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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After a year off in 2021 due to Covid-19 pandemic concerns, the Miami International Boat Show is coming back for 2022 (Feb. 16-20). And it’s set to do so in spectacular style. After being exiled to Virginia Key for five years, the world’s largest boat show will return this year to its original popular venues, including the Miami Beach Convention Center and the Sea Isle Marina in downtown Miami.

Now officially known as the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, this event is the place to be if you want see and demo the latest in boats, marine engines and gear, including marine electronics. You’ll find electronics on display inside the brand-new convention center at factory exhibits and retailers such as The GPS Store. To help you get ready for the show, here are some of the latest, must-see new marine electronics to look for in Miami.

Dometic SeaStar Standard Trim Tabs

Dometic Marine’s new SeaStar standard trim tab system features an intelligent actuator system and intuitive dial for precision ride control. Turn the dial in the direction you want to level the boat to quickly to adjust the ride. There’s also single-press manual Bow Up and Bow Down inputs and a Favorite button that saves a desired tab position. Bright LEDs indicate port and starboard tab positions. The controller also features Auto Brightness to sense ambient light and adjusts dial illumination. The rugged electric actuators feature a planetary gearbox, high-torque DC motor and ball-screw mechanism for durability and fast response. MSRP starts at $1,115; dometic.com.

New Furuno Dome Radar

For 2022, Furuno is adding a new model to its popular NXT radar series. The DRS2DNXT features a compact 19-inch radome, and is compatible with brand’s popular NavNet TZtouch, TZtouch2, or TZtouch3 MFDs. The dome radar systems boast the same features and modes as provided by larger 24-inch NXT, including Furuno’s NXT solid-state Doppler technology, known as Target Analyzer. With a 48-nautical-mile range, the DRS2DNNXT radars also offers RezBoost to sharpen the target returns, achieving the equivalent resolutions of a larger antenna array. The new radar also features a bird mode to automatically adjust gain and clutter to detect flocks or even individual birds feeding on baitfish. $2,400; furunousa.com

Garmin Boat Switch

Garmin’s new Boat Switch is an all-in-one digital switching solution lets you operate up to 20 circuits right from your compatible Garmin GPSMap or EchoMap chartplotter instead of using physical buttons or switches. It offers four different switch types, including on/off for bilge pumps and nav lights, press-and-hold dimmers for cabin lights, momentary outputs for horns and timers to circulate your livewell pumps. Plus, it provides a built-in tank sender detection and calibration for as many as four tanks — including fuel, water and graywater. It installs without special tools and allows you to easily add and name switches on your chartplotter display. $999.99; garmin.com

Fusion XS Series Wake Tower Speakers

Fusion XS Series Wake Tower Speakers amplify every moment on the water with crystal-clear audio and vivid multicolor LED illumination. Affordably priced and designed for a variety of boat applications – from wake and tow boats to center consoles and pontoons – the XS Series Wake Tower Speakers feature powerful audio reproduction and clarity, even at high volumes, plus a compact design and multiple mounting options for added versatility around the boat. Fusion True-Marine engineering and an IP67 rating means the XS Series Wake Tower Speakers are built to perform season-after-season in harsh marine environments. $449.99; fusionentertainment.com

SiOnyx Nightwave D1

The Nightwave D1 from SiOnyx is an affordable, compact fixed-mount camera built around SiOnyx’s patented Black Silicon CMOS sensor. Generating color images in 1080p, Nightwave requires only faint starlight as the sole illumination source to help boaters see and identify low-lying hazards such as timber or lobster-pot buoys in the water as far out as 150 yards. With a 40-degree field of view, Nightwave covers a wide swath over the waters ahead. Measuring five inches in diameter and six inches tall and weighing just under two pounds, the IP67-waterproof-rated Nightwave camera is designed to mount on hardtop in either top-up or top-down configurations. It also has a ¼-inch 20-thread receiver for using the camera with a Ram mount. To network with major brands of multifunction displays, the Nightwave D1 features an analog video cable connection that plugs into the analog video port of an MFD. The camera also offers Wi-Fi video streaming to mobile devices using the SiOnyx Nightwave app. $1,495; sionyx.com

Simrad NSX Series MFDs

Simrad has unveiled its latest generation of MFDs—the NSX series—with a new operating system that features additional functionality, easier integrations and support for a wide range of third-party applications. Boating anglers can utilize NSX with Active Imaging sonar, chirp sonar, SideScan, DownScan and FishReveal.  Available in 7-, 9- and 12-inch touch-screen sizes, the MFDs feature high-resolution bathymetry showing contour lines down to one-foot interval with compatible charts. NSX also includes a Setup Wizard that makes it easier and faster for boaters to include displays of engine and tank parameters, optimize the autopilot, calibrate the radar and more. Boaters can edit NSX displays with a drag-and-drop system to suit their needs. NSX features extensive 3^rd party app integration to support the widest range of functionality. Starting at $1,049; simrad-yachting.com.

