Boot Düsseldorf 2026 welcomed more than 200,000 visitors over nine days (Jan. 17-25) and hosted about 1,500 exhibitors from 120 countries. The show was about the same size as that of the 2025 event, but last year’s show drew exhibitors from only about 67 countries.
Boot once again confirmed its position as the world’s leading indoor boat show. The event covered the entire spectrum of the marine industry, including motorboats, yachts and superyachts, catamarans, sailing boats, outboard and electric boats, engines, power generation systems, equipment and components, as well as touristic services, charter companies, and boating clubs.
Market Trends
Clear market trends emerged during the show. There is a strong shift toward outboard-powered boats, driven by increased usable space, lower maintenance requirements, ease of operation, and more competitive pricing. These boats are mainly used for day trips or short one- to two-day cruises, while long-distance boating currently appears less attractive to many buyers.
The luxury yacht sector continues to perform well. Interest in medium-sized boats with inboard engines remains stable, but sales are more challenging, reflecting ongoing economic and political uncertainty. Many manufacturers described 2025 as a difficult year marked by caution and observation.
Boating demand overall remains strong, particularly in the charter sector. Charter companies are performing very well, and catamaran manufacturers focused on charter fleets reported growth in their order books. Traditional sailing yachts, however, are under increasing pressure to evolve and adapt to the expectations of a new generation of boaters. As a result, many brands are revising their designs and introducing electric propulsion, appealing to environmentally conscious and slow-cruising sailors.
Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to remain a relatively flat year, with no significant growth compared to 2025. Boat manufacturers are therefore concentrating on developing new models, implementing innovative technologies, advancing electric and hybrid solutions, and strengthening strategic partnerships, positioning themselves to respond quickly when market demand strengthens again.
Wide Range of Products
A wide range of leading international brands were present, including Azimut-Benetti, Ferretti Group, Princess, Sunseeker, Sanlorenzo, Cranchi, Galeon, Sirena Marine, Delphia, Cobra Yachts, Solaris Yachts, Grand Banks, Frauscher, Saxdor, Axopar, Elling, Santa Severa, Williams Tenders, Pure Yachts, Catana Group, Beneteau, Bavaria Yachts, Hanse Yachts, Saffier, and many others.
Several important new models were launched at the show. The largest new boat on display was the Bluegame BGX83, measuring 25.3 meters. Other key premieres included the Azimut Fly 82 with hybrid technology, the Ferretti Yachts 720, the Pardo 43, the Greenline 42 equipped with the H-Drive 6G hybrid system, the Finnish Saxdor 14.4 meter 460 GTC model, the Turkish AIATA Sunfinder 50 and 38, the Beneteau Gran Turismo 50, and the SACS TecnoRib Pirelli X460.
On the sailing side, several notable world and show premieres were presented, including the Beneteau First 60, Pure 42, Wauquiez 55 Hybrid, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 455, and Contest 56 CS, Hanse 360 available in electric version, new Dufour 48 and Dufour 54.
The show also highlighted a growing number of electric and hybrid specialists. These included the Spanish boat manufacturer Lasai launching its 32 KS solar-electric overnight model, Stickl Yachts 100% electric days boats, Milikan solar-electric catamarans, Nyx solar-electric catamarans from Shanghai using ePropulsion solutions.
Sailboat manufacturer from the Netherlands Saffier launched its SE 28 Leopard model powered with the new electric sail drive solutions developed by MITEK. A notable innovation came from Wia (Hungary), which introduced a 16.1-metre luxury overnight electric boat Wia 520.
Another highlight was the world premiere of the Frauscher x Porche Spectra 790, a fully electric sport boat powered with 800 V battery and 400 kW electric motor. Bavaria Yachts also announced new electric and hybrid models developed in collaboration with EPTechnologies, scheduled for launch in February.
On the equipment and technology side, highlights included Nanni’s new Toyota-based engine T4 series, MITEK’s electric rotating sail drive solutions, hybrid system innovations from Fischer Panda and Molabo implemented on Malizia Seaexplorer, Molabo’s new serial hybrid system Aries, and Torqeedo’s latest Travel XS, Cruise 3.0 and Cruise 6.0 electric outboard motors. PSR
Natasa Mulahalilovic is Marine Pleasure Boat Analyst-Europe at Power Systems Research
