Helsinki International Boat Show: Our Top 6!

Jo Moon & Mark Featherstone report on their top choices from the array of craft on display at the recent Vene 25 Båt Helsinki International Boat Show.

Vene 25 Båt Helsinki International Boat Show – the heart of Nordic boating

To the water-loving Finns, driving boats comes as naturally as driving cars does to us. Boats are an essential part of daily life in Finland, whether commuting to work, heading to a summer retreat, fishing, or simply exploring the thousands of lakes and coastal archipelagos. This deep-rooted boating culture is reflected in the Vene 25 Båt Helsinki International Boat Show, the largest and most important boat exhibition in northern Europe.

The 2025 edition set a new benchmark, drawing over 67,500 visitors and showcasing more than 400 boats on display, from cutting-edge foiling designs to rugged aluminium workhorses. Vene Båt isn’t just about boat launches – it’s where industry leaders, innovators and enthusiasts meet to experience the future of boating first-hand. With more than a little emphasis on sustainability this year, the show was expertly organised over 10 days in the modern Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre and delivered some eye-popping treats.

We’ve picked six crowd-stoppers that represent the finest of the Finnish marine industry.

Arrofoil boat on a trailer at Helsinki boat show

Arrofoil 25 Cabin

Arronet’s Arrofoil 25 Cabin stole the spotlight as the most innovative vessel at the show, in our humble opinion. This Swedish-built foiling aluminium boat is the first of its type to use foils to lift out of the water for a smoother and more fuel-efficient ride. With a top speed of 25 knots and fuel consumption of just 0.5 litres per nautical mile, it is designed for both performance and economy. A key feature is its stern foil, which incorporates the Suzuki 115hp petrol engine within its structure, improving hydrodynamics. The foils are hydraulically extended once under way and when retracted are protected from marine growth and constant contact with salt water. The opening bow makes getting onboard a breeze and the enclosed cabin features comfortable helm seats and boasts a dark, ultra-modern interior that feels both functional and daring. A real surprise was the innovative batwing doors on the cabin which allow easy access fore and aft. A true game-changer and one we can’t wait to test on the water.

Specifications:

LOA: 7.6m
Beam: 2.4m
Fuel Tank: 170l
Weight with engine: 1,630kg
Engine: Suzuki 115hp petrol
Price: £105,325 exc. VAT
Website: https://arronet.se/batmodeller/Arrofoil25Cabin

Yamarin Cross Concept

Yamarin Cross Concept Boat

Based on the Cross 62 BR, this inspirational project aims to bring sustainability firmly into the marine space. The vessel’s structure incorporates recycled aluminium and PET plastic from used bottles and uses flax fibre as structural reinforcement, which has the potential to partially or even completely replace fibreglass. The deck is 100% resin-infused flax fibre and topped with cork which is both visually appealing and would be comfortable underfoot in hot conditions. The Maxguard NP gelcoat used in the concept boat helps make it more eco-friendly by cutting harmful emissions by up to 50% and using 10–15% less material than standard gelcoats, and even the stickers use no PVC.

The project is part of a wider initiative by Yamaha Motor Group to achieve carbon-neutral manufacture by 2035, and they are researching the use of these natural materials in cars as well as boats. It’s not without its challenges; flax is more expensive and Yamarin is currently working on reducing the boat’s weight. However, as boat builders seek greener alternatives, Yamarin appears to be leading the charge in sustainable innovation, and we look forward to news of their sea trials this summer.

Expected Specifications:

LOA: 6.15m
Beam: 2.29m
Website: https://cross.boats/en

Targa 41

A stalwart of Nordic waters, the Finnish Targa is a powerhouse of reliability and rugged performance, and the 41 is a welcome addition to the Targa family. Filling the gap between the 37 and 46 with style, this model is a favourite among serious boaters who demand high-quality craftsmanship and all-weather capability. Having had a refresh last year, this model, whilst retaining its familiar identity and superior quality, now offers more functionality with the emphasis on customisation. The large windows allow light to pour into the pilothouse and saloon, and as they are now bonded into the structure, there is no need for aluminium frames, which also adds a modern touch. A well-designed hull gate allows easy access, and the outdoor layout is impressive with comfortable seating and configurable teak tables. The two cabins are well appointed with en-suite heads, and the aft cabin really benefits from the new hull windows, making it feel light and airy.

The hull too has been optimised for improved performance, and we were pleased to see that the engine room layout has also been altered for better noise performance and accessibility. With its thoughtful modern upgrades and quality craftsmanship, this is a truly standout addition to the Targa family.

