Miami International Boat Show

The Place to Check Out Multihulls!

Held since 1969, MIBS - as it’s known among regulars - takes place mid-February in Miami. The show is undoubtedly the most popular event of its kind in the United States, especially since it merged with the Miami International Yacht Show in 2023 - the latter having been launched in the late 1980s as the Yacht and Brokerage Show. You won’t be surprised, then, to discover a debauchery of overpowered motor vessels, which is quite usual in the US, but quite disorientating for Europeans. In the midst of this unbelievable display of power (with some of the boats featuring up to five 600 HP outboards, no less...), sailing and motor multihulls are making inroads onto more and more pontoons each year. MIBS has even become a must-attend event for those who like to sail on two or three hulls.

MIBS is attracting more multihulls every year - an event not to be missed!

Miami Beach boasts one of the world’s most famous Art Deco neighborhoods, and a visit is a true immersion in this distinctive architectural world.

Miami International Boat Show

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Published 31/01/2025

By Emmanuel van Deth

Subscribers Only

Issue: 200

Published: mar. / may 2025

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New Models Expected to Attend

Every year, the show makes a great opportunity to discover dozens of world premieres. Among multihull brands, the main market players are attending, with a strong European representation, starting with Catana/Bali, Comar Yachts, Excess, Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon, Nautitech, Outremer, Prestige and of course Sunreef, to name but a few. There will also be a number of catamarans from South Africa, including Balance, Leopard and Xquisite. China is also represented with the HH. But the Americans are not to be outdone, with Aquila, Four Winns, HammerCat, Invincible and Worldcat. Here’s a look at the new boats expected at Miami!

C-Cat 38: Tested and Approved!

Lengthened by 73 cm (29 in), the former C Cat 37 actually gains just over two feet rather than one... Either way, its architects were predicting an appreciable speed gain of 0.9 knots with 10 knots of wind, and they weren’t wrong: the model presented in Miami has just crossed the Atlantic, taking first place in its category in the 2024 ARC rally - see our News from the Pros.
In the cockpit, a comfortable aft bench and a 35 cm (14 in) longer table have been added. New features include composite davits and steering wheels, while the bowsprit and bimini are in carbon. Accommodation ranges from 2 to 4 cabins with 2 bathrooms. The cockpit can be fully enclosed with removable fabric or composite panels. This option doubles the floor space of the saloon.

WORLD PREMIERE

Builder : Comar Yachts
Length: 38’6” (11.73 m)
Beam: 19’2” (5.84 m)
Draft: 4’3” or 3’3”/7’4” (1.3 m or 0.98/2.24 m)
Air draft: 55’7” or 57’10” (16.94 or 17.63 m)
Displacement: 12,345 lbs (5.6 t)
Mainsail: 488 sq ft (45.3 m²)
Genoa: 353 sq ft (32.8 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 30 HP
Water: 2 x 23 US gal (2 x 90 l)
www.comaryachts.it

Aquila 42: Coupe A Weekender Available in Inboard or Outboard Powered Versions

With its streamlined silhouette - the air draft is limited to just over 10 feet (3 m) - the new 42 Coupe promises a sporty temperament, and above all efficiency, thanks to the foiling system it will be equipped with. The design is more modern, but also in line with American standards: the bows retain a steep “conventional” slope. On board, you can count on spacious relaxation areas. In the nacelle, there’s a lounge, a large galley and a well-protected two-seater interior helm station. Multiple openings, including a forward door and a sunroof, facilitate circulation and ventilation. Each hull features a double cabin with ensuite bathroom.

WORLD PREMIERE

Manufacturer: Aquila Boats
Overall length: Outboard version: 42’10” (13.06 m) / Inboard version 42’3” (12.88 m)
Beam: 15’11” (4.85 m)
Draft: 2’10” (0.88 m) to 3’3” (0.98 m) depending on motors and their position
Air draft: 10’3” (3.13 m)
Light displacement: 18,740 lbs (8.5 t)
Engines: 2 x 400 HP outboards or 2 x 440 HP inboards
Fuel 410 US gal (1,552 l)
CE Category: B12/C20/D29
www.aquilaboats.com