With travel restrictions still in place, American builders may well take centre stage at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS).
The show is well known for featuring a whole host of world and U.S debuts each year, but this edition is set to be slightly different. There will still be a raft of yachts making their US debuts, but it will be the home builders that take the limelight.
Here we take a look at some of the yards with a strong American presence set to shine at the show which runs from 27 October to 31 October:
Cruisers Yachts
Whilst European yards might be in short supply at FLIBS, Wisconsin-based Cruisers Yachts produces a range of yachts that are reminiscent of European-built yachts with their striking angular lines, attention to detail and a focus on interior accommodation.
Leading the way will be a number of models from its Cantius line, characterized by plush wrap-around cockpit seating, spacious full-beam main staterooms and salons with retractable windows and 360° views.
Also on show will be the yard’s GLS series, including its newest model the 42 GLS. The 12.8m (42ft) yacht is the flagship yacht from the line and, like other models in the series, it offers a soft luxurious ride, and a lot of fun on the water.
Formula Boats
With a legacy going back almost 60 years to 1962 when it was founded in Miami, Formula Boats has a staunch fan base and its followers will have plenty to see in Fort Lauderdale with eight models lining the docks.
Its Super Sport Crossover range is the most strongly represented with the 380, 400, 430 and 500 all on show, and both of its Crossover Bowrider’s, the 330 and 350, will also be on display. Making up a strong Formula Boats fleet will be the Bowrider 310 and the 34 Performance Cruiser.
Hatteras
Hatteras yachts tend to be split between go-anywhere cruisers and powerfully styled sportsfishers, and when it comes to the latter, Hatteras will be showcasing its GT65 Carolina and GT70 models at FLIBS.
The 20m (65ft) GT65 Carolina represents a new design direction for the GT line, which the flybridge pushed back slightly, newly designed side windows and longer engine room side vents. It still retains the trademark generous bow flare and seakeeping ability however that marks it out as a first-rate sportsfish yacht.
At 21.5m (70.5ft) the GT70 is Hatteras’ largest sportsfish model and its large bow, sleek silhouette and low-profile windows immediately make an impression. Built with a strong focus on performance, strength and durability the GT70 is as spacious as it is powerful, with what Hatteras says is the largest cockpit in its class and five large staterooms.
The North Carolina-based shipyard will also have some of its more traditional cruisers at the show, 30.48m (100ft) 'Victory Lane', a Hatteras 100 delivered in 2003 but refitted last year, will be on display, as will two 24.32m (80ft) Hatteras 80s, JEANNIETINI and OBSESSION.
Sea Ray
Established in 1959, Sea Ray Yachts is another American builder with a longstanding pedigree. In its early days, the yard became synonymous with fast fun sports and ski boats, and some of these will be on display at FLIBS.
The yard will be taking nine models to the show spread across its Sundancer series of weekend boats, its SLX series of modern sports boats and its SDX series of family-orientated cruisers.
Tiara Yachts
A snapshot of Tiara Yachts well-rounded fleet will be on show at FLIBs with nine models covering all five of its ranges on display.
Its sleek and stylish Coupe series will be represented by the 39 and 44, showcasing its mix of classical styling and modern design whilst, from the Open line, the 43 will be demonstrating the versatility that has seen it lauded in equal measure for its use as both a fishing boat and a comfortable cruiser.
All four models of its LS line will be at FLIBS, from the 34 up to the 48, each with its own mix of sporty styling and luxurious amenities, and the line-up is completed by the 43 LE and 34 LX.
Viking Yachts
US offshore sportsfisher specialist Viking will be taking a strong fleet to FLIBS, with no less than 14 models Florida-bound.
The star of the show will be its new 64C, making its world debut at the show a year after her smaller sister the 54C got her official unveiling. The new model has a classic Viking profile, an uncluttered 17 square meter (180 sq. ft) cockpit and is amongst the fastest boats in its class according to the yard. Other Viking convertibles at FLIBS will be the 48C, 54C, 58C, 62C, 68C and 72C
Viking’s 44 Open and 54 Open, 46 Billfish and 80 Enclosed Bridge will be joining the show as will all four of its new center console boats built by Valhalla Boatworks, a new company introduced by Viking in 2019 specifically to build semi-custom, high-performance luxury center consoles.
Westport
As possibly the leading superyacht builder in North America, Westport is bringing a significant presence to Fort Lauderdale.
Leading the line sizewise is the 40m (130ft) ‘Lady Pegasus’, which is part of its W130 line. The W130 line has proved particularly popular, selling more than 40 models since the launch of the inaugural hull ‘Endless Summer’ in 2000. She is being joined by two W112 models, ‘Our Heritage’ and ‘Tasia’. The 34.1m (112ft) W112 is the entry-level yacht in the Westport fleet, and the longest-running of all its models, with the first 112 hitting the water in 1993.
CRU, a 29.1m (96ft) Westport 98, and ‘Lucky Lady’ a 25.91m (85ft) Pacific Mariner 85 will also be on display.
As ever FLIBS is expected to showcase boats covering the whole spectrum of the yachting world, from 2m (6.5ft) runabouts up to some of the world’s most spectacular superyachts.
Despite travel restrictions in place the organisers are still preparing for a busy show as the yachting industry in America experiences ‘unprecedented demand’.
To find out more you can read our comprehensive guide to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2021, or check out either our YachtBuyer reviews section or our Head to Head yacht comparison section.
To take a look at the market currently you can also view all new and pre-owned yachts for sale.