Specifications:

LOA: 13.75m
Beam: 4.0m
Draft: 1.10m
Weight: 10,000kg
Fuel Capacity: 1,500l
Water Capacity: 350l
Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D6 440s
Price: From £635,289 exc. VAT
Website: https://www.targa.fi/boats/41

Anytec 860T

Anytec 860 T

Sweden’s Anytec 860 T secured a win in the ‘Best of Boats’ awards in the ‘Performance’ category, an accolade well deserved for its outstanding combination of power, safety, and ease of use. Built from a robust aluminium hull, the 860 T is designed to withstand the harshest conditions while delivering speeds up to 60 knots. As we’ve remarked in previous tests of the Anytec, these craft have a purposeful, almost military presence that has the ability to turn heads even in a hall full of high-performance, offshore ‘wave crunchers’. In the case of the 860 T, every detail felt engineered for function—no gimmicks, no gloss—just solid, Scandinavian practicality.

The deep-V hull and high freeboard promised serious offshore ability, and the walkaround layout feels safe and spacious, with grab rails exactly where you want them. The cockpit is protected by the hard top and a solid wraparound windscreen, and the helm arrangement feels intuitive with everything easily to hand, which is what you want at high speeds. All four seats are Anytec’s own design, Shark-branded, shock-mitigating seats. Mind you, a neatly fitted heads compartment in the bow is a great feature too!

Twin outboards up to 600hp on the transom pack a serious punch and will give 200nm at a cruising speed of 50 knots. It’s no surprise that so many professionals rely on Anytec, but this boat will also offer serious adventures for family and friends.

Specifications:

LOA: 8.75m
Beam: 2.54m
Weight: 2,970kg
Fuel capacity: 480l
Price: Approx. £226,865 exc. VAT
Website: https://www.anytec.eu/new-860-t

XO Explorer 44

XO EXPLR 44

Launched at Boot Düsseldorf 25, XO’s new flagship, the XO EXPLR 44, was one of the show’s key highlights. Fashioned with an aluminium hull, its DNA has an unmistakably rugged, north Finnish pedigree, but when it comes to adventure, this model takes offshore boating to another, even more luxurious level. With a 300nm range at 32 knots, the EXPLR 44 is clearly built for long-range cruising, and XO obviously want their owners to enjoy broadening their horizons in style. Typical of the breed, the deep-V aluminium hull promises superb offshore handling, while the twin 600hp or optional triple 400hp Mercury outboards will deliver speeds of up to 50 knots.

Inside, the refined Nordic-style interior surprised us with its warmth and attention to detail, proving this is as much a luxury cruiser as it is a tough explorer yacht. There’s sleeping space for up to six, a sleek galley, and a generous heads compartment, all laid out with Scandinavian precision.

Smart features like a 360-degree surround-view Garmin camera and Seakeeper stabilisation system add safety and comfort at sea, and there are solid handrails in all the right places. We liked the huge sliding doors on either side of the cockpit, making access easy and also giving options in varying weather conditions, although with air-con and heating included, you really are covered on all fronts! Wide walkarounds, practical deck storage, and solid railings reinforced its go-anywhere, do-anything personality.

XO Boats has officially entered the high-end adventure game—and the EXPLR 44 looks ready to conquer big water in unapologetic style.

Specifications:

LOA: 13.40m
Beam: 3.7m
Draft: 1.05m
Weight: 8,268kg
Fuel Capacity: 1,800l
Engines: Twin 600s/triple 450s max 1,350hp
Base Price: £650,000 exc. VAT
Website: https://xoboats.com/xo-fleet/explr-44/

Silver Condor Cabin

Making its world premiere at the show, the 8-metre Silver Condor Cabin made a bold first impression. Designed for both work and leisure, this Finnish-built powerhouse features an aluminium hull paired with a fibreglass cabin, delivering a rugged, low-maintenance platform without sacrificing comfort or style. Having tested the Silver range in Finland last year, we found that these boats not only look good but handle extremely well too.

The ergonomic pilothouse seats six, with excellent all-round visibility, a large sunroof giving an airy, open feel, and the option of air suspension seating. Powered by Honda’s new BF350 outboard, the Condor hits 50 knots while maintaining impressive fuel economy. With a 310-litre tank offering a 250-nautical mile range, it’s well suited for extended coastal cruising or reaching remote parts of the UK coastline. We were impressed by the flexibility of the spacious aft deck that will work equally well transporting large items or with fixed storage boxes that double as seating.

With over 30 years of boatbuilding experience, Finnish company Silver prides itself on producing durable, practical, and safe motorboats with an eye for appealing design—and this latest addition to their range delivers all of that, plus an extra dose of comfort and versatility for good measure.

Specifications: