Natasa Mulahalilovic is PSR MarineLink Product Manager
Emiliano Marzoli is Senior Business Development Manager – Europe
Dalibor Sablic is Senior Business Development Manager – Europe
SUMMARY: The general mood at Boot 2020 this year was very positive. Most builders said they had a very successful nautical 2018/2019 year, and most said they are looking forward to a good year in 2020. The show drew 240,000 visitors who had an opportunity to meet 1,900 exhibitors from 71 countries.
The Sailing boats segment is coming back on track, motorboats of all sizes are doing well, the super yachts segment remains strong, and inflatable boats and tenders have gained in popularity. The optimistic view for 2020 is based on good year-end results, continuous investments in new technologies, materials, equipment, design and exciting new boat concepts.
Modern designs, completely new looks, use of light and solid material, work on multi-functionality and openness of the boats is visible everywhere and in all segments. Boats are open more than ever, providing more space and light, and bringing riders closer to the water.
The environmental awareness is growing, and a new generation of boaters is looking for cleaner solutions, not just comfort. That’s why the sailing segment is gaining ground, electric boats are appealing to the general curiosity, and small and medium motorboats are more attractive than in last 10 years when the trend was towards bigger motor yachts and super yachts.
17 Halls of Boats, Boats and More Boats
Duesseldorf, Germany–The Power Systems Research (PSR) team spent several days exploring the 17 halls at this year’s Boot 2020 Show, reviewing products and talking with pleasure boat builders, traders and other industry professionals about the latest achievements, innovations and trends.
The 51st edition of Boot 2020, Europe’s largest boat show, wrapped up January 26, after drawing attendance of 240,000 for the nine-day event. People came mainly from Europe, but they came from all over the world, as well.
Products featured at the show were small boats up to 10 meters, 10-20 meter motorboats, inflatable boats, luxury tenders and performance boats, medium and large motor yachts, super yachts, sail boats and yachts, catamarans, equipment, accessories, other maritime products and services.
The traditional sailing boat segment is changing in both performance and comfort. The same boat with small modifications can be easily transformed for either regattas or cruising experiences. Builders are looking for innovations in materials, structure of boats, interior design and equipment that has multiple functions.
Catamarans continue to be in high demand. Often, they are built exclusively for chartering companies, but they frequently are built for the end user as well. Catamarans built for chartering are functional, spacious, and pretty much basic in design. At the other extreme, the family version is more luxurious and comfortable.
Catamarans for chartering are produced in hundreds of units annually in shipyards in Europe and elsewhere. Luxury equipped catamarans have much lower production numbers but are more profitable. Luxury catamarans are expected to see a slight growth in units and important growth in revenues for 2020, while chartering catamaran manufacturers expect significant growth in produced units of as much as 20%.
Motorboats and yachts of all sizes are doing well. Boats up to 15 meters are attractive to a large number of European and international buyers. The emphasis is on good quality-price ratio and convenience in navigation, maneuverability in marinas and maintenance.
The general takeaway from the show is that the new generation of boaters is looking to enjoy nature and the water, not comfort inside the boat. Combing both produces a winner.
The super yacht segment is stable. But 2019 was politically and economically unstable because of Brexit, and the USA and China trading conflicts. That is why the segment produced fewer orders than was was expected.
Electric boats are becoming increasing popular, especially those used for day boating on lakes and rivers in Central and Northern Europe. We find many different electric solutions now, and technology is continuously advancing. The most sophisticated products in the segment come from builders in Austria and Scandinavia.
Outboard boats are very appealing to the younger generation looking for a dynamic day boating experience on European waters, and outboard boats of all sizes are in high demand. Outboard engines are considered more convenient and technically easier to work on, maintenance is less expensive, and the engine itself does not take up interior space, improving boat storage.
Overall, we would say that the marine pleasure industry is strong. Boat builders are focused on innovations in design, materials, technology and technical features, all making twenty-first century boating easier and more accessible to a larger public.
MOTORBOATS and YACHTS
FRAUSCHER, Austria. Frauscher has a long tradition of producing motor and electric day sports cruisers. The latest motor segment model is the 14 meter 1414 Demon air yacht, presented at the show, following its world premiere at the Cannes show. This is a modern performance boat powered by two Volvo Penta 440 hp or 520 hp engines. The company is focused on using light carbon fiber materials to improve flexibility and performance.
