Having survived boat shows at Sanctuary Cove, Melbourne and, most recently, the big gig in Sydney, it's time to usher in the new-season collection of eminently more pleasurable pleasure boats.
Here's the pick of cruisers and yachts from local and overseas yards now coveting a berth in Sydney.
First, the British fleet.
Sunseeker, which offers luxury production cruisers from 40 feet to 40 metres, has a new flagship Sunseeker 155 under construction for former formula-one team owner Eddie Jordan. But the baby of the Manhattan range, the 53, made its debut at the Sydney boat show this year. A sign of our pared-back times.
Yet Britain-based Princess, which is part of the LVMH (Louis Vuitton-Moet Hennessy) cachet of luxury brands, had a new V72 in town - and on show for the next week at its slick Rose Bay offices - with twin C32 1723-horsepower engines and a sharp $4.4 million price tag.
But the biggest new boat and ticket at the Sydney show was the Horizon 110 motor yacht, with three decks, C32 1900-horsepower Caterpillar engines each side, a dedicated dining area, stabilisers, mother-of-pearl inlaid bar, spa and loads more for $9.9 million. The Asian custom-boat yard also released a new AC80 semi-displacement power catamaran that cruises at 10 knots. The asking price is $6.9 million.
Taiwan's boat-building nous was on show via the Johnson 65 motor yacht and Belize 52 Day Bridge ($1.6 million) designed by Wes Moxey, the returning chief executive at Riviera. Among the Asian-made "trawlers" were those from Alaska, Clipper and Integrity. Hampton is more your passage maker, while Fleming's timeless trans-oceanic 55 is for footloose retirees.
The jolly Germans made a local assault with their Bavaria boats. The new powerboat was a 43 Hard Top, with a three-cabin layout and bigger hull windows, while its sailing line was headed by a 40S racer-cruiser.
Polish-built Arvor cabin cruisers has won over Sydneysiders for years. With shaft-driven diesel power, you can gad about without burning a hole in your wallet.
The Arvor Weekender is the yard's new 25-footer, with greater amenities and accommodation for a family of four. It's yours for $115,000.
The Back Cove 30 and 34, and Sabre 40, are modern renditions of the classic Maine lobster boat.
The Sabre 40 sister ship from the same yard packs Zeus pod drives for more clawing power. The composite MJM 36z from Boston is modelled on a comfortable commuter craft with terrific fuel economy.
But the household American boating badge Chris Craft has the coolest runabouts. With mainly V8 petrol inboard power, they offer real driving pleasure. Meantime, triple outboards give Boston Whaler long-range fishing legs, while Bertram, Cabo and Grady-White are in Sydney to hook hardcore game fishers.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What were the standout boat debuts at the Sydney boat show?
The Sydney boat show featured several standouts: the Sunseeker Manhattan 53 made its debut, Sunseeker has a new Sunseeker 155 under construction for Eddie Jordan, Princess showed a new V72, Horizon unveiled the three-deck Horizon 110, and Horizon also released an AC80 semi-displacement power catamaran.
How much do the luxury motor yachts at the show cost (Princess V72, Horizon 110 and Horizon AC80)?
Pricing cited in the article included the Princess V72 at about $4.4 million, the Horizon 110 at about $9.9 million, and the Horizon AC80 semi-displacement catamaran with an asking price of about $6.9 million.
Which boats shown are positioned as more compact or value-conscious options?
The Sunseeker Manhattan 53 was presented as the smaller 'baby' of the Manhattan range, a sign of pared-back tastes. Polish-built Arvor cabin cruisers — including the new Arvor Weekender 25-footer priced at $115,000 — were highlighted for economy and sensible shaft-driven diesel power.
Which manufacturers showcased boats with strong fuel economy or efficient designs?
The article notes the MJM 36z from Boston is modelled as a comfortable commuter craft with terrific fuel economy, and Arvor cabin cruisers with shaft-driven diesel power were praised for being economical for Sydneysiders.
Which brands and models were highlighted for long-range cruising or retirees?
Fleming’s trans-oceanic 55 was described as a timeless choice for footloose retirees, Hampton was noted as a true passage maker, and brands like Back Cove and Sabre produced modern takes on classic Maine lobster-boat designs suited to serious cruising.
What engine and performance details were mentioned for the Horizon 110 and Princess V72?
The Horizon 110 was described with twin C32 1900-horsepower Caterpillar engines each side and three decks, while the Princess V72 featured twin C32 engines rated at 1723 horsepower; these details point to high-performance propulsion on those models.
Which Asian and Taiwan boat builders were represented at the show?
Asian builders included Horizon (the Asian custom-boat yard), Taiwan’s Johnson with the Johnson 65, and the Belize 52 Day Bridge (priced around $1.6 million) designed by Wes Moxey. The article also listed Asian-made trawlers from Alaska, Clipper and Integrity.
Which boats and brands at the show appealed to hardcore fishers and runabout enthusiasts?
Hardcore game fishers were served by brands such as Bertram, Cabo and Grady-White. For runabout and driving pleasure, Chris-Craft runabouts (mainly V8 petrol inboard power) were highlighted, and Boston Whaler models with triple outboards were noted for long-range fishing capability.
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