The Düsseldorf boat show returns this month, but with so many boats to see, it’s easy to get lost. We pick out the best of the best...
The 400 Fly is compact but still boasts a full beam owner’s cabin and a mini beach club
9. Galeon 400 Fly
The 400 Fly is the smallest Galeon to be fitted with folding balconies in the cockpit. They’re an option but given the size of the boat you’re likely to feel the benefit of the extra space even more than with the larger boats in the range.
The balconies create a fantastic space on the aft deck when the boat is at rest, bolstered by the oversized side door on the starboard side, which gives a separate access point to the saloon other than the sliding aft doors. An optional wetbar and grill on the transom completes the area and adds to the beach club vibe.
It doesn’t look too shabby indoors either, where the designers have found space for two double cabins — including a full beam amidships — and two bathrooms.
Specification
LOA: 41ft 0in (12.5m)
Beam: 13ft 1in (3.95m)
Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D6 440hp
Top speed: 32 knots
Price from: £492,840 (inc. VAT)
Location: Hall 6, Stand A77
Transom locker hides an arsenal of scuba gear and Seabobs
10. Sunseeker Manhattan 68
2020 is going to be the year of the beach club thanks to a trend ignited during last year’s Cannes boat show. Sunseeker has smelled the coffee and, on the new Manhattan 68, which replaces the three-year-old Manhattan 66, fitted it with the most action packed transom in the sector.
The aft panel hinges up to reveal an overhead shower, storage racks for fenders, scuba diving tanks and snorkelling paraphernalia and a bespoke compartment at water level for a pair of sea scooters. A hydraulic bathing platform with built-in steps completes the picture and creates the perfect base for the watersports enthusiasts on board.
These additions no doubt make the Sunseeker Manhattan 68 heavier than its predecessor so both engine options are slightly more powerful than before, meaning a top speed in the mid-30s should still be achievable.
Specification
LOA: 69ft 1in (21.1m)
Beam: 17ft 3in (5.3m)
Engines: Twin MAN 1,000hp/1,200hp or Volvo Penta IPS1350
Top speed: 34 knots
Price from: £1.75m (ex. VAT)
Location: Hall 6, Stand B61
The sweeping roofline and raked windscreen give the 45 GT a sporty profile
11. Fairline Targa 45GT
Fairline will launch a GT version of its 45ft sportscruiser as well as the new Squadron 50 and a mystery model, which will remain a secret until Boot Düsseldorf 2020 opens.
The Fairline Targa 45GT is an interesting boat though, as it adds an element of flexibility over the Open version in the form of a glass sliding roof and cockpit doors. Not only does this add an extra degree of protection on the main deck but, because there is no need for a lower dinette, there is space to fit a third guest cabin on the lower deck alongside the master ensuite and VIP double.
The compromise is a smaller cockpit than the 45 Open but it’s still a good size and the tender garage makes stowing, launching and retrieving the dinghy very easy. Beefier IPS engine options than were offered on the previous Targa 43 should ensure healthy performance and a top speed of 33 knots.
Specification
LOA: 46ft 6in (14.2m)
Beam: 14ft 2in (4.32m)
Engines: Volvo Penta IPS600/650
Top speed: 33 knots
Price from: £676,800 (inc. VAT)
Location: Hall 6, Stand D59
The Navetta 52’s optimal cruising speed is around 20 knots
12. Absolute Navetta 52
The brilliant Absolute Navetta range is getting a freshen up for 2020 and the first to be displayed is the Navetta 52, a boat that despite being just over 50ft in length feels 10ft larger than that inside due to its incredible internal volume and manipulation of natural light.
The main styling changes are to the exterior glazing – particularly the hull windows – and reworked hardtop that now includes an optional fabric sunroof. The new model is available with IPS650, the extra 100hp likely to make performance a touch sprightlier, though the sweet spot will still be around 20 knots for cruising.
There are three spacious cabins including a full-beam master ensuite and an angled VIP in the bow that shares its bathroom with the third twin cabin. For a boat of this size the optional crew cabin is a good size and includes a single berth and separate shower room.
Specification
LOA: 52ft 2in (15.9m)
Beam: 15ft 3in (4.65m)
Engines: Volvo Penta IPS600/650
Top speed: 25 knots
Price from: €890,000 (ex. VAT)
Location: Hall 5, Stand B28
Attractive new model uses tested hull which should not disappoint
13. Rodman 33 Offshore
Not wanting to miss out on the burgeoning trend for outboard-powered sportsboats, Rodman has taken the hull from its 33 Patrol and transformed the deck and accommodation into something far more leisure friendly.
Underpinning a new model with such a well-proven hull is a smart move by Rodman and though the boat may look more angular and workboat-like than its rivals, you can pretty much guarantee top class seakeeping and exemplary build quality.
With just a 3m beam, it is more slender than many rivals. There is still room, however, to include a practical cockpit with flip-down benches and a convivial seating area in the bow with a seat mounted atop the coachroof to stretch out on.
Below, there is a narrow and rather basic convertible double berth but the private toilet compartment with shower is far more important for the dayboat use this boat will most probably see.
Specification
LOA: 35ft 1in (10.7m)
Beam: 9ft 8in (3m)
Engines: Twin 250hp/300hp outboards
Top speed: 50 knots
Price from: €148,995 (ex. VAT, ex. engine)
Location: Hall 4, Stand B19
Williams Evojet boasts clever features like slot-in boarding rails (inset) and a folding T-top
14. Williams Evojet 70
Welcome, Williams, to the big league. At just under 23ft this is the biggest boat that the yard has ever built and, though its primary purpose is as a tender to superyachts of 40m plus, it’s a very tempting high-end RIB with a much broader remit than a tender.
It has carrying capacity for 13 people and a 200-litre fuel tank which, combined with a deep-vee hull, give it far greater cruising capacity than smaller craft in the range. Of course all the benefits of having a jet drive are included, like agile handling, shallow draft and far superior safety for swimmers compared to an outboard boat.
The Evojet 70 is expensive, but details include the carbon fibre T-top that folds flush to reduce air draft and slot-in grabrails for side boarding.
Specification
LOA: 22ft 9in (7m)
Beam: 8ft 6in (2.65m)
Engines: Yanmar 230hp/250hp diesel
Top speed: 35 knots
Price from: £186,000 (inc. VAT)
Location: Hall 9, Stand C09
Carbon fibre is used in the structure to maintain a low centre of gravity
15. Azimut S6 Sportfly
Azimut’s striking S6 will appear in sportsbridge guise at Düsseldorf with the launch of the Sportfly variant. From the roof down it’s identical to its coupe stable mate but the neatly incorporated top deck adds additional sunbathing space and, crucially, a second helm station from which to enjoy the boat’s impressive performance.
Carbon fibre has been used in the structure to keep the boat’s weight and centre of gravity down and with triple 550hp Volvo Penta IPS700 engines the claimed top speed is 35 knots meaning a comfortable fast cruise of 30 knots is perfectly achievable.
Inside, a galley-up layout leaves space on the lower deck for three cabins including a full-beam master suite with an angled island double berth. The VIP cabin is in the bow and ensuite to the day heads, which is shared with twin guest cabin to starboard. With the crew cabin in the bow there is space at the transom to fit a Williams jet tender inside the tender garage.
Specification
LOA: 59ft (18m)
Beam: 15ft 7in (4.75m)
Engines: Triple Volvo Penta IPS700
Top speed: 35 knots
Price from: Upon request
Location: Hall 6, Stand D58
