I like big boats and I cannot lie-Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show 2025

The Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, known as FLIBS, is the largest in-water boat show in the world. Held every year at the end of October (this year Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, 2025) the show features over 1,300 boats on display from 1,000 different builders. FLIBS is centered around the Bahia Mar Yachting Center but includes multiple locations, which are spread across 90 acres along the intracoastal waterway in Fort Lauderdale beach. Locations include Bahia Mar, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Broward County Convention Center, 17th Street Yacht Basin, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, and the Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South.

If bigger really is better, you may want to get a glimpse from the dock of the largest yacht at FLIBS 2025—the 74 m (242’) superyacht Casino Royale built in 2018 by Tankoa in Italy. She is currently for sale with a reported asking price of €65,000,000 (Approx. $75,750,000 US.) Unless you are a serious buyer with more than a few million dollars you can flash around, good luck getting aboard. Another notable large yacht on display is the 65 m (213′ 3”) Eternity built by the Italian shipyard Codecasa. If you want to spend an eternity aboard Eternity with up to 12 guests or family members spread across her 7 cabins it is going to cost you. She can be chartered for $390,000/week plus expenses and gratuity. If you need to ask what those expenses are you should probably look elsewhere. 

Sailing enthusiasts will find that FLIBS is geared heavily to the powerboat side although there are a few sailing yachts sprinkled in. Hemisphere, a 44.2 m (145’) luxury sailing catamaran, is on display. This sloop rigged beauty built by Pendennis Shipyard in the UK can host 10/12 guests in 5 cabins. If her 16.6 m (54’ 6”) beam doesn’t impress you, a gaze up at her 53 m (174’) 5.8-ton carbon fiber mast will. She is reported to have a top sailing speed of 20 knots (24 mph or 37 km/h) which I would really like to experience aboard. Unfortunately for me both the $250,000+ weekly charter fee and €46,000,000 ($53,638,300) asking price are a bit of a stretch for my finances at this time.

Big boats are fun to look at and although it varies year to year there are typically over 100 yachts larger than 75’ at FLIBS. While I enjoy looking at larger yachts, I also appreciate some of the more realistic options. Most boaters like me are looking at vessels that are more affordable and manageable than the really big ones. Luckily there are literally thousands of new boats including tenders, center consoles, express cruisers, and motoryachts to name a few. FLIBS is also the show where many boat builders debut new models. There are literally dozens of new boat models shown for the first time at FLIBS this year, and even more if you count European models that are making their American debut.

Here is a sample of new models that will be shown at this year’s Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show. Models are listed smallest to largest. Click on a model to see a full description.

If you can’t find a boat you like at FLIBS you might have to look for a different hobby. Not only are there dozens of new models launching at the show, but there are also thousands of new boats from over 52 countries including hundreds of pre-owned brokerage boats. The estimated value of all yachts and other nautical products displayed at FLIBS 2025 is expected to be $4 billion. That includes both new and brokerage yachts, as well as marine equipment, electronics, and other products on display. Is bigger better when it comes to boat shows? You will have to decide for yourself, but FLIBS is an incredible show and despite the inevitable sore feet from all the walking I always enjoy it.

There is no box office at the show. Tickets are purchased exclusively online and are available now at:

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) Click tickets and you will be taken to the EventPass Portal.

Arnie Hammerman Publisher

Boats and the ocean define my life. From teaching sailing to captaining yachts, marine publishing, and marketing, I’ve spent decades sharing seafaring tales. At Best4Boats, adventure awaits—welcome aboard!

See Full Bio

Motorboats Yachts Marine Electronics Sailing Boating Fishing fisheries science Oceanography Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum Yacht Racing