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PBN Staff

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According to online sources someone made the classic unfortunate mistake and forgot to put the drain plug back in before putting the boat in the water. Thankfully they were able to quickly raise her without much issue and the boat is back on display at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. We’re told this was a customer’s boat that was borrowed for the show, and that Cigarette has committed to fully replacing it for the customer.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show continues to be a standout event for boating enthusiasts, industry professionals, and luxury lifestyle fans. Drawing thousands of visitors annually, the show showcases everything from superyachts to innovative marine technology, making it a go-to destination for those interested in the latest in boating and watersports.

For convention goers, the event offers much more than a typical trade show. The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show is spread across multiple venues, including both on-water displays and elaborate convention halls, which allow attendees to explore a wide range of boats, accessories, and marine products up close. With interactive exhibits, networking opportunities, and exclusive VIP experiences, the show creates an engaging atmosphere that’s hard to match.

This year’s lineup includes top industry players such as CP Performance, Mercury Marine, Hardin Marine, and various high performance boat manufacturers. Special events such as on-water demos, seminars, and educational workshops, all designed to provide hands-on insights into new trends and products. The social atmosphere, combined with South Florida’s stunning waterfront setting, makes this show a vibrant experience that keeps attendees coming back year after year.

Take a look at some images from the show!

CP Performance and Hardin Marine will be showing at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from October 30th thru November 3rd. As is years past they will showing at their combined display trailer in booth 1008, at the Bahia Mar section of the show.

As leaders in high-performance marine parts and accessories, both companies will feature their latest products, innovations, and upgrades for boating enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Visitors can expect an array of high-quality performance parts, including custom exhaust systems, engine components, and accessories designed for maximum power and reliability on the water. Their presence highlights the show’s dedication to top-tier marine technology and innovation.

We’ve been told many new Isotta Steering Wheels will be on display along with Hardin’s new Bluetooth Controls and Heads Up Indicator Kits and many more products

Check out more information on the show here: https://www.flibs.com/en/home.html

This weekend, August 9-11, Sheboygan’s lakefront will come alive with the return of the Midwest Racing Challenge. The city is set to host a block party, provide viewing areas, and offer trolley shuttle services to accommodate the influx of spectators. The event promises thrilling races along a 6-mile course off the lakeshore, with more boats competing than last year.

Mayor Ryan Sorenson expressed his excitement, highlighting the event’s role in showcasing Sheboygan’s waterfront and fostering community spirit. Recognized by the American Power Boat Association as the “Best Race Site” last year, Sheboygan anticipates an even larger turnout and more excitement this year.

Schedule Highlights:

Friday, August 9:

  • 1-4 PM: Race boat testing
  • 5:30-6 PM: Boat Parade to City Green
  • 6-10 PM: Block Party at City Green, featuring live music from Chicago-based King of Mars, a beer and wine tent, and numerous food trucks like Junior’s Eats and Sweet Escapes. The pit area near Deland Park will be open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Saturday, August 10:

  • 11-11:30 AM: Opening ceremony at South Pier lawn
  • 11:30 AM – 4:15 PM: Qualifying and races for various classes, including Super Stock and Super V.
  • 9 AM – 5 PM: P1 fan zone at the end of South Pier Drive
  • 10 AM – 4 PM: Pits at Deland Park open to the public

Sunday, August 11:

  • 10-10:30 AM: Opening ceremony in the VIP area on the South Pier Lawn
  • 11 AM – 3:15 PM: Races for different classes, culminating with the Supercat race
  • 5 PM: Awards ceremony in the VIP area
  • 11 AM – 6 PM: Brat fry hosted by the Sheboygan Yacht Club, with live music from Uncle Meat from 4:30-7:30 PM
  • 9 AM – 5 PM: P1 fan zone at South Pier Drive
  • 10 AM – 4 PM: Pits at Deland Park open to the public

Throughout the weekend, free trolley services will shuttle visitors around downtown, the lakeshore, and across the river, ensuring easy access to all event areas. Parking shuttles will operate at 15-minute intervals from Sheboygan North and South high schools and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Sheboygan campus.

Road closures will be in effect, including Broughton Drive between Ontario to Pennsylvania avenues and South Pier Drive from Fishermans Row to the end of South Pier.

With food and drinks available at various locations, including Blue Harbor Resort and King Park, this event promises not only high-speed thrills but also a great community atmosphere. Join Sheboygan in celebrating speed, skill, and the thrill of competition at the Midwest Racing Challenge this weekend.

Get ready for the Performance Boat Center Outboard Fun Run on Friday, July 26th, 2024! The day begins with participants gathering at the PBC Showroom for breakfast at 9:00 AM, sharing excitement and anticipation. By 10:30 AM, everyone attends the drivers meeting, where the route and safety details are discussed. At 11:00 AM, the boats depart from PBC, engines roaring, and head towards the first stop.

At The Cave, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, participants enjoy mingling and the scenic beauty. By 2:00 PM, the group splits, with some heading to Big Dick’s while others opt for the lively raft-up at Party Cove, featuring a Poly Lift Dock and a DJ, continuing the fun until 4:00 PM.

