See Winners of European Power Boat Awards

The winners of the European Power Boat of the Year awards were just announced, chosen by the editors of eight leading boating magazines across the continent. The awards this year were in five categories, organized by size, plus one innovation award and one special mention.

The annual awards are usually given at a banquet at the big Düsseldorf show, but that was cancelled this year because of the pandemic. The awards were announced digitally from Hamburg. The editors who had tested the boats represented magazines in Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and Austria. Here are the winners:

Up to 8 Meters

Axopar 22 T-Top. The judges said the Axopar’s concept aims at the young and the young at heart. They praised its handling, and said it sets new standards in its reasonable price-to-performance ratio.

Up to 10 Meters

Galeon 325 GTO. The judges said this small, sporty cruiser incorporates ideas from larger boats, including the folding balcony aft. They praised it for a new level of comfort, both aft and in the bow.

Up to 14 Meters

Marex 330 Scandinavia. The judges liked the high quality of the boat, the sophisticated detail and its safe driving characteristics. It offers comfortable cruising for a small crew.

Up to 20 Meters

Absolute 48 Coupe. The judges said the Absolute earned high marks for its ground-breaking design and masterful boatbuilding. Its solar power system makes it self-sufficient at anchor. They praised the design of its hull, deck and interior. See our new review of the boat here: https://cruisingodyssey.com/2022/01/25/absolute-48-coupe-prize-winner-with-new-ideas/

Displacement Class

Beneteau Grand Trawler 62. The judges said the new Beneteau is full of ideas for future long-range cruising boats, saying it is well-placed to become a trend-setter in its class. They praised it for comfortable living on board, for its range, and for its workmanship.

Innovation Award

Mercury V12 600-hp outboard. They said that Mercury has created an entirely new kind of outboard, with a sophisticated shaft-only steering system and a two-speed automatic transmission.

Special Mention