The 15 Best Yachts at the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Informa Markets
The 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), billed as the world’s largest in-water boat show, is a quintessentially American show, with more than 1,300 vessels across seven locations. Unlike the Monaco Yacht Show, which focuses mostly on superyachts, or the Cannes Yachting Festival, which is European-focused, FLIBS is a sprawling, all-encompassing event. Its venues range from the convention center with hundreds of smaller boats, from 15-foot aluminum tenders built in Indiana to 25-foot center consoles from Florida, to the Superyacht Village which has a dozen-odd superyachts at the docks, to the Bahia Mar, with hundreds of brands from around the world sitting at the docks.
Also unlike Monaco or Cannes, most boaters come from across the Americas—more than 100,000 attended—from offshore sportfishermen looking for the latest convertible, to South Americans, flush with cash, looking to bring home a storied American or European brand. It’s not uncommon to see billionaires in sandals, who drive their own boats, peeking into engine rooms, or checking out the master staterooms of the brokerage superyachts.
Robb Report spent three days walking the docks, checking out global launches and US premieres. The launches came from leading boatbuilders and industry start-ups. Here are our 15 FLIBS favorites.
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Pardo 43
Image Credit: Pardo Yachts Since it was launched in 2017, the Pardo 43 has become the poster child for European-designed weekend cruisers. Over 300 examples have been sold. The mach-2 version at FLIBS was a sea change, with more than 80 modifications, large and small, while boat retained the original DNA that made it so special. “The new version is neither a revolution nor a simple restyling, but a natural evolution,” Gig Servidati, president of the Italian yard, said during a press conference. Some of the most noteworthy changes include new hull windows to bring light into the two-stateroom cabin, a swoosh line in the hull profile that lightens the view of the stern, and a 30 percent larger carbon T-top. Its electric bimini, meanwhile, has been positioned higher up to free up headroom. At the helm is a new electronics control package, developed with Garmin, that gives more control to the captain. Nauta Design updated the interior, while the yard created a new dinette lounge, where owners or guests can work or relax in seats that recline to induce comfort. The Pardo 43 at FLIBS had the conventional engine package of two Volvo IPS 500s, with IPS 600s or 650s as options. The exciting news for U.S. buyers is that Pardo has developed a triple-outboard version with the choice of 400 hp Mercury V10s or 600 hp Mercury V12 outboards.
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Cheoy Lee 130 Explorer
Image Credit: Cheoy Lee Yachts At the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the new CL 130 Explorer from Cheoy Lee Yachts made a relatively quiet debut, thanks to an owner who values his privacy so much he only allowed the release of one exterior shot. Still, the rather conventional yacht with a tasteful but not outlandish interior, has a serious hull that is designed for serious blue-water voyaging. The twin-Caterpillar C18 engines deliver a transatlantic range of approximately 4,200 nautical miles at 10 knots. The upper deck features a covered flybridge with panoramic dining and a full-deck foredeck Jacuzzi. The 130 is successful at blending rugged capability with refined entertainment. At FLIBS, Cheoy Lee also introduced two new future builds: The 127 Discovery Explorer and CLC 115 power catamaran. The Hong Kong builder plans to be much more public about these striking new vessels.
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Palm Beach Motor Yachts PB85
Image Credit: Palm Beach Motor Yachts The new flagship from Palm Beach Motor Yachts made its global debut at FLIBS, marking the builder’s sojourn into larger superyachts. The 85-footer retains the brand’s classic DNA, with a long, lean profile, and the prolific use of teak, which not only covers the cockpit but defines the interior salon and dining area on the floors, bulkheads, and ceilings. The craftsmanship across this yacht is impeccable, from the woodwork to the beautiful hand-stitched leather helm seats. Beyond looks, the 85 also performs, thanks to twin Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines that deliver a 27-knot top end and a 700-nautical-mile range. The PB85’s V-Warp hull technology (inspired by founder Mark Richards’s ocean-racing sailing roots) delivers efficiency and light weight. Palm Beach is one of those eclectic builders with beautiful, classic lines built to the most contemporary standards.
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Baglietto ‘Jules’
Image Credit: Baglietto Yachts Baglietto’s 133-foot Jules made its U.S. debut at FLIBS. Launched in 2024 and formerly called Barbara Anne, the superyacht is part of Baglietto’s DOM133 line from designer Stefano Vafiadis. The contemporary hull is designed to maximize openness while retaining a close connection with water. The main salon by Leonardo Santi features full-length windows, a U-shaped seating area at the stern, and a formal dining table forward, with a large painting hanging on the wall beside it. Santi leaned heavily into fabrics and décor from Italian brands Minotti, Paolo Castelli, Casamilano, Foglizzo, Dedar, Rubelli, and Maria Flora for both the interior and exterior. The sky-deck lounge, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an onyx-covered bar, opens onto both forward and stern balconies. A two-level pool is the boat’s primary architectural feature. In a tribute to leading Italian sportscar brands, Santi included Ferrari red, green, and blue, and Lamborghini orange in the guest cabins. The pilothouse has grill inserts also inspired by the performance car world.
