The 2023 Miami Boat Show was packed with new boats and technologies.
Article by Gregg Mansfield
Photos by Todd Taylor
No trip to the Miami Boat Show is complete without dining at Joe’s Stone Crab, courtesy of the Florida Keys and Yamaha Marine.
The 2023 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show was truly remarkable.
More than 100,000 attendees flocked to the five-day show, which spanned locations from the Miami Beach Convention Center to the bustling docks downtown.
Guests experienced cutting-edge innovations from electric boat manufacturers, the re-emergence of hydrofoil hulls, and the introduction of sustainable fuels. There were also numerous new traditional center-console models and the launch of new gasoline outboards.
Chris Landry from Viking highlights the Valhalla V-55 equipped with quad 600-hp Mercury Marine outboards for Center Console Life’s Gregg Mansfield.
“We couldn’t have hoped for a better result,” stated Andrew Doole, president of U.S. boat shows at Informa Markets, the organization behind the Miami event for the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “We couldn’t have hoped for a better result … and we look forward to next year for another fantastic boat show.”
The Miami Boat Show kicked off with Mercury Racing’s exhilarating preview of its new V10 400R outboard, celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The new 400R outboard, featuring a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter (349 CID) engine, is engineered for high-performance center-console boats capable of exceeding 75 mph. This outboard maintains a compact width essential for 26” center-to-center mounting on multi-engine configurations. The Mercury Racing V10 400R will come in lengths of 20”, 25”, 30” and 35”.
Production on the 400R has already begun, replacing the L6 400R outboard. When Mercury Marine introduced the V10 outboard platform in November 2022, officials indicated that it would also benefit Mercury Racing customers.
Mystic’s new M5200 center console made its debut at the Miami Boat Show.
“The previous 400R was becoming outdated,” remarked Stuart Halley, Mercury Racing’s general manager, following the Miami introduction. “When we launched the new 300 V8, the 300R, we saw people switching from the older models to this new engine. We believe the 400R and V10 Verado 400 will attract buyers upgrading from 300s.”
During the Miami Boat Show, Mercury Racing hosted a separate event at Grove Harbour Marina showcasing new center-console models from Mystic Powerboats and Marine Technology Inc. Potential buyers had the opportunity to test the outboards from the manufacturer.
At the Miami Beach Convention Center, Grady-White Boats introduced the new 281 CE, adding to its Coastal Explorer Series, which originally started with the 251 CE. This center console spans nearly 28 feet and supports up to 600 horsepower, with single or twin outboard configurations available from Yamaha.
Grady-White crafted the 281 using the established SeaVee2 hull, making it suitable for both fishing and leisurely harbor outings. The model includes numerous features, such as fish boxes and a secure console with a marine head that has an electric flush and a 10-gallon holding tank.
“Several customers of the 251 (CE) expressed, ‘We love what this boat offers. Could you create a slightly larger model that would meet our offshore needs while still serving us well for inshore use?’” shared Shelley Tubaugh, Grady-White’s vice president of marketing.
Viking Yachts presented its impressive flagship Viking 90 sportfishing yacht. Although it doesn’t fit directly into the center-console category, it pairs well with the V-55 crafted by its sister company Valhalla Boatworks.
The Viking 90 features an enclosed bridge and comprises six staterooms and seven heads. Valhalla’s V-55, which received an Innovation Award, is tailored for tournament fishing or extensive cruising.
“These boats are constantly breaking new ground in boat construction,” noted Pat Healy, Viking’s president and CEO. “Our daily mission is to build superior boats, and these two models exemplify that effort.”
Boston Whaler launched revamped versions of its classic 350 and 380 Realm, showcasing fresh aesthetics and enhanced performance. Key updates include modernized interior designs, integrated Simrad systems, and the ability to accommodate the 400-hp V10 Verado and the 600-hp V12 Verado engines.
“The docks were bustling, the weather was ideal, and attendees enjoyed the premier offerings of the industry alongside Miami’s charm,” stated Paul Flannery, COO of the International Yacht Brokers Association. “The excitement is palpable, and we’re already anticipating surpassing our historic attendance next year.”
A large display of center console fishing boats by Suzuki at the Venetian Marina and Yacht Club.
For those who couldn’t attend the 2023 Miami Boat Show, the 2024 edition is scheduled for February 14-18, 2024.
Center Console Life’s Buyers Guide feature includes additional highlights from the Miami Boat Show.