Frauscher sports cruisers are equipped with diesel stern drive engines with a gasoline option. Both options sell well. Diesel boats are powered with the Volvo Penta engines, and Mercury Mercruiser engines are used for the gasoline option.
The Electric boats segment was developed six years ago in collaboration with Torqueedo. Boats are up to 8 meters in length. The latest model is the 740 Mirage Air powered with 60 kW engine. There is growing interest in electric boats because of the green lifestyle and increased regulations on the lakes.
The company’s annual production is 80 to 100 units, and the electric boat segment makes up about 10% of the total production. It is developing fast, and Frauscher expects growth of 10% in 2020. Electric boats have a positive trend in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. This type of boat is highly recommended and supported by local governments for ecological reasons.
Steeler, The Netherlands. Steeler is a producer of custom built sports cruisers, trawlers and motor yachts located in the Netherlands. A long-established boat builder, the company offers high-quality performance boats made of aluminum and steel, in length up to 25 meters. About 60 larger yachts have been delivered in the last 10 years. Yearly production is up to 10 units.
Yachts are equipped with Volvo Penta, Cummins and MAN engines. The company plans to increase sales of bigger boats to help improve its profitability. Production is expected to remain at the same level.
SACS, Italy. SACS manufactures luxury speed inflatable boats. The boat displayed at the show was the latest Strider. It is a MAXI RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) 15 meters long that mainly is used as a tender for super yachts. The company is targeting production of 12 units of this model. The boat is powered with two Volvo Penta D6-440 hp stern drive engines. Outboard engines are offered as an option.
The company’s core business is the Rebel range inflatable boats in the length of 11-15 m. Yearly production is up to 100 units. The outlook for 2020 is very positive. Inflatable boats are in demand as single day or short term cruisers or tenders for super yachts because they offer comfort and performance at the same time.
Galeon, Poland. The Polish leader of luxury motorboats and yachts presented a new boat at the show, a 400 flybridge. Although not the largest boat, it completes the offerings for 2020. The builder says that the medium range boat market is not gone as we thought few years ago. There is still an interest in boats up to 15 meters. They offer enough space and comfort for family cruising, and navigation and maintenance are easier and less expensive. The latest model is 12.5 meters long and is powered by two Volvo Penta 440 hp engines. The company plans to sell five or six units of this model this year.
Galeon’s largest yacht of 24 meters was launched in 2018. Since then, the company has not constructed any boats of that size. Its main niche remains medium-sized boats. The 15 meter motorboat is the best seller. Galeon exports 99% of its production into its major markets of Australia, USA, Germany, France and Croatia.
We visited the 680 Flybridge, the luxury motorboat 20.99 meters long. It is a spacious motorboat powered with two Volvo Penta D13-1000 hp engines.
Galeon builds outboard boats branded Galia and trawlers branded Magellan for Italian builder Azimut. The trawler is 16.9 m long and is powered with two Cummins QSC 8.3 500 MHP engines; yearly production is 10 to 15 units.
Ferretti Group, Italy. Every year, Ferretti Group has one of the most attractive and impressive stands, usually displaying Ferretti, Pershing, Riva and Wally models. This year was no different. The group offers a huge range of sports cruisers, motor yachts, tenders and super yachts built in seven shipyards in Italy. According to the marketing manager, the most popular boat for several years has been the Riva 88.
The group acquired Wally Yachts in order to cover the outboard boat segment that is becoming more popular in Europe and is the most popular segment in North America.
The 2019 results were excellent for the group. Ferretti, Riva, Pershing and Wally are expected to exceed last year results by 2% to 5%.
The mega yacht and super yacht segment remain stable. With the Ferretti super yachts, the group is one of the top 10 super yacht producers in the world.
Sirena Marine, Turkey. Sirena Yachts is one of the fast-developing super yacht manufacturers, and is taking a high position in the marine pleasure industry worldwide. Brands such as Azuree, Euphoria and Sirena are well recognized worldwide. The builder is developing the dealer network globally which improves its visibility and sales.
Sirena sold 15 yachts in 2019, and plans to increase production by two units in 2020. Cooperation with famous designers of hulls and interiors helps it produce successful products.