As evening falls, everyone returns to the PBC Showroom for the Red & White Dinner from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Dressed in red and white, participants enjoy a sumptuous dinner, followed by an awards ceremony celebrating the day’s best moments. The night culminates in a stunning fireworks display, bringing a memorable day to a spectacular close.

Boats of all makes and models with Mercury Racing or Mercury Marine outboard engines are welcome, ensuring a diverse and thrilling experience for all. 

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) is set to take place at the Tampa Convention Center from October 1-3, 2024. As North America’s premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry, IBEX is expected to attract over 700 exhibiting companies and 8,000 industry professionals, including boat builders, manufacturers, naval architects, distributors, and wholesalers.

Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, highlighting the new educational and networking opportunities alongside the packed exhibit halls, IBEX docks, and expanded outdoor demo space. “IBEX is where the industry comes together to do business and learn about the latest technology and techniques,” she said.

Hardin Marine, a leading player in the marine industry, will be among the notable exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations. Known for their high-performance marine products, Hardin Marine’s participation underscores the significance of IBEX as a hub for networking and business development within the marine sector.

Registration for exhibiting companies opens this week, with visitor registration following the week of June 24th. Attendees can look forward to three levels of exhibits, a comprehensive education conference, and numerous networking events, making IBEX 2024 an unmissable event for anyone involved in the marine industry.

For more details and to stay updated on important announcements, subscribe to the IBEX email newsletter. Prepare to join the marine industry’s best in Tampa this October for an event that promises innovation, education, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

The much-anticipated 21st Annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run starts today, July 12, 2024, in Boyne City, Michigan. Hosted by Boyne City Main Street, this thrilling event features high-speed powerboats racing through the scenic waters of northern Michigan’s Lake Charlevoix.

Today’s Highlights:

  • 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.: “Stroll the Streets” in downtown Boyne City. Enjoy music, entertainment, dining, shopping, a car show, and impressive boat displays.

Tomorrow’s Schedule:

  • 10:15 a.m.: The poker run begins with parade laps in Boyne City.
  • First Stop: Elk Rapids for the first card stop.
  • Second Stop: Northport for the second card stop.
  • Lunch Break: Participants head to Charlevoix for lunch, resuming the run at 1:30 p.m.
  • Third Stop: Bay Harbor for the third card stop.
  • Fourth Stop: Harbor Springs for the fourth card stop, located at the end of the dock.
  • Final Stop: Horton Bay, where the boats gather for the final card stop, usually filled with spectator boats.
  • Finish: Return to Boyne City to turn in poker hands.

Boaters will collect cards at five different stops around the lake, with the best hand winning at the end.

Charitable Cause: The event raises money to promote downtown Boyne City and support Camp Quality, helping children with cancer, and Challenge Mountain, assisting people with disabilities. Ingrid Day, event coordinator, emphasized the community spirit, saying, “It’s so nice to be able to show off our town. This event highlights and showcases all of Northern Michigan.”

Wrap-Up: The weekend culminates on Saturday evening with live music, celebrating the thrill and community spirit of Boyne Thunder.

Prepare for a weekend of high-speed boating, scenic views, and community celebrations. Don’t miss out on the Boyne Thunder Poker Run 2024!

Italia Yachts has made a remarkable debut in the powerboat sector with the 43 Veloce. Designed in collaboration with Skyron Studio, this 43-foot walkaround boat blends elegant design with practical features, perfect for Mediterranean cruising.

Striking Design and Spacious Layout

The elevated bow provides extra cabin volume, while the concave sweep in the hull and cutaway dip in the bulwarks add to its aesthetic appeal. Despite the raised bow, visibility from the helm remains excellent. The single-level open-plan cockpit beneath a hardtop with an integrated aft sunshade ensures seamless movement around the boat.

Luxury and Versatility

A standout feature is the Med-fit wet bar behind the helm seats, facing a two-bench dinette with a U-shaped lounge, movable backrests, a drop-down table, and a convertible sunpad. Drop-down terraces on both sides and an extendable aft deck enhance the boat’s versatility, providing additional beach club space or facilitating watersports.

Customizable Accommodations

The IY43 offers flexible accommodation options. For family cruising, it can be configured with two double cabins or an owner’s cabin in the bow and twin beds in the mid-cabin. Couples can opt for a full-beam owner’s cabin amidships and a large lounge in the bow.

Power and Performance

The power options for the IY43 are varied, including twin Yanmar 380s on sterndrives, or D6 440s or 480s on IPS drives. Outboard enthusiasts can choose between twin or triple Mercury Verado 300s or 400s. The design simplicity, uncluttered lines, and lightness of touch make this boat a standout in its segment.

Conclusion

The Italia Yachts 43 Veloce is poised to make a significant impact in the powerboat market. Its blend of style, versatility, and performance promises to appeal to discerning boaters looking for both luxury and practicality on the water. If it performs as beautifully as it looks, the IY43 is set to be a serious contender in the luxury powerboat arena.