Siren Marine/Yamaha Outboards

Siren Marine will display with the Yamaha Outboards at booth MB2200 for the first time after the recent acquisition by Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. You can check out an interactive display of Connected Boat technology and Siren Marine system integrate with Yamaha’s CASE Strategy (Connected, Autonomous, Shared/Service & Electrification), designed to make boating better and easier. Siren Marine’s Smart Boat Monitoring system allows boaters to remotely track their boats’ location, bilge pump activity, battery levels, water levels and more. Together with the Mobile App, the Siren 3 Pro system provides peace of mind through real-time data and alerts. $749.99; sirenmarine.com

Suzuki/Furuno Fish Hunter Autopilot

Suzuki Marine has teamed with Furuno to unveil new Fish Hunter Drive autopilot capabilities for all Suzuki “drive-by-wire” four-stroke outboards from 115hp to 350hp. It works with single or multiple engine installations. Furuno’s NavPilot 300 can now plug-and-play with the new Suzuki Precision Control (SPC) system to deliver exclusive features like Speed Control, Point Lock, Route Smoothing and Sabiki Lock. These features let the autopilot electronically manage shift and throttle to maintain boat speed, automatically stop at fishing spots, maintain heading while drifting, or hold position over a wreck or bait schools.  It will be featured at the Suzuki Marine booth MB1914; suzukimarine.com.

Raymarine Cyclone Radar

Winner of the Editor’s Choice Award in the Bonnier 2022 Best Elex Awards program, the Cyclone chirp pulse-compression solid-state radar series from Raymarine sports a radical open-array scanner with the profile of an aircraft wing. Designed to fit onto a wider range of vessels, the scanners are only 13.2 inches tall and weigh 51 pounds, and the aerodynamic design allows it to start and run in wind speeds up to 100 knots. Cyclone will be offered with a 3-, 4- or 6-foot antenna arrays and with either a 55-watt/6 kW-equivalent or 110-watt/12kW-equivalent pedestal and variable rotation speeds up to 60 rpm. It features both Doppler and conventional scan modes, as well as RangeFusion technology lets Cyclone combine short- and long-range pulses into a single high-clarity images that requires only one pane to view. A 50-target ARPA target tracking system is standard on all models. Cyclone models network seamlessly with Raymarine Axiom, Axiom+, Axiom Pro, and Axiom XL chartplotter multifunction displays.  Starting $6,999.99 for a 3-foot 55-watt model, and topping out at $9,749.99 for a 110-watt 6-foot model; raymarine.com.

Icom IC-M510 VHF with WLAN

VHF radio and mobile phones have merged Icom’s sleek, state-of-the-art IC-M510 fixed-mount VHF with WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) functionality.

The M510 offers built-in wireless command and control of the radio using a smart device such as mobile phone via Icom’s WLAN function. By downloading the Icom RS-M500 app on an Android or iOS device, you can turn your mobile phone into a wireless mic or a remote controller for the M510 VHF. This serves as a substitution for the Icom remote CommandMic using the phone’s Wi-Fi function. The M510 VHF can connect with up to three smart devices. But this VHF offers many other features, as well, including an available integrated AIS receiver to show real-time AIS traffic information on the M510’s excellent color TFT LCD display. With built-in GPS, this VHF also can guide you to a designated waypoint. It allows you to assign up 100 destinations as waypoints. $599.99; icomamerica.com

Koden Multi-Function Intelligent Display

Koden’s new KM-1100 and KM1210 Multi-Function Intelligent Display Systems are engineered to bring professional-grade navigation and data management networking to a range of commercial and recreational vessels, and will be initially offered with a 10.4-inch display (KM-1100) and 21.5-inch display (KM-1210).  Both offer a feature-rich Android operating system and an advanced non-air-gap, multi-point capacitive touch screen for viewing from any angle. The units include a built-in AIS transceiver with AIS targets overlaid onto charts and variable range rings for dynamic tracking.  The MFDs are designed to control advanced Koden black box sonar, sounder and radar modules The KM-1100 and KM-1210 also support a variety of electronic chart platforms, including S-57, S-63 ENC Charts and C-Map Max. The system also makes it easy to overlay satellite images and user layers onto the charts, providing additional critical data and a three-dimensional presentation. Starting at $1,699 for the KM-1100, $3,699 for the KM-1210; si-tex.com.

