This year’s Southampton International Boat Show will see over 250 powered craft hailing from all around the world being presented by a host of companies both large and small. HMS looks ahead …
This year’s edition of the Southampton International Boat Show is set to captivate boating enthusiasts with a wide-ranging and grand display. From sleek powerboats to luxurious motor yachts, RIBs, runabouts and pilot vessels, the 2024 event promises many examples of cutting-edge design, engineering and craftsmanship. So whether you’re setting off across the ocean or exploring coasts or rivers, there’s a range of motor boats to suit your needs at this year’s show.
Powerboat & RIB readers can purchase tickets online for just £19.99 using the code PBR2024
In the marina
British brand Sunseeker, a name synonymous with luxury and performance, will be showcasing a display of 10 new yachts, including the global premiere of the all-new Sunseeker Ocean 156. In addition, yachts from across the range will be exhibited, including the Manhattan 55, Superhawk 55, Predator 65, Manhattan 68, Predator 75, 76 Yacht, 88 Yacht, 90 Ocean and 95 Yacht (line-up subject to change).
Princess Yachts will be showcasing their flagship models, including the Princess V40, F50, Y72, V55, V50, F55 and X95, the latter being the largest powerboat on display at 29 metres. Visitors can explore these luxurious yachts in the marina, each promising exceptional design and engineering.
Meanwhile, Fairline Yachts will be displaying an eye-catching array of models, including the Phantom 65, Fairline 33, Squadron 68, Squadron 58, Targa 45 GT, Targa 45 Open and Targa 40, all of them reflecting Fairline’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to witness a number of UK debuts at the show, including Sargo Boats’ award-winning Sargo 45. This all-season boat is designed for year-round adventure, offering customisation options for stern or IPS, and two or three cabins. Alongside the 45 will be the Sargo 31, 33 and 36 Fly.
Also making its UK debut at the show is the new Fjord 39 XL, exhibited by Inspiration Marine Group, along with the award-winning Fjord 41 XL. These models are celebrated for their advanced design and performance.
Wessex Marine are set to make an impact with the UK debut of two remarkable powerboats: the Targa 41, Botnia’s first new model in seven years, featuring innovative enhancements never before seen in a Targa, and the Marex 440, the new flagship of the Marex range, which has garnered numerous industry awards thus far in 2024. Both models epitomise cutting-edge design and superior craftsmanship and promise to be major attractions at this year’s show. Wessex will also be exhibiting the Targa 27.2, 32 and 46, and the Marex 310 and 330.
Another UK debut comes from Prestige Motor Yachts with the Prestige F4.9. With multiple decades of experience, Prestige are one of the jewels of French and Italian design and industrial production. Also making its debut at the show is Fairey Marine’s chic and contemporary new model, the 6m Sabre powerboat.
Southampton will also witness the premiere of the Rand Roamer 29. This luxurious adventure boat offers an impressive blend of comfort and usability, and its flexibility makes it suitable for both thrilling adventures and cosy getaways. Other Rand boats on display will include the Rand Source 22, Play 24, Spirit 25 and Supreme 27.
Following their successful UK debut in 2023, Fusion Power Boats return with the Fusion 17 and 21, while Azimut will be showing the Atlantis 45, Magellano 60 and Seadeck 6 (see page 44). The Seadeck is the first family yacht series in the world to be equipped with Volvo’s new hybrid-electric pod propulsion system, so visitors should drop by their berth if they want to find out more.
SETAG Yachts will be unveiling their latest project: the complete transformation of a 2013 Princess 72. This reimagined yacht features specifications typically reserved for yachts exceeding 40 metres, demonstrating how a pre-owned yacht can surpass even the most opulent new builds.
Saltwater Solutions will present the Windy 29 Huracán, a modern sport cruiser combining spacious, safe and social cockpit features. Powered by a Volvo Penta D6-440 engine, it is capable of achieving top speeds of 42 knots. The Windy 27 Solano and 34 Alizé will also be on display.
DALE Motor Yachts will be showing the DALE Classic 45 and Classic 37. Known for their style, craftsmanship and modern amenities, these motor boats are designed with the discerning buyer in mind.
Marina Marbella UK, meanwhile, will be showcasing a whole host of craft, including the Sea Ray 210 SPX, 270 SDX, 290 SDX, 265 Sundancer, 320 Sundancer and 400 SLX. These models offer a combination of meticulous craftmanship, inspired design and effortless performance.
French boatyard Jeanneau will present the Merry Fisher 895 Serie2, a new versatile weekender produced with family cruises in mind. Combining clever design with ease of handling, it promises enjoyable excursions and full peace of mind. The Merry Fisher 795 Sport, 895, 1095 and 1295 Fly will also be available to view, along with the Cap Camarat 9.0 WA and 10.5 WA, and the DB37 1B, whose combination of speed, comfort and safety is particularly noteworthy.
Celebrating 50 years of boatbuilding, Spanish shipyard Rodman will exhibit the 1290 Evolution, Spirit 31 Outboard and 790 Ventura CC, showcasing the highest standards of quality, design, safety and seaworthiness.
Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding, the driving force behind Duchy Motor Launches and Hardy Motor Yachts, will be presenting the award-winning Duchy range of semi-production motor yachts, the Duchy 27 and 35, combining polished styling, traditional craftsmanship and relaxed handling with up-to-date build techniques and innovative technology. Cockwells are also proud to continue to build on Hardy’s original, well-loved and respected designs, redefining them for the modern cruiser, and will be displaying the Hardy 45 European.