Maserati has expanded its electrification efforts with the introduction of the Tridente, a fully electric luxury powerboat. Developed in collaboration with marine tech company Vita Power and built by Hodgdon Yachts, this 34-foot vessel offers both performance and elegance.

Design and Features

The Tridente boasts a carbon-fiber shell adorned with a prominent Maserati emblem. It accommodates up to 10 people, featuring a large sundeck with a bathing area and freshwater shower, a configurable cockpit for dining or acceleration, and a rear deck with a comfortable couch. Inside the bow, there’s an enclosed cabin with a day berth and a small toilet.

Performance

Powered by a zero-emission electric powertrain from Vita Power, the Tridente generates 592 hp, achieving a top speed of 40 knots (46 mph) and a cruising speed of 25 knots (29 mph). The 252 kWh battery pack allows for recharging in under an hour, thanks to Vita Power’s fast-charging infrastructure.

Price and Availability

Priced at €2.5 million ($2.7 million), the Tridente surpasses the cost of Maserati’s road and track offerings, marking a significant step in the brand’s luxury and performance portfolio on water.

The Maserati Tridente represents a fusion of cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and luxury, setting a new standard in the marine industry.

The Mayla GT, a stunning 44-footer from the German start-up Mayla, is set to revolutionize the boating industry. Showcased at Boot Düsseldorf, this vessel combines the speed of a classic speedboat with the luxury of a motor yacht, all encased in a sleek carbon-fiber body.

A Design Inspired by Legends

Drawing inspiration from the go-fast boats of the ’70s and ’80s, the GT boasts an angular, retro-futuristic design. Weighing in at just 4.5 tons, it features a deep-V hull with twin transversal steps and patented Petestep deflectors, which reduce energy usage by up to 35 percent and improve planing efficiency.

Power and Performance

The GT offers multiple powertrain options, from gas and diesel to electric and hybrid. The top-tier GTR-R model delivers an astounding 3,100 hp from dual gas engines, reaching speeds over 100 knots (115 mph). The eco-friendly E-GT model, with an electric powertrain, achieves 50 knots with 2,200 hp, while the hybrid E-GTR combines electric and diesel power for a top speed of 60 knots (69 mph). The model showcased at Boot featured two V8s with 650 hp, capable of over 70 knots.

Luxury and Versatility

Beyond speed, the GT is designed for comfort and entertainment. The cockpit accommodates eight passengers and includes a sundeck with sliding loungers, a wet bar and BBQ, and a foldaway dining table. A beach club at the stern houses a garage with an electric transom door.

Comfortable Overnight Stays

Below deck, the GT offers a cabin with a double bed, sofa, wardrobe, vanity, and en suite. High-tech entertainment systems with TVs and premium audio ensure a luxurious stay.

Pricing and Availability

The entry-level GT is priced between $1.74 million and $1.85 million (€1.6 million and €1.7 million), depending on the configuration. Customizable options include layout, hull color, and interiors. Interested buyers can schedule a sea trial this spring in Europe.

The Mayla GT is not just a boat; it’s a revolutionary blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology, setting a new standard in the marine industry.

Boaters, mark your calendars! The annual Boater Skip Day is set for this Friday, June 7th, at the Bayard Sand Bar (Marker 24), just south of the Shands Bridge in Green Cove Springs. This all-day event promises a fantastic time on the water, building on last year’s success where over 1,000 boats joined the massive flotilla.

Event Highlights:

  • Date: Friday, June 7th
  • Location: Bayard Sand Bar (Marker 24), south of Shands Bridge, Green Cove Springs
  • Activities: All-day boating and partying

What to Expect

Hundreds of boaters will leave their day jobs behind to party at Bayard Point on the St. Johns River during Clay County’s unofficial “Boater Skip Day.” With upwards of 1,000 boats and their passengers arriving by 9 a.m., the atmosphere will be electric.

The event has evolved from the Poker Run Raft Up into a massive party where boaters of all types “skip” work on the first Friday of June. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will be present to ensure safety. Last year, the officers handed out 103 written warnings and 38 boating citations, and made 18 arrests for boating under the influence. However, the event was injury-free.

Safety and Logistics

  • Shands Boat Ramp: Closed to civilian traffic from midnight Friday, reopening late Friday.
  • Patrols: Local law enforcement and the FWC will patrol the area.
  • Safety Tips: Stay hydrated, use life jackets, and avoid overcrowding boats.

Deputy Abbegail Harris emphasized the importance of safety, urging participants to boat and party responsibly. “We want everyone to have a good time, but we want it to be done safely,” she said.

Parking and Launch Sites

Be aware that popular boat ramps like Governors Creek, Knight’s Boat Ramp, Lakeshore Boat Ramp, Doctor’s Lake Boat Ramp, and Williams Park filled up by 9:30 a.m. last year. Plan accordingly to ensure you have a spot.

Prepare your boat, gather your friends, and get ready for a day of fun on the water. Boater Skip Day 2024 is sure to be an unforgettable event!