Yachts are modern and spacious, and emphasize full comfort for its users. The model presented at the show, the new 88 model, is a three-level boat, 26.81 meters long, and has a swimming pool and jacuzzi. It is designed for family use, and features dual hull technology, with hybrid carbon fiber lamination applied to the structure for increased strength. The yacht is powered by two 1550 hp MAN V12 engines. Three units were sold in first few days of the show.
The new 58 model is a sporty trawler 18 meters long powered by two 650 hp to 850 hp Volvo Penta engines.
Princess Yacht, UK. The UK Boat builder of motor and super yachts was one of the most popular at the show with its presentation of both old and the latest models of motorboats and yachts. We toured the new flybridge Y78. It is a 24.8 meter luxury yacht powered by two Man V12, 1800 hp engines. Princess Yacht maintains a consistent style that continues to sell well.
Cranchi, Italy. Cranchi Yachts, the famous Italian manufacturer of sports cruisers, motor yachts and super yachts, celebrated its 150th birthday at the show. For the occasion, Cranchi presented a 25.15 m super yacht. The yacht, named Settantotto, is powered by three Volpvo Penta IPS 1350 engines, 3000 hp in total.
Windy, Norway. The latest model, Shamal 37, was launched at the show. It is a modern and specious sports boat 11.25 m long. The new boat design represents “21st century style and comfort,” says the company. The boat develops speed close to 45 knots and is powered by two Volvo Penta D6-440 hp engines.
The company’s management is very optimistic about the sale of the new boat, and is forecasting modest growth comparing to 2018/2019 production level. The company’s 100 employees produce about 60 boats annually at its shipyard in northern Sweden.
Arcadia, Italy. Arcadia Yachts, a 10-year-old company producing motor yachts has launched the project SHERPA XL at the show and is ready for launching Sherpa XXL in 2021. Sherpa XL is equipped with two Volvo Penta IPS 1350 engines developing a top speed of 23 knots. Sherpa XL is an eco-friendly 24-meter yacht equipped with a solar panel that guarantees the 3kW of energy enough for the kitchen equipment powering. Arcadia Yachts manufacture tree to four units of exceptional yachts in length from 24 to 35 meters a year.
Bluegame, San Lorenzo Group, Italy. We had a great opportunity to talk with the inventor of the Bluegame brand. Luca Santella is a yacht architect with 20 years of professional sailing experience. As a member of the national sailing team, he took part in two Olympic games. Deeply involved in the pleasure boating industry, his goal now is to build a new generation boat containing the latest innovations.
The company’s new concept features a low deck, open space, plenty of lights, functionality, and a simple and modern interior. The boat must be environmentally friendly and must feature performance and comfort.
One of the yachts presented at the show is the latest innovation, the model BGX70, which is based on the new concept requirements. It was launched at the 2019 Cannes Show. The 21.86-meter yacht is fully supported by the Volvo Penta IPS system and is powered by two IPS 1200 engines. The yacht can be used for a long-distance cruising, day adventures, fishing or as a tender.
Blugame is finalizing a new project planned to be launched in September 2020. Production capacity for the company finds is about nine yachts a year.
San Lorenzo Yachts, Italy. This important super yacht manufacturer was very busy at the show. The company’s new 29-meter super yacht displayed here attracted visitors and potential clients who admired its exceptional beauty. Sanlorenzo’s yachts are fully customized. Although, the order book exceeds 60 boats a year, the builder prefers to work simultaneously on 45 to 50 projects.
Brizo Yacht, Finland. Development of the explorer yacht named VIRUS was started as a pilot project in 2012, and the completed project finally was presented to potential buyers at the show. It is a massive yacht, 33 meters long and designed for missions in all conditions. The company is capable of producing two units a year. Engines most suitable for the boat are Scannia, Volvo Penta and MAN. Besides this impressive project, the company has a regular line of work boats.
Domani, Belgium. Domani Yachts was founded several years ago in Belgium with a goal to build innovative sailing sport boats powered by electricity. Sailing models S30 and S30L are being developed in collaboration with a Dutch partner and are built in the Netherlands.
The first motor electric boat, the E32 was launched at this year’s Boot show. It is a modern, full electric, zero emissions Chase boat 9.5 meters long. Powered with a 50-kW engine, the boat can run 100 nautical miles on a single charge.