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As we combed the docks at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center and the displays at the Broward County Convention Center, we found these 10 new center console and dual console boat models. (Note: Though some of these display models appear to showcase fewer fishing features, they can be customized for an angler’s needs.)

Albemarle 30 Express

Featuring 64 square feet of cockpit space, this express boat gives anglers plenty of room to work lines and fight fish. The transom features a 30-gallon livewell, and two 56-gallon fish boxes reside in the cockpit sole.

The 30 carries 320 gallons of fuel and comes with two berths for longer, overnight trips.

LOA: 30 ft. 10 in.; Beam: 10 ft. 6 in.; Transom Deadrise: 24 deg.; Draft: 2 ft. 4 in.; Dry Weight: 13,000 lb.; Fuel: 320 gal.; Max HP: 900 hp

Blackfin 232DC

This crossover boat delivers fishing features such as a broad cockpit, an insulated 18-gallon livewell with cutting board lid and lights, seven rod holders and three storage boxes, but also delivers U-shaped bow seating, a full transom bench, a Fusion stereo and a telescoping swim ladder.

Options include a pressurized washdown faucet/transom shower, and a bow filler and casting platform.

LOA: 21 ft. 6 in.; Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.; Transom Deadrise: 20 deg.; Draft: N/A; Dry Weight: N/A; Fuel: 92 gal.; Max HP: 300 hp

Contender 44 CB

Inspired by the Northeast’s diehard anglers, Contender’s new 44 Canyon Berth combines fishability with speed and performance. It can carry outboards producing as much as 2,000 hp and features a console berth for overnighting.

Capable of carrying 600 gallons of fuel, the 44 CB can be customized to meet an angler’s needs.

LOA: 43 ft. 10 in.; Beam: 12 ft.; Transom Deadrise: 22.7 deg.; Draft: 2 ft. 3 in.; Weight (loaded): 22,300 lb.; Fuel: 600 gal.; Max HP: 2,000 hp

Dusky 227 XFV

Dusky’s 227 XFV comes standard with a livewell forward of the console, fold-down transom seating, saltwater washdown and a 9-inch Lowrance display. Equipped with the Dusky Drive (outboard bracket/swim platform), the 22-footer can fish all day or focus on family fun.

LOA: 22 ft. 7 in.; Beam: 8 ft. 2 in.; Transom Deadrise: 20 deg.; Draft (hull only): 1 ft.; Hull weight: 3,100 lb.; Fuel: 60 gal.; Max HP: 225 hp

Everglades 455cc

Born with fishability and luxury in mind, the new quad-powered Everglades flagship 455cc comes with twin 50-gallon livewells, and multiple fish boxes. Built in cooperation with Garmin engineers, the big beamy fish boat features a proprietary digital helm system that includes three 22-inch displays. Everglades also says its 455cc delivers a competition-inspired deck design that promotes tournament success.

LOA: 45 ft.; Beam: 13 ft. 3 in.; Transom Deadrise: 25 deg.; Draft: 2 ft. 11 in.; Dry weight: 28,000 lb. (w/ engines); Fuel: 683 gal.; Max HP: 1,800 hp

Intrepid 427 Nomad FE

Intrepid says its new 427 Nomad FE and its stepped-hull design offer performance, comfort and versatility. The 42-footer accommodates twin, triple or quad outboards and can be customized to add fishing features such as livewells and a tackle station.

LOA: 42 ft. 7 in.; Beam: 12 ft. 8 in.; Transom Deadrise: N/A; Draft: N/A.; Dry weight: N/A; Fuel: 700 gal.; Max HP: N/A

Pursuit S 358

Filling a niche between Pursuit’s S 328 and S 378 models, the new S 358 features fishing amenities such as 12 flush-mount rod holders, padded horizontal rod racks, a tackle center, a 32-gallon livewell and twin 27-gallon fish boxes, as well as generous seating and a cabin with a berth and an enclosed head compartment.

Twin Yamaha 425 XTOs propel this boat to speeds topping 51 mph. At cruise, the S 358 delivers 1.06 mpg.

LOA: 37 ft. 4 in.; Beam: 11 ft. 4 in.; Transom Deadrise: 22 deg.; Draft: 2 ft. 5 in.; Dry weight: 15,600 lb. (w/ twin Yamaha 425 XTOs) Fuel: 343 gal.; Max HP: 850 hp

Scout 231 XSB

Scout’s third XS model — the 231 XSB bay boat — complements the popular 231 XS and 251 XSS models. XSB options include up to five removable backrests, a new and innovative through-hull bow anchor pole, and two 26-gallon recirculating livewells/release wells. Anglers can also choose from three leaning-post options and add additional rod holders.

