One word describes the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: Big! With multiple venues, hundreds of exhibits, and more boats, motors, electronics and accessories than you can imagine, this show can be overwhelming. But if you’re looking to live large, this is the show for you. The 2023 show did not disappoint. Here are some of the big products for boating anglers I saw at FLIBS this year.

Formula 457 FISH

Formula Boats staged a huge announcement at FLIBS. It introduced a big new center-console: the Formula 457 Fish. The company presented a detailed scale model of the new boat, and the real thing will be at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2024.

“Built to your preference, from hardcore fishing to upscale sport cruising, or a little of both, the 457 will match your boating style,” Formula’s Scott Porter announced. “Opt for foldaway aft seating and pressurized bait wells, plus the bait station and fully appointed tower command for a fishing battlewagon. We will build a boat to suit your wants and needs.”

At 47 feet, 7 inches in length with a beam of 13 feet, 9 inches, the 457 will boast a 700-gallon fuel capacity and up to three Mercury Verado 600-hp V-12 outboards. Two rows of helm seating will accommodate eight crew members in comfort. Speaking of comfort, a fully appointed cabin will make long cruises and overnighting at the islands a genuine pleasure.

Grady-White Canyon 386

Grady-White Boats always seems to make big news at FLIBS, and this year was even more spectacular with the debut of the Canyon 386 center console. Mirroring the best design elements of the Grady-White flagship model, the Canyon 456, the 386 offers an immense amount of deck space.

“You’ll find no other boats of its class with the magnitude of square footage that we’ve been able to create in our design process,” said Grady-White Product Designer Christian Carraway. “With an eye toward fishability and luxury, we’ve crafted a boat that’s both rugged and refined.”

With a length of 36½ feet and beam of 13 feet, 2 inches, the Canyon 386 features four luxurious helm seats and a spacious, fully appointed cabin accessed from a sliding door on the helm deck. The roomy cockpit has side doors on both sides, dual 35-gallon transom livewells, and a 291-quart insulated refrigerator/freezer fish box with a digitally controlled thermostat. A fold-away transom bench seat offers extra seating, but tucks away quickly when the angling action heats up.

On the forward console is an inviting lounger and posh seating in the bow. The updated engine area eliminates the traditional motor well and supports triple Yamaha XTO Offshore 450-hp outboards, now available in classic white to perfectly match the iconic Grady-White gelcoat.   

Aquila 47 Molokai

The ranks of big offshore-capable power catamarans welcome a new member at FLIBS: the Aquila 47 Molokai. The double-step 45-foot, 8-inch-long cat hull features carbon-fiber forward and aft main bulkheads to create the structural strength required for up to four powerful 400-hp outboards. High tunnel clearance creates an air cushion and reduces hull noise when trolling. The deck level offers 360 degrees of walk-around space, and the forward platform grants elevation when cast-netting for bait to fill the twin 42.5-gallon transom pressurized livewells. There are 180 gallons of in-sole fish-box capacity and two 74-gallon forward coffin boxes.

Port and starboard side doors ease boarding of crew and big fish. A console sliding door at the helm offers access to the cabin boasting a queen berth and an enclosed head with a shower for cruising and overnighting. Expansive hull-side windows provide cabin illumination. The hardtop integrates stylishly with the full-height windshield, protecting two rows of helm seating for up to seven crew members.

Garmin GPSMAP 9000 Series

Talk about big! Garmin’s new GPSMAP 9000 chartplotter series is available with 19-, 22-, 24- or 27-inch touchscreen displays. The multifunction displays (MFDs) boast stunning 4K resolution with edge-to-edge clarity, and are powered by a processor that’s seven-times faster than previous generations. They also feature the new Garmin BlueNet gigabit network for comprehensive, high-speed connectivity throughout the boat with sensors and other networked devices.

Each new MFD can be flat or flush mounted, and offer in-plane switching (IPS) touchscreen displays that can be seen from all viewing angles, even with polarized sunglasses. The GPSMAP 9219, 9222, 9224 and 9227 come preloaded with Garmin Navionics+ mapping that includes Auto Guidance+ technology for faster and more detailed route calculations.

ICOM IC-M510BB Black-Box VHF

ICOM’s new IC-M510BB represents the latest in VHF technology, letting you expand your VHF accessibility throughout the boat. All operations, including DSC, can be made from the CommandMic allowing the VHF radio unit to be installed in an out-of-sight place and as far as 60 feet from the CommandMic. Up to three of the CommandMics can be connected to the IC-M510BB, which allows it to double as an onboard intercom system on large boats. NMEA 2000 networking capabilities provide plug-and-play data communication with other electronics such as an MFDs. The radio can also share GNSS (GPS) position, AIS, and DSC calls with other onboard equipment. The unit has a last-call voice recording function that automatically saves up to two minutes of a recent incoming call. A built-in 15-watt amplifier increases the audio output to an external hailer speaker, and there’s built-in hailer function that also sounds foghorn patterns.

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The annual International Boatbuilders Exposition and Conference—IBEX for short—serves as a meeting place between the companies that design and build boats and the companies that supply the accessories, electronics, materials, power and tools required to build a boat. While it’s strictly a trade show, it’s also a great place to see some of the latest and greatest engines and gear. Here’s just a glance at some of the products I saw during the 2021 IBEX show, held September 28-30 in Tampa, Florida.

OXE Marine from Sweden offers diesel outboards in five horsepower classes: 125, 150, 175, 200 and 300, but this is first time I ran a pair of the 300 hp models, which feature horizontally mounted diesel engines. To transfer its 600 foot/pounds of torque to the prop shaft, OXE outboards employ a heavy-duty carbon-fiber pulley belt system that isolates the gearbox from shock loading. The 25-inch version of the 300 tips the scales at a hefty 871 pounds, but there’s power aplenty. In my demo, we achieved a top speed of more than 50 mph at 4,300 rpm.

Honda Marine debuted an all new 140 hp outboard at the 2021 IBEX show to replace the company’s venerable 135 hp model. Honda also showcased updated versions of its BF115 and BF150 outboards. All three feature multiple rigging options including both Intelligent Shift and Throttle and mechanical-control choices. Plus, all can interface with the newly introduced HondaLink Marine smartphone app that provides boat owners with remote monitoring capability anytime from anywhere.

Dometic Marine debuted its new Mega Plate electric jack plate, which is designed for outboards rated at 400 hp and up. It comes with 6-, 8- and 10-inch setbacks in two versions: A standard bolt pattern for Yamaha XTO 425 and Mercury 450R engines, as well as a wide bolt pattern for Merc’s 500 and 600 hp V-12 outboards. A Smartstick linear position sensor and the ability to integrate with compatible multifunction displays lets boaters adjust multiple engine heights via touchscreen control. Mega Plate offers the ability to mount Power-Pole shallow-water anchor systems directly to the sides of the plate, eliminating the need for an extra bracket.

Vision Marine Technologies’ E-Motion 180E outboard received plenty of attention at IBEX 2021. The motor is powered by a 60 kW lithium battery and generates power equivalent to a 180 hp gas outboard, making it the world’s most powerful electric outboard, according to the company. Using a gear case from a Tohatsu 140 hp outboard, the 180E is designed for boats in the 18- to 30-foot range (with a single motor) and can cruise for 3 to 4 hours before needing a re-charge. The battery requires 8 to 10 hours to fully charge once drained.

Suzuki Marine used the 2021 IBEX show as an opportunity to demonstrate its unique microplastic filter on the Suzuki-powered L’Lattitude Lindsay water taxi that serves downtown Tampa. Once installed, the device becomes a simple solution in the effort to clean up local environmental micro-pollutants, according to Suzuki. Fitted on a hose for the cooling water intake, the filter collects particles less that 5 mm in size when the engine is running.

Raymarine YachtSense is a scalable and customizable marine digital-control system suitable for boats 35 feet and up. Available rigging on a new boat, it can interface with onboard devices and systems such as lighting, pumps, windlasses, entertainment systems, air conditioning and generators. A Raymarine Axiom touchscreen multifunction display serves as a user interface, and the master module features an integrated keypad for manual override and system diagnostics.

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I am always looking for new ways to secure my mobile phone on the boat, and now the Rokk Qi-certified wireless phone-charging mount from Scanstrut might offer the best solution yet. This IPX6 waterproof docking station features self-aligning, spring-loaded grips that secure a mobile phone of virtually any size. Better yet, the 12/24‑volt DC powered mount (about $150) charges wirelessly, and will do so even through nonmetallic phone cases (up to 3 mm thick). You can dock and undock the phone with one hand, and an LED tells you when the phone is charging.