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Navier Pioneer Electric Foiler
Image Credit: Navier Designed in the spirit of Silicon Valley, but on the water in Alameda, Calif., the Navier Pioneer electric foiling craft created waves at FLIBS, but not the type you’d expect. During a test run as the Pioneer transitioned from running on its hull to lifting four feet above the water on its slender foils, several boats coming the other way began to point and wave at us. I’ve driven earlier versions of the zero-emissions foiler, but the Pioneer at FLIBS not only had flawless fit and finish, more shapely exterior outboards, and features like cupholders, an enclosed lavatory and a clean dash that looks more at home on a Tesla than a yacht. These last suggestions came from Rich Ross, who purchased the first production model and was our driver at FLIBS. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had on a boat,” Ross said as we foiled past other vessels at 30 knots.
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Mag Bay 43
Image Credit: Mag Bay Yachts From the California desert comes a 43-foot center-console flagged as “yacht-quality,” but designed in a day-boat package. Mag Bay, whose principals launched Cabo Yachts back in the 1990s, was almost hidden at the show among the other high-end offshore boats. But the 43’s baby-blue hue stood out against the plain-jane vanilla packages. The details of the Mag Bay 43 were noteworthy, including the flawless stainless steel, 75-gallon bait tank (which looked like an aquarium on the stern) and two tiers of three seats with mahogany frames near the helm. Insulated fishboxes, a 32-inch-wide dive door, and 14 rod holders assure anglers can fish tournaments, but an impeccable foredeck with recliners and double lounges means double duty for socializing. The 43’s quad 450 hp Mercury engine package, along with its Michael Peters-designed Cross-Step hull, delivers a top end of 75 mph. The boat’s friendly cruise is a very respectable 40 mph.
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Wajer 55
Image Credit: Wajer Yachts Wajer, in my humble opinion, makes the most beautifully shaped cruisers on the planet. The Dutch yard displayed its new Wajer 55 at the show beside the older Mk1 version. The difference was day and night, a sleeker, profile with a deeper-V hull and widened spray rails, along with extensive soundproofing for a quieter interior. The new example comes with an asymmetrical deck layout that features more open space, including two tables, lounges, and other open areas to enhance social possibilities for up to 20 guests. The minimalist digital helm, controlled by smartphone app, has details like wireless charging stations beside beautifully stitched helm and companion seats. Wajer wanted a super-sleek profile, so it even recessed the cleats within a dark line along the hull to enhance the seamless look. The brand made famous by Tom Brady’s ownership (the viral post-Superbowl toss of the world championship trophy happened from the bow of his Wajer 55S during a parade down Tampa’s waterfront) is the boat for anyone who wants polish and performance.
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Valhalla 55 Sport Yacht
Image Credit: Valhalla Yachts From Valhalla Boatworks, a subsidiary of Viking Yachts, comes the new V-55 Sport Yacht—a 55-foot platform that combines comfort, luxury, and performance. Built on the same stepped hull from famed yacht designer Michael Peters as the V-55 offshore fishing boat, the Sport Yacht is a fairly radical departure for Valhalla, known for its center consoles. The stylish, rounded hardtop creates a glass-encased cockpit that buttons down or opens up, thanks to the powered side doors, an actuated sunroof, and drop-down rear window. The two-stateroom layout features a separate shower, two heads, and dining area for weekend cruising. The 55 Sport Yacht also has a spacious rear cockpit with a table and facing lounges, barstools outside of a window that slides open in the cockpit, and a foredeck lounge and table for up-front dining. Powered by four Mercury 600 hp outboards, which deliver a top end of 60 mph, the boat has a range of 400 miles at 47 mph. This design was an entirely new exercise for Valhalla. But instead of swinging and missing, it’s a home run for the South Jersey builder.
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Yamaha 295SD
Image Credit: Yamaha Watercraft Yamaha’s had an interesting run in the powerboat segment since introducing its first 17-foot Exciter jetboat in 1995. The draw was its speed, propeller-less jet drives and ability to turn on a dime. But it was a toy. Over the last 30 years, Yamaha’s jetboat offerings have gotten more sophisticated, culminating in the new 295SD, a 29-foot sportboat that hits a top end of 55 mph, thanks to twin 250 hp 1.8L SVHO Yamaha Marine engines. The 295SD also includes joystick control, touchscreen displays that integrates the onboard functions (including audio for the stereo system and GPS mapping), and features like a fully enclosed head with vacuum-flush toilet, Lewmar windlass anchor system, and wireless phone charging stations at the helm. The boat can easily accommodate a dozen guests, thanks to the abundant seating, including a rear-facing lounge at the stern and bow lounge.
