controls, rich-looking wood accents and supportive triple Release Marine® helm seats. Overnights and weekends come standard with a generous king-sized convertible bed, galley space and separate head and shower facilities.

Other Notable Boats Worth Checking Out At FLIBS 2021


Other notable boats we're excited to see that are making either special appearances or North American debuts at FLIBS 2021 include:

  • 35 Meter Revolution

  • Motopanifilo 37M

  • Hinckley 35 (Fresh off a premier at the Newport Yacht Show 2021, this new Hinckley has the brand teaming back up with renowned yacht designer Michael Peters to create a 38-foot cruiser that provides passengers with an open-air cockpit and drivers with clear, unobstructed views at the helm. Below deck a teak-accented cabin invites friends and family to spend the night aboard in style.)

Written by: Ryan McVinney
C. Ryan McVinney is a film director, writer and producer. As an experienced boater he regularly produces and directs on-the-water video shoots for major boat manufacturers, yacht brokers and dealers, as well as independent film and media companies. He is president of the National Soho House Film Club with chapters in Miami, FL, Manhattan, NY and Los Angeles, CA and regularly contributes content to YachtWorld, boats.com and Boat Trader.
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