International Boat Industry

Despite US trade tariffs and plateauing global demand, South Africa’s boat building industry remains buoyed by full order books, improved operating conditions, and growing public-private collaboration. Luxury catamarans dominate exports, while innovation and resilience drive the sector forward amid geopolitical and economic challenges

Propellers

Direct to consumer

By Craig Ritchie

A new collaboration between a boat builder and a propulsion supplier leverages convenience to bring new families into boating

Latest News

RIB-X relaunches with expanded product range for 2026

UK builder introduces new RIBs, tenders, and services for leisure, superyacht, and defense sectors

Catana announces new leadership for group and Bali Catamarans
2026-01-12T14:59:00+00:00By David Robinson
US builder seeks permit to open new Wilmington facility
2026-01-12T12:34:00+00:00By Neil Eaves
Princess Yachts opens applications for 2026 apprenticeship programme
2026-01-12T12:30:00+00:00
ABYC kicks off Standards Week
2026-01-12T12:30:00+00:00By Craig Ritchie
CL Yachts unveils 35m power catamaran concept
2026-01-12T12:30:00+00:00By David Robinson
French yard to launch new yachts, expand refit capabilities in 2026
2026-01-12T12:30:00+00:00> Subscriber-only, By Jaroslaw Adamowski

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

Green Technologies

Two major marine e-fuel projects planned

The decarbonisation of the maritime sector is being given a boost with two plants, one in Spain and another in Finland, being built purely to create e-fuels

More Product Reports

IBI Presents

Portosole Shipyard completes two prestigious superyacht refits

VC30 Vessel Control System - YANMAR’s most advanced control system to date

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

$2bn acquisition of Boats Group to finalise in H1
> Subscriber-only, By Nick Hopkinson
The online brokerage acquisition is set to close by mid-2026, sources say
Tunisian builder launches new sail cat range in joint venture
WAMA Yachts takes over Odisea Catamarans brand
Imkan acquires majority stake in Majestic Marine Investments Group
Abu Dhabi-based master developer strengthens marine infrastructure interests

Qwest Pontoons sold
> Subscriber-only, By Craig Ritchie
US golf cart manufacturer acquires pontoon boat brand as part of broader expansion strategy
SUTL Enterprise to acquire Keppel Bay marina for S$40m
The group is set to become Singapore’s largest marina owner and operator with a combined 436 berths
Oakley Capital buys majority stake in Athena Racing
New funding provides financial stability to help with next America’s Cup

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

Subscriber-only content

IBI PLUS LOGO 2024

To gain unrestricted access to subscriber-only content, a subscription is required. For further information / latest offers please visit: www.ibinews.com/subscribe

IBI Plus offers information drawn from more than 50 years of reporting, 50,000 archived articles, and a global correspondent network providing intellegence on established and emerging markets, key companies and industry players, business insights, and essential statistics.

Stay up to date with unrestricted access to our daily newsletter & articles as published.

Unlock our market intelligence - Gain your competitive advantage!

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

CL Yachts unveils 35m power catamaran concept
The CLC115 is already attracting interest from prospective buyers
New SA yard to launch first blue-water catamaran in first quarter
Onyx Marine’s new flagship is a budget-friendly vessel built for offshore performance
Brunswick debuts new Sea Ray at CES
SLX 360 OB becomes first production boat to debut at world’s largest technology show
boot Düsseldorf 2026: An A-Z guide of key boat launches
An overview of standout boat launches, highlighting the latest innovations and trends shaping the global nautical industry
Medasia Marine unveils EcoWave 40 solar-electric catamaran
CEO David Farmer highlighted the yacht’s zero-emission cruising and sustainable design at last month’s Abu Dhabi International Boat Show
ENATA unveils Ghost, the world’s first 28m private foiling yacht
Construction will begin in 12 to 18 months, with the launch slated for 2029
Southern Wind launches new SW108 under moonlight in Cape Town
Kalantis was christened at night with the new owner’s representative in attendance
Sanlorenzo unveils 58Steel with hybrid propulsion and expanded design
New model reflects the brand’s commitment to proportion, sustainability and innovation
Nimbus to launch new 12 Series at boot Düsseldorf 2026
The three-model series has a number of new design features

IBI Marine Market Tracker

^{>> Interactive: Click tabs to view Marine Stocks, key Exchange Rates or major Market Indices; View individual stocks and indices by selected time frame}