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Sanlorenzo SX100
Image Credit: Sanlorenzo Yachts The SX100 was one of four Sanlorenzo Group yachts making a U.S. debut. Launched in 2024 in Europe, this 100-foot superyacht is a different animal from others in its size range, thanks to its sleek profile open, arched aft deck, and flowing layouts inside. The stern arches add a distinctive look to the long, exposed beach club, while its foldout terraces increase the square footage for social occasions. The yacht’s four Volvo Penta IPS D13 engines deliver a top end of 23 knots. The IPS system’s lower footprint, compared to conventional diesels, allowed Sanlorenzo to add the lower salon that distinguishes this yacht. The open-interior concept continues with a large main-deck salon, a full-beam primary suite, also on the main deck, and another salon on the flybridge. This jigsaw design is unconventional, but it works.
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Solaris 60 ST Open
Image Credit: Solaris Yachts Solaris introduced its 60 ST Open at FLIBS, and it’s a beautiful exercise in design. Besides the gleaming blue hull, the 60-footer has an open layout that encourages sociability while promoting privacy in areas like the sunbed at the stern or foredeck lounge. The sportscar sensibility, courtesy of Victory Design, comes from the curves in the hull, a hardtop with a full-height windshield for sun and wind protection, and four forward-facing seats at the helm. Behind is a wet bar with a sink and grill. The stern also has a tender garage, an unusual feature on this size of vessel. Belowdecks is a three-stateroom layout (with the option of a two-stateroom layout that includes a full-beam owner’s suite). If an owner chooses the upgraded twin Volvo Penta D13-IPS 1350 package, the 60 ST Open can hit a top end of 44.8 mph. It has a 250-nautical-mile range at 29 mph.
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Bluegame BGM75
Image Credit: Bluegame Yachts This highly unconventional catamaran from Bluegame, part of the Sanlorenzo Group, took its time coming to the U.S. after being launched at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2023. Some things are worth waiting for. Features include a full-beam owner’s cabin and larger guest staterooms than a typical power cat. “This is more like a monohull that happens to have twin hulls,” said Luca Santella, Bluegame’s founder and head of product strategy. The Bluegame catamaran also requires roughly half the horsepower of a 90-foot monohull, which has a similar interior volume. Bluegame made excellent use of the open-plan interior, designing a large, broad main salon into the footprint, with large windows. Standing out from the power cat segment, the BGM75 offers stability, space, and a different kind of yacht architecture.
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Pershing GTX70
Image Credit: Pershing Yachts Italian performance specialist Pershing Yachts brought its new GTX70 to the U.S. for FLIBS after introducing it last summer at the Venice Boat Show. It’s powered by triple Volvo Penta D13-IPS1200 engines, which caused some grumbling among brand purists with a thirst for speed. But the collective 2,700 horsepower delivers a top speed of 36 knots, which is very respectable for a 71-foot luxury motoryacht. Among its standout features: a fold-out aft terrace that totals 248 square feet, and a three-level hydraulic platform that facilitates tender launch and retrieval or just a swim in the ocean. Throughout its 46-year history, the Pershing brand has always been about turning heads, and the GTX70 continues that tradition in a more fuel-efficient package.
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Tiara Yachts 39 LS
Image Credit: Tiara Yachts Tiara’s new 39 LS is a walkaround design with multiple social zones, including a very cool modular aft cockpit with a lounge that pivots forward and backwards for different uses. The portside terrace also folds out. That extended area, mated with the enclosed hardtop, is an example of the modular design philosophies U.S. builders like Tiara have adopted. In the bow, wraparound seating converts to a large sunpad. The interior includes a forward cabin, private head and shower, and mid-cabin area that can be converted to a berth for guests. With the twin 600 hp Mercury V12 outboards, it hits a top end of 54.0 mph. At 42.4 mph, the new Tiara has a range of 330 miles. A different version, the 390 LE, will debut in January.
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Oceanwalker S60 Revolution Edition
Image Credit: Revolution Yachts Large power catamarans are one of the fastest-growing segments in the yachting world. Though the volume numbers are relatively low, the growth is enough that the competition has become fierce between leaders like Leopard, Prestige, Sunreef, and a few others. At FLIBS, Revolution Marine Group launched the Oceanwalker S60 Revolution Edition as a less-expensive alternative to the competition that doesn’t skimp on features and build quality. Oceanwalker, a Chinese shipyard, typically builds a more plain-jane 60-foot catamaran for the charter market, but Revolution went through it with its designers to create a luxury-cruising version. The team noted the changes by affixing blue stickies to the bulkheads. In the end, the standard-boat cabin had 400 stickies noting upgrades and modifications Revolution wanted. That included taller headroom, more owner-friendly layouts and improved materials. It’s designed as a turnkey vessel, with very few options. Hull number one at FLIBS was indeed a well-finished boat from stem to stern, with 7’ headroom in the main salon and upper flybridge, along with cavernous interior spaces thanks to the yacht’s 27’6” beam. The first boat is going to Ki’ama Island in the Bahamas, while others are on the production line. CEO Mark Lindsey said the brand’s goal was to compete on quality but win on price. With the Chinese yard’s lower hourly labor rates, the Oceanwalker S60 will retail for $3.5 million, priced about 30 to 50 percent lower than most of its European competitors. With that consideration alone, expect a cat fight.
