The first day of the Miami Boat Show is always a combination of anticipation and fun. Part of the fun is saying hello to friends and meeting new people every year. The anticipation is seeing what is new, and the hope that it will be something game changing. Although there was nothing really game changing at this years Miami Boat Show, there was plenty to see and some interesting new engine models and updates. Let’s look at the highlights.

Mercury Racing

Always a fun display at Mercury and Mercury Racing. This year was a little surprise, literally, with Racing showing off the new 60R. The small inline 4 cylinder four stroke differs from the previous 60 Formula Race with a larger, 4.25” gearcase from the 90 and 115, higher rev limiter to 6300 RPM and new R graphics. The larger case allows for more prop selection, with 2.33 gears, the little engine is aimed at smaller skiffs and maybe the odd little sport boat. Approximately 268 Lbs, and only available in a 15” mid section.

Racing had some new propellers as well, round tip cleavers, and a new 12 degree racing prop. There is a new prop for the 60R as well, a 60R specific Spitfire XP.

I still believe Racing could make a 3.0L 4cyl 200R, and a 225R based on the V6. Maybe those are next? Mercury Marine also showed the 3.0L Diesel 175 HP, developed for the military for their strict fuel requirements.

Evinrude

The G2 was upgraded across the board with a subtle upgrade to the cowling frame, which was a textured dark grey before and now is a smooth shiny look that is more durable and matches the panels better. A subtle upgrade that looks great. The 2.7 and 3.4 get an improved water intake pump, larger cooling channels in the block for better overall cooling.

Also on display were the new 3 cylinder 115 HO, 140 and 150. A great little engine, with all the features of the bigger G2s in a light diminutive platform.

Boats

There are always some amazing boats of all kinds at the Miami Show. I actually really like some of the fishing boats, the small flats boats, some sport center consoles, and even some cruisers. There are also some cool commercial boats on display like military style RIBs.

When it comes to performance boats, the big players came out. Cigarette had a great display with some new boats, the 41 Nighthawk, a continuation of their luxury sport center console series, the 41 had a stunning solid China Blue color. The 42’ Auroris, which looks like a smaller Tiarranna with a high freeboard and big 11’ beam. The 42 had a really nice dark grey metallic color, solid with no graphics, making it look a little more sophisticated.

No Cigarette Racing sport boats this year, which is a little disappointing.

Fountain had their revised 34 Thunder Cat, with a few improvements, longer running surface and a really nice interior. They brought a red one, and it looked dynamite. Fountain really upped their game here, the fit and finish looked really good, with 450R's, the Thunder Cat flies too.

Donzi had their maroon ZRC on display. The classic sport boat looks amazing with a sharp tan interior, yellow dials and the distinct Donzi ZRC design.

Skater had two boats on display, a stunning 438 with twin 1550 Mercury Racing engines called G Force. Plus, a very sharp off white 368 with twin 450Rs. The all white boat looked clean and crisp, I love simple colors with no graphics.

I spoke to Peter Hldedin from Skater for a while, we reminisced about some of the old smaller Skaters and he mentioned the 24’ was one of his all time favorites; he thought it was such a good performer with 2.5s and could really handle rough water even compared to bigger boats. They’ll never build a smaller boat again, but interesting to hear that the 24’ Skater is his favorite.

Hustler Powerboats had their new 29’ Shotgun outboard on display. I think it’s a great option and it looked good with twin 400R. Paul LoGiudice of Hustler also released a press release saying Checkmate Boats has been sold to Pete Caldwell of Caldwell Marine Designs. The Ohio brand sounds like it is in good hands.

Nor-Tech and Mystic had several boats on display. The center console market continues to amaze me but not necessarily in a good way, it’s a sea of sameness and boring design.

MTI had a stunning 340X on display, several larger cats and their impressive luxury center consoles. The 340X is still one of the sharpest sport cats, the perfect size and performance. MTI fit and finish is always next level.

Performance Boat Center had a 360 and a 420 in the show. Both had really vibrant paint jobs, and looked good. The Wright Performance boats are amazing designs and they are exceptional performers.