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“Hope ain’t a tactic.” The gritty mantra uttered by Mark Wahlberg’s ­character in the film Deepwater Horizon sums up the principle behind bilge-pump systems. Failure to maintain a way to effectively evacuate bilge water implies that you’re relying on hope that a through-hull fitting won’t fail, a livewell hose won’t come loose, or a floating timber won’t hole the boat and sink you.

I’ve been to the edge more than once, most recently on a run in heavy seas from Key West, Florida, to the Dry Tortugas. About 30 miles out, the captain noticed that the boat — a newly built 39-footer — had grown sluggish.

The crew opened the bilge hatch and were met with a gusher of seawater. We discovered later that one of the hose clamps for the livewell pump had come loose. Meanwhile, water poured in. The bilge pump, its strainers clogged with fiberglass shards from the construction process, could not keep up.

We had one last option. The captain carried a ­portable high-capacity bilge pump rigged with a long hose and a plug to connect with the ship’s 12-volt DC power. Within minutes, this “crash pump” had drained the bilge. With the water gone, the crew could find and fix the leak and clear the strainers. It’s this kind of experience that inspires deep ­appreciation for bilge pumps.

Pumping Capacity
There’s no federal requirement for bilge pumps on recreational boats, though a dewatering device is among items recommended when Coast Guard-certified examiners conduct a vessel safety check.

However, virtually every new powerboat comes with a bilge-pump system. How much bilge-pump capacity does a boat require? Most boatbuilders use guidelines from the American Boat and Yacht Council to determine the number of pumps and the gallons-per-hour capacity based on bilge ­configuration and volume.

Yet, what about older boats? How do you determine the bilge-pump capacity when refitting? If in doubt, use the same number of pumps and same capacities (if not more) as when the boat was new. If the old system is gone and there’s no clear-cut answer, the late David Pascoe, boat surveyor and author of a number of boating books published in the early 2000s, offered the following formulas based on boat length.

• 16 to 20 feet: 2,500 gph
• 21 to 26 feet: 3,000 to 3,500 gph
• 27 to 35 feet: 3,500 to 4,500 gph
• 36 to 42 feet: 6,000 gph
• 43 to 49 feet: 8,500 gph
• 50 to 59 feet: 9,000 to 10,000 gph

Don’t Skimp
Keep in mind that gph ratings for pumps from brands such as Attwood, Jabsco, Johnson, Rule, and Shurflo are measured at the pump itself and do not account for lift (the distance that the water must be pumped upward to the through-hull fitting above the waterline), drag generated by ­elements such as corrugations in the hose, or dips in supply voltage. With this in mind, count on about 60 percent of the rated capacity.

Multiple bilge pumps are better than one, because if one pump fails, others will likely remain working. You might want a second pump in a forward bilge compartment separated by a bulkhead, or even a third one in a compartment amidships.

Some skippers also equip the aft bilge area with two pumps, with one mounted 4 to 6 inches higher than the primary pump. In this configuration, the secondary pump does not see as much service as the lower primary pump, and thus tends to last longer, and stands ready to assist when things grow dire. Each pump should have a ­dedicated through-hull fitting.

Automatic Systems
Most new saltwater-fishing boats ­feature automatic bilge-pump systems with sensors to turn on pumps when bilge water rises to a certain level. Some pumps, such as the Rule-Mate 2000 (about $250), have a built-in ­automatic switch. Other pumps require the addition of a sensor such as the Shurflo float switch (about $32), which is electrically connected to the pump. You can also flip on the pump manually with a switch at the helm, but the pump can activate on its own, assuming it is receiving power, if bilge water gets too high.

I like mechanical automatic switches versus those that use electronic sensors. Most mechanical switches let you perform a physical test, while most electronic systems do not.

Automatic systems are particularly helpful in preventing sinkings when a boat is left unattended at the dock. The system should be wired directly to a battery so the automatic feature will still be active even if you turn off the main battery switch. Automatic bilge-pump systems can also warn you while you’re out fishing; it’s hard to ignore the sound of water streaming out of the through-hull fitting when the ­automatic pump kicks on.