LOA: 23 ft. 2 in.; Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.; Transom Deadrise: 14 deg.; Draft: 1 ft. 2.5 in.; Dry weight: 2,800 lb. (w/o engine) Fuel: 65 gal.; Max HP: 400 hp

Solace 415 CS

Solace Boats partnered with Volvo Penta to introduce a new center console with a diesel Aquamatic DPI Inboard System. With the twin diesels, this boat gains extended range — up to 490 miles with the standard 444-gallon tank. The 415CS package includes Volvo Penta interceptors and active ride control as well as automatic trim and list.

While this boat immediately appeals to family cruisers, it also comes with plenty of fishing options including a 60-gallon livewell and three fish boxes.

LOA: 45 ft. (including swim platform); Beam: 12 ft. 3 in.; Transom Deadrise: 23 deg.; Draft: 2 ft. 3 in.; Dry weight: 18,500 lb.; Fuel: 444 gal.; Max HP: 880 hp

World Cat 400CC-X

With its trademark wide catamaran beam, the 400CC-X offers more than 200 square feet of usable deck space. The 40-footer can be equipped with multiple fishing options such as a 60-gallon aquarium livewell or a below-deck 80-gallon well, oversize fish boxes, outriggers or a hard-top rocket launcher. In addition, numerous transom modules are available with bait-prep areas and smaller livewells.

LOA: 39 ft. 8 in.; Beam: 12 ft. 8 in.; Transom Deadrise: N/A (cat); Draft: 1 ft. 9 in.; Dry weight: 14,500 lb. (w/ power); Fuel: 604 gal.; Max HP: 1,200 hp

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Although this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show looked and felt significantly different, due to the pandemic, nothing could stop the parade of new fiberglass aimed at a flourishing boating market.

Our staff members who attended noticed reduced crowds, at least during the week, and masks were mandatory. With fewer exhibitors, show managers dropped the Broward County Convention Center as a venue. Many of the fish-boat builders were moved to the main show location at Bahia Mar Yachting Center.

Despite the obstacles, many builders debuted brand-new boats. Others brought still-new-for-2020 models. Here are 13 great center- and dual-consoles and fisharounds we saw at the docks and under the tents. (Boats are listed alphabetically by builder.)

Boston Whaler 280 Vantage

Caymas 401 CC

Contender 44FA

Everglades 235cc

Invincible 46 Catamaran

Jupiter 32

Pursuit S 428

Robalo R360

Scout 425 LXF

SeaVee 450Z

Solace 41CS

Yellowfin 54 Offshore

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We definitely saw a continuation of several trends such as dual consoles and catamarans. All builders, whether creating small 18-footers or giant, quad- and quint-powered luxury fish boats, also have kept an eye on family comforts while remembering the hardcore anglers. We rarely see a center console these days without forward seating, even loungers, and a fold-out transom bench.

We noticed too that many boats in the 30-foot-and-up range displayed a trend toward minimalism at the helm. Glass-bridge displays, once only characteristic on big sport-fishers, are now common as electronics network with all onboard systems, eliminating the need for multiple switches and controls.

All of this makes for great boat shopping whether in-person or online. Enjoy!

Albemarle 31 DC

Boston Whaler 325 Conquest

Carolina Skiff 21 LS

Caymas 341CC

Cobia 330 DC

Contender 44 FA

Crevalle 33 CSF

EdgeWater 340 CC

Everglades 340 DC

Fountain 34TE

Grady-White Canyon 336

Hatteras GT65 Carolina

Invincible 35 Cat

Jupiter 32

NauticStar 191 Hybrid

Pursuit S 378

Regulator 24XO

Scout 305 LXF

SeaVee 390Z

Stamas 31T Aventura

World Cat 325CC

Yellowfin 34 Offshore

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Blackfin 332 Center Console (new)

Boston Whaler 380 Realm (new)

Cobia 344CC

Contender 35ST

Grady-White Canyon 376

HCB Center Console Yachts 65 Estrella (new)

Invincible 37 Catamaran (new)

Jupiter 26FS

Pursuit S 288 Sport (new)

Regulator 41

Robalo R272 (new)

Scout 380LXF

SeaVee 322Z (new)

Southport 33FE

Wellcraft 352 Fisherman (new)

World Cat 280 CC-X and DC-X

Yellowfin 34

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