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

Nimbus Group restructures North American operations to drive growth and efficiency

Swedish builder appoints new head of US operations, consolidates Nimbus brand production to Europe

Plastimo appointed French distributor for Dometic Marine refrigeration
2026-01-15T12:30:00+00:00By Neil Eaves
Baglietto launches new DOM series flagship model
2026-01-15T12:30:00+00:00By David Robinson
The Wing Group acquires US paddle sports brand
2026-01-15T12:30:00+00:00
WATCHIT appoints new head of strategic partnerships
2026-01-15T12:30:00+00:00
MAN Engines names new Baltic distributor
2026-01-15T12:30:00+00:00By Craig Ritchie
Catana reports resilient Q1 growth amid challenging market conditions
2026-01-15T12:30:00+00:00> Subscriber-only

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

The Wing Group acquires US paddle sports brand
Kokatat is a respected manufacturer of paddle sports apparel and equipment
Marine Money acquired by US publisher
The marine finance publication also hosts the annual Monaco Superyacht Forum
X Shore saved from bankruptcy by Norwegian investor
> Subscriber-only, By Lars-Åke Redéen
The investor plans to restart production with a focus on battery-powered propulsion

$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

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

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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

Baglietto launches new DOM series flagship model
The DOM 155 builds on the sales success of the DOM 133 and DOM 115
New Italian builder to make Düsseldorf debut
Besnati’s Hurlo 325 runabout will be the launchpad for the brand
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

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