Maintenance Matters
Check your bilge-pump system before every trip. Make sure the pump runs when you activate the manual switch. Also, reach into the bilge and lift the automatic float switch to ensure that the pump powers up. Rule’s Rule-a-Matic switches feature external levers that make it easy to conduct this test.

Malfunctions can occur for a number of reasons, including corroded or broken wires and connectors, a blown fuse, a worn-out pump, a broken float or even the switch at the helm. Fix the problem before you head out on the water.

Read Next: An Emergency Hand Pump Can Keep Your Boat Afloat

While your head’s in the bilge, check around the switch to make sure there are no obstructions (such as a bucket stowed in the bilge). Take a close look at the strainer and clear debris that might impede water flow to the pump.

Auxiliary Systems
A bilge-pump system can fail at any time, so carry a backup such as the crash pump described earlier or a manual system such as the Beckson 36-inch Thirsty-Mate portable hand pump (about $48). Whale Pumps also offers the Titan manual (about $170), which mounts permanently and will pump 28 gallons per minute.

At the very least, carry a bucket, but check ahead of time that it will allow you to scoop water out of the bilge compartment. The ubiquitous five-­gallon bucket might be too big and/or too heavy, once full, to effectively bail water. Follow these guidelines, and avoid relying solely on hope to prevent your boat from sinking.

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Most boat helms have just one clip for the VHF radio mic, but I have two clips on my boat. This gives me the option to stow the mic out of the way or keep it handy. One clip is on the ­opposite side of the helm for those days when I don’t feel like talking much on the radio. The other is closer, making the mic more easily accessible from the wheel for times when I need to communicate often. You can buy spare mic clips for as little $2, and they are compact enough to install just about anywhere on the helm with just two small self-tapping screws.

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Vertical rod stowage abaft the helm seating, along the sides of the center console, and on the aft edge of the hardtop increases the number of sticks you can carry. But sometimes the tubes are so close together that the reels bang against each other, especially in rough seas. This can scratch and gouge the finish of your reels. To avoid this, use reel covers while underway. Neoprene covers (about $10) that secure quickly with hook-and-loop fasteners (aka Velcro) not only prevent scratches, but they also cushion the reels from damage. Many tackle shops offer covers (some with their logos on them) for conventional and ­spinning reels. Avoid storing the reels with covers on for long periods at home; moisture can become trapped inside and promote corrosion.

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Clear vinyl and polycarbonate windshields, curtains and helm enclosures offer great protection from cold, wind and spray, but the flexible material tends to flap and rattle against the uprights and crossbars of the hardtop frame in strong winds and while underway. It’s annoying and tends to mar the clear material. One solution is to use nylon curtain spacers (designed mainly for Bimini enclosures) that clip to the rail and keep the clear ­material away from the metal. These are available to fit 7/8- and 1-inch ­tubing (about $2.60 per clip). I also like to add a small, clear 1¾-inch-diameter suction cup (about $1 each), attached to the clear material and resting against the spacer, to quiet the rattle.

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SeaDek nonskid deck material has become a popular upgrade on many saltwater fishing boats today. It’s soft on your feet and enhances the appearance of boat interiors. But cleaning it after a day of fishing can be tough, especially when there’s blood, as well as tracked-in dirt and grime, on the deck. Using the low setting on a power washer helps immensely. In addition, SeaDek now offers Dek Magic (about $25 for a 32-ounce spray bottle), designed specifically for cleaning the closed-foam EVA material. It works particularly well to eliminate dried fish-blood stains, I have found.

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NavPod’s carbon-fiber-finish waterproof PowerPod housings for marine electronics position a fish finder at a 20-degree viewing angle and offer the look of a flush mount with the advantages of a swivel base. Available in pre-cut models for 7-, 9- and 12-inch LCD displays from all major manufacturers, the PowerPods provide protection to the back of the electronics and help conceal wires and connectors, guarding them from UV exposure or damage. The carbon PowerPods cost $299 to $529.

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Edson took its ergonomically shaped trispoke ComfortGrip PowerWheel and updated it with marine-grade carbon-fiber construction to create the new EC3. The wheel also features a proven Santoprene rubberlike finger grip for comfort and control. The 13-inch EC3 weighs only 1.85 pounds, fits the industry-standard helm shaft and costs $1,299.

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