New Boats and Products released in Newport, RI
Fall boat shows are a tradition in America. During the summer months boaters like us spend a lot of time aboard our boats. When summer is over, many of us are thinking about ways to improve our future boating. We are looking at replacing gear that has been broken, upgrading systems, or setting up maintenance projects on our existing boats. This is often the time we realize that our current boat is too small, too big, too slow, too fast (pick one). For many it is time to look for another boat that can better suit our cruising, fishing, or watersports needs.
All of this makes fall boat shows important and on the East Coast of the US boat show season kicks off with the Newport Rhode Island boat show. Newport is the first major show in a progression of East Coast boat shows that runs from north to south. (Newport, Norwalk, Annapolis Sail and Power, and Ft. Lauderdale.) The Newport show also features a best of contest called Newport for new Products™ (NFNP) that is sponsored by some of Firecrown’s leading publications, Yachting, Cruising World, and Sailing World. This contest is judged by industry experts and show attendees.
2025 Newport for New Products™ (NFNP) Award winners are:
Best New Boat Overall – Hinckley Yachts Picnic Boat 39
Best New Sailboat Overall – Lagoon Catamarans Lagoon 38
Best New Powerboat Under 45-feet – Hinckley Yachts Picnic Boat 39
Best New Powerboat Over 45-feet – The Kadey-Krogen Group Krogen 60 Open
Best Wearable/Safety Gear – Mustang Survival Elite 190 Inflatable PFD
Best Technology Product – Rockwolfe DC USB Charging Hub
Best Operational, Maintenance & Safety Product – TEMO-1000 Electric Outboard
Best Green/Innovation Product – Cay Electronics CayCube silent power source
Best Product for New Boaters/Accessibility – Areys Custom Boats Caracal 19
Join us for a brief overview of this year’s boat winners and keep an eye out for more detailed coverage of the boats and products we saw at the show.
The boats:
Hinckley Yachts Picnic Boat 39
The Hinkley Yachts Picnic Boat 39 won both best new powerboat under 45’ and the best new boat of the show at her debut in Newport. This venerable Maine builder known for combining excellent craftsmanship, high end materials, and timeless design to produce vessels that stretch the gap between nautical art and modern function hit the mark with this updated picnic boat. Read More
Kadey Krogen 60 Open
The Kadey Krogen 60 Open won Best New Powerboat Over 45-feet in Newport this year. We previously reviewed this quality cruiser which has been traversing the Eastern seaboard with her new owners since we got on board this spring.
The New for Newport judges agreed with our “Go big so you don’t have to go home” assessment. They commented, “From the minute we got on the boat, we were ready to move in. This full and airy ship would be an easy transition from land living to liveaboard life, with unmatched space for comfort. It brings the open layout of their 50 to a new height. Its unprecedented available space transitions from the living areas, through the galley and even into the engine room. This is the ultimate liveaboard, capable of relocating anywhere with a several-thousand-mile range. This vessel oozed confidence in every aspect, showcasing its ability to take on any adventure an owner could want.”
Krogen 60 Open goes Big, so you don’t have to go Home
Want a boat that can go anywhere safely, efficiently, and comfortably? Kadey-Krogen has been delivering ocean crossing capable trawlers for almost 50 years. Their new Krogen 60 Open is not just a stretched version of a previous model but an all-new boat that utilizes the same sea-kindly proven displacement hullform they are known for but with jumbo sized accommodations and spaces.
Lagoon 38 Catamaran
The Lagoon 38 won Best New Sailboat in Newport this year. This sailing catamaran features an innovative new hull that has a narrow forefoot with a substantial chime above it.
Areys Pond Boatyard’s Custom Boats Caracal 19
At the Newport Boat Show, the Davis family’s 19’ Caracal cat boat won Best Product for New Boaters/Accessibility. Built by Areys Pond Boatyard, their cat boats combine customizable design, traditional craftsmanship, and sailing ease. From wishbone boom rigs to cabin options, these boats balance beauty, stability, and family-friendly performance.
If you are looking for a new boat, some new gear, or just want to see what is new, check out some of the great boat shows this fall: Trawlerfest Baltimore; Annapolis Sail; Annapolis Power; and Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.
The gear and equipment:
TEMO-1000 Electric Outboard wins Newport Award
The TEMO-1000 Electric Outboard takes home a category Newport for New Products win, at the Newport International Boat Show. Weighing in at 35 pounds and putting out three horsepower, this sleek French built electric propulsion solution is a good fit for some small boats.
Newport for New Products (NFNP) Gear and Equipment Winners
The Newport International Boat Show honored standout marine innovations across multiple categories.