Berthon RIB Solutions and Versadock will exhibit the world-renowned Gemini 880 RIB fitted with the latest Yamaha 400hp V8 XTO Offshore outboard, which will be displayed on the impressive Harbour Hoist air dock system.
Regal Boats will be highlighting their commitment to innovation and excellence in luxury boating, showcasing the 26 Express, 28 Express, LS2, LS9, LS4C and LX4, exemplifying their dedication to superior craftsmanship, innovative design and exceptional performance.
Powerboat Marine Ltd, meanwhile, will be exhibiting the Oceanmaster 680 DC, 605 S and 630 W/A, the Monterey 235 SS and 215 SS, and the Parker Sorrento, 850 Voyager, 790 Explorer, 760 Quest, 700 Pilothouse and 630 DC.
On display from leading boat sales company boatpoint will be a whole range of craft, including the Sasga 54, Merry Fisher 795 (Beyonder), Quarken 35 and 27, and Ryds 635 and 490, while Orkney Boats will present their Orkney 592, Pilothouse 20 and Pilothouse 25, as well as the Longliner 16, which at 4.88m is the smallest powerboat in the marina. In addition, Redbay Boats will be debuting two models, and so will Williams Jet Tenders.
The following brands are among those also exhibiting in the marina:
Argo Yachting, Balt Yacht, Bavaria Yachts, Greenline Yachts, Boston Whaler, Salpa Yachts, Brig RIBs, Iron Boats, Grandezza Boats, Schaefer Yachts, Cobalt Boats, Saxdor Yachts, Finnmaster, Nord Star, XO Boats, Aquador Boats, Nimbus Boats, Windy Boats, Rustler Yachts, Beneteau, Swallow Yachts, Sealine Boats, RYCK, Delphia Yachts, Maxima, Viking Cruisers, Val Wyatt, Bluefield Houseboats, Bayliner, Caprina Boats, Cormate Boats, White Shark and Yamarin empowered by Yamaha, Protector Boats, Suzuki and Ballistic RIBs, and more. Check out the exhibitor list on the show website for a comprehensive list of exhibitors.
Around the show
In Mayflower Park, Boatworld will be exhibiting the Compass 135, 150 and 165 models. The Compass range offers affordable, safe powerboats suitable for all boating enthusiasts, featuring an unsinkable design, large storage and high specs.
Ribcraft will be debuting the unique and fully bespoke 5.85m model. This new model builds on the trusted Ribcraft hull design while introducing a range of bespoke features and innovations.
Highfield Boats, will debut the EJET330, an electric jet-powered tender, alongside other models in the Sport and Classic Tender ranges.
Mini Fisher will present the Mini Fisher 450, an entry-level cabin boat that is easily trailerable and customisable. With many extras to choose from, these boats are great fun with a price tag to match.
RIB Shack Marine will be showing the Highfield Sport 900, Axopar 29 Cabin and Axopar 37 Cabin, while BHG Marine will exhibit a range of premium-quality RIBs, dinghies and yacht tenders including Rigiflex and Linder boats, and Thanes Marine will be bringing the Thanes 14.6 and the new Thanes 19.
Optima Projects are displaying the Optima E10 Demo, highlighting advancements in electric yachts, while Silver Boats UK, importer of the Finnish-manufactured Silver boats, will be showing the Raptor 8m, Viper 7m, Silver Fox 4.9m and the Terhi 450 CC.
Also in Mayflower Park, visitors can look out for:
Smartliner Boats, Grand RIBs, Nordkapp Boats, Sting Boats, AB Inflatables, Mercury, Barrus, Zodiac, Excel Marine, Excel Boats, Protagon Yachts, Zar, Selva, Williams Jet Tenders and The Wolf Rock Boat Company with Brig, Gala and Iron Boats. Over in the Dinghy Zone, there will also be a selection of small motor craft on display from Carine Yachts, Northmaster and Specialist Small Craft Ltd, UK distributor for Roto-Tech boats. Zego Marine and Whaly Boats will be based in the Watersports Zone, while the Classic & Day Boat Zone will feature Quicksilver Boats and Seaspray Boats, who will be displaying the Microboat – a lightweight double-skinned dory that can be used as a fast tender or as a family fun boat.
It would seem, then, that there will be something for just about everyone at September’s Southampton International Boat Show, so if you’re a motorboat/powerboat fan, this year’s event should be just up your ‘finger pontoon’!
Get your ticket
Tickets for the show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/.
With every adult general admission ticket, two children under 17 go for free. Plus, new for 2024, young adults aged 18–21 will also enjoy free admission, making this an accessible event for families and young enthusiasts alike.
You can also make a donation to this year’s show charity when purchasing your tickets. The SIBS team are delighted to be working with the Southampton Hospitals Charity and their Light the South art trail to raise funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital, one of the top children’s hospitals in the UK. Your donation will help transform the facilities and hospital experience for young patients, deliver vital support for families and continue life-changing research to keep your children’s hospital truly world class.
Want to make your visit extra special? Treat yourself with the show’s Quayside Club package – https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/.
The show will be open from 10am until 6pm daily, except on the final Sunday when it will close at 5pm. The Shipyard will remain open until 9pm on both Saturday 14th and Saturday 21st September.
Visit the website, www.southamptonboatshow.com, or follow the show’s social channels for all the latest updates.
About SIBS
The Southampton International Boat Show is the UK’s largest water sports festival, celebrating everything boating. Alongside hundreds of exhibitors, and boats and watercraft of all shapes and sizes, the show offers a unique blend of family entertainment, retail opportunities and live music, making it an unmissable event in the marine calendar.