Miami 2022: Opening Day Wrap

The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show opened yesterday at the Miami Beach Convention Center, One Herald Plaza, Sea Isle Marina, Museum Park Marina and IGY Yacht Haven Grande.

Boating Writers International held its annual meeting and Writing Contest Awards program before the show opened. Recognition was given to marine journalists across 15 categories. The Active Interest Media Marine Group, of which Soundings Trade Only belongs, took five first-place awards, eight second-place awards, four third-place awards and 12 certificates of merit.

Correct Craft division Ingenity Electric launched the 23 E, an electric dayboat built on what the company calls a modular “skateboard” platform. The hull can be adapted and built in several models. It features a 220-kW electric motor, 63- or 126-kWh battery capacity, 90-minute fast charging and a forward-facing drive. Performance figures were unavailable at press time. The boat will enter production in March.

Electronics manufacturer Raymarine held a press conference to discuss continued R&D investment from its parent company Teledyne, supply-chain updates and its staffing strategy. The company also showed its new YachtSense integrated digital control and monitoring system.

Formula announced it will re-enter the center console market this year with the 387 Fish and 387 Sport. Both models will ride a 38-foot, 7-inch stepped hull with 23 degrees of transom deadrise. Power options include triple 300-hp Mercury Verados, triple 450-hp Mercury Racing outboards or twin 600-hp Verados.

Indmar Marine Engines revealed a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost + EcoJet package that was developed for the pontoon segment as an outboard and sterndrive alternative. The turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine produces 310 hp at 4,800 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine manufacturer also revealed new Raptor engine styling.

Boston Whaler launched the 360 Outrage center console, which includes an advanced digital switching and control system, Simrad electronics, Mercury Joystick Piloting and an Advanced Fathom electrification system. The boat is available with standard triple 300-hp Mercury outboards or with optional triple 450-hp Mercury FourStrokes or twin 600-hp Mercury Verados.

Dometic held a press conference to discuss the rebranding of its Sierra Marine segment, which includes a new logo, grouping of its separate brands under the Sierra name, and a new website that makes ordering parts and accessories easier.

Harman announced it is entering the marine audio market with partner Cobalt Boats. A new line of audio products features a waterproof amp and system components that do not rely on RNC connectors and extensive cabling, which the company says saves installation time.

Yamaha Marine revealed plans for a Marine Innovation Center in Kennesaw, Ga., and a substantial expansion of its testing facility in Bridgeport, Ala. The expansion is due in part to Yamaha’s recent acquisition of Siren Marine, which produces monitoring systems. Yamaha plans to use Siren technology in its engine systems and for OEM applications, and has included it in a new Yamaha Marine Connected Division. The company earlier in the day outlined its Rightwaters program, which with partner Nexus Fuels reduces polyethylene and polypropylene sheet packaging waste into its base components. The company last year recycled 10,000 pounds of the materials.