International Boat Industry

The Malta Boat Show’s recent success, with its second edition doubling in size, underscores the island nation’s rising prominence as a Mediterranean yachting hub. This report was conducted in association with EBI as part of its #MadeinEurope campaign

UK marinas: Sector sees major ownership changes and raft of facility sales in 2025

By David Robinson

Operators are also modernising facilities, enhancing visitor experiences, and prioritising sustainability, bolstering marine tourism and reshaping the sector for long-term success

Latest News

State of the US boating industry is ‘cautious optimism’

> Subscriber-only, By Tony Esposito

NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer shares key insights during his Miami keynote

Bold new boat launches in Miami signal optimism in a down market
2026-02-12T13:46:00+00:00By Tony Esposito
Omaya Yachts announces rebrand of Elica Yard
2026-02-12T13:37:00+00:00
“Flagship industry event” opens in Miami amid many changes
2026-02-12T13:12:00+00:00> Subscriber-only, By Tony Esposito
African Boating Conference confirmed for Cape Town in October
2026-02-12T12:30:00+00:00By Bobby Jordan
Burgess expands US footprint with new Palm Beach office
2026-02-12T12:30:00+00:00By David Robinson
8th Egypt Boat Show highlights local manufacturing and marina development
2026-02-12T12:30:00+00:00By Mahmoud Itani

See more news

Boat Builder Awards Sponsors

Raymarine (Headline Sponsor)

HP Watermakers

ePropulsion

Lumishore

Sleipner Side-Power

Fusion

Raymarine (Headline Sponsor)
HP Watermakers
ePropulsion
Lumishore
Sleipner Side-Power
Fusion

Market Reports

Turkey

Turkish industry hits troubled waters as 2025 downturn signals tough 2026

> Subscriber-only, By Bahar Öztürk

After years of strong export performance, Turkey’s yacht sector is grappling with a sharp decline in sales, rising costs, shrinking incentives, and mounting regional competition. While some builders remain cautiously optimistic, industry leaders warn that 2026 will demand robust public support and strategic resilience

More Market Reports

Product Reports

Electrification

10 main challenges for electric propulsion

With 10 years before the ban of new petrol and diesel cars across Europe, a feature in an automotive magazine looks at the main challenges, which also effect marine

More Product Reports

IBI Presents

From shoemaking to sea mastery – how Hydrotab reinvented trim control

Tecma introduces first fully 48V marine sanitary system

Sustainability in association with Volvo Penta

Green Technologies

How Azimut | Benetti and Volvo Penta’s groundbreaking partnership is redefining collaboration for a sustainable future

Transforming work practices is bringing Azimut and Volvo Penta’s shared vision to life

Mergers, Acquisitions & Exits

AWC AS acquires 82% of Sleipner Motor – enters into partnership with CEO Ronny Skauen
The company will continue to operate independently, preserving its existing management, organisational structure, brand, and strategy
MasterCraft – acquisition of MPX represents strength on strength
> Subscriber-only, By Craig Ritchie
MasterCraft’s CEO Brad Nelson and CFO Scott Kent say addition of Chaparral, Robalo brands to bring “enormous” new opportunities for US boat builder
Bespline, Curve Works acquire Danish mould systems specialist
The acquisition follows Adapa’s bankruptcy filing in July 2025

Sasga Yachts buys Nautic Center Mallorca, rebranding it Sasga Palma
> Subscriber-only, By Ricard Bracons
Merged entity to be Sasga’s official sales and service headquarters in Mallorca
Zurich to acquire UK insurer, reshaping the superyacht insurance market
Proposed takeover of Lloyd’s specialist insurer highlights consolidation pressures across cyber and high-value leisure marine cover
MasterCraft acquires Marine Products Corp for US$232m
Acquisition of Chaparral, Robalo fibreglass boat brands to extend product offering across four categories with expanded sales network

More Mergers & Acquisitions >>>

IBI BOAT SHOW CALENDAR 2026

2026 boat show dates available now

2025-12-09T11:51:00+00:00

IBI’s annual compilation of major boat shows around the world is available in print, as a Digital Download and as an interactive listing on our website for real-time updates

INSIDE THIS ISSUE of IBI

Markets: South Africa & Turkey & Malta

Insight: SailGP Technologies & Sunreef Yachts & Targa Boats

Sector Spotlight: Tenders & Highfield Boats & Smoker Craft & Tectrax

Regulars: Editor's Comment | Appointments | World News | Sustainability

Click here for access to all online back issues

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Latest Market Intelligence

Major composites show in Paris, March 10-12
2026-01-09T09:26:00+00:00
The JEC World International Composites Show will take place just outside Paris in March, and organisers say it will be bigger and better than ever before
Omaya Yachts and its fresh take on the catamaran
2025-10-21T09:27:00+01:00By Ed Slack
Making its global debut at Cannes, Bulgarian shipyard Omaya Yachts unveiled the Omaya 50 – a sleek, performance-focused catamaran. CEO Kaloyan Radulov reflects on the company’s journey from newcomer to serious contender in the luxury multihull market
Flat sales and rising costs test marine sector
2025-08-21T10:55:00+01:00> Subscriber-only, By Kim Hollamby
With new boat sales subdued, unsold stock mounting and value-conscious buyers reshaping demand, the UK’s marine industry is adjusting course

More Market Intelligence

Latest Boat Launch News

Bold new boat launches in Miami signal optimism in a down market
Scout Boats, Highfield Boats USA launch 13 boats between them
Frauscher, Porsche unveil 790 Spectre as a new benchmark in electric innovation
The electric sports boat made its debut at boot Düsseldorf last month
Azimut-Benetti launches first SeaDeck 9
The 26m (85ft) vessel is the largest yacht ever built at the group’s Avigliana plant
Contest Yachts unveils 17m sailing yacht with ‘many enhancements’
The 56CS is said to redefine luxury performance cruising
South African cat builder launches luxury tender range
The new units are available in multiple lengths, layouts and propulsion options
Pearl Yachts debuts all-new Pearl 73 in Düsseldorf, first unit sold
Construction of the second hull is now underway
SAY Carbon Yachts unveils new Sports series
The first model in the new line, the SAY 42 Sport, launched this week in Düsseldorf
Marcopolo Adventure Yachts debuts at boot Düsseldorf
The new Italian brand is holding the world premiere of the MP10 and MP12
New Saxdor flagship has world premiere in Düsseldorf
Finnish brand unveils the 460 GTC, continues to expand production capacity

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