The company plans to sell at least five E32 boats this year and expects significant growth in demand in the next two to five years. Domani’s designer sees the future in electric boats because they respect nature and the environment in general. Motivated by growing public interest, new models of electric boats are in full development. The E32 Targa will offer sun protection and a solar energy option.
SAILING BOATS and YACHTS
A-More, Croatia. Croatian builder A-More was established five years ago to produce high quality and high performance charter sailing boats. The boats now are built on the Croatian coast. The company displayed its two latest models at the show, the More 40 and More 55 powered with Yanmar 30 Hp and Yanmar 80 or 110 hp engines. The Volvo Penta engine is an option.
The More 55 is described by the boat developer, Leo Curin, as “a perfect performance-cruising boat easily converted into a great pleasure craft.” The company plans to produce 10 to 12 boats in 2020 and says it is very optimistic about the future.
Hanse Group, Germany. The Hanse Yachts Group includes under its umbrella three sailing boat brands, Hanse, Dehler and Moody and two motorboat brands, Fjord and Sealine. In November 2018, the group acquired Prestige, the French catamaran builder.
Jens Gerhardt, CEO of the group, talked with us about changes and trends in the pleasure marine market, saying the sailing segment is coming back after 10 years of suffering, thanks to innovations that make navigation easier. A new generation of boaters wants to get closer to nature in all respects, and sailing boats meet this need, since they are less polluting than motorboats and yachts.
The latest innovation is a high performance sailing boat, the Dehler 30. It is a 10.30 meter sailing boat designed to meet the high requirements of racing and cruising. It’s powered with a Volvo Penta 10 hp diesel engine.
The group manufactures about 570 boats annually with a ratio 60:40 in favor of sailing boats. Gerhardt of the group sees the pleasure marine market as stable and expects a slight growth of 1-2% in 2020.
Bavaria Yachts, Germany. After having financial difficulties the last few years, the company is trying to reorganize its production and is focusing its marketing strategy on the best sellers in its divisions of sailing and motor boats.
In the long tradition of the company, Bavaria’s core business was sailing boats, and this business now has been relaunched. Entering the motor yachts segment with a large range in size and style of boats Bavaria lost its original identity. At one time, it was one of the major sailing boat OEMs worldwide, producing 3500 units annually. Production dropped to about 350 in 2019, but this year’s production goal is up to 450 sailing and motor boats.
Despite the company’s past difficulties, German boaters showed a huge interest for Bavaria’s boats displayed at this year’s show.
Fountaine Pajot & Dufour, France. Fountaine Pajot is one of the biggest manufacturers of catamarans in the world. It is considered to be the second largest builder in the industry, trailing only Beneteau Yachts. Fountaine acquired Dufour in 2018, and together the companies have more than 50 years of experience with shipyards in the region of La Rochel. The group has 1100 employees producing luxury catamarans and sailing boats using the latest technologies.
The group sold yachts with a value of 207 million Eur in 2018/2019, up 6.9% over the previous nautical year. Production of the group is 600 units, and planned growth for 2020 is 15-20%.
The company launched two new models in 2019, Elba 45 and MY 40, and the 59 model is planned to be launched in 2020. Investment is planned for a new 6200 m2 facility worth 25 million EUR. All Fountaine Pajot boats are equipped with the Volvo Penta engines. The new 59 model will be powered with 110 or 150 hp engines.
The model displayed at the show was the Astrea 42, an elegant and spacious sailing catamaran powered with two 30 or 40 hp Volvo Penta engines
The motor Catamaran segment is growing based on demand, but it is not expected to reach more than 10% of the total company’s production in 2020. The company is recognized as a luxury sailing catamarans builder globally and plans to keep the reputation.
Volvo Penta Honored for Innovation
Several awards for best motor and sailing boats were presented at the show with Volvo Penta taking one of the top prizes. Volvo Penta won the prize for Innovation for its new DPI drive.
Johan Inden, President of Volvo Penta Europe, comments at the award ceremony: “This recognition reinforces our longstanding commitment to innovation in the boating industry. We are in a technology revolution, and our innovation focus is to use the new technologies to further enhance the easy boating experience.
“At the same time, delivering power into the water in an efficient way continues to be a basic need for boating. Our new, future focused DPI delivers a winning combination of innovation and efficiency to enhance the experience for both present and future boaters.” PSR
