The first big boat show of the fall season, the Newport International Boat Show gets underway in Newport, Rhode Island on September 11 and runs through Sunday the 14th. As usual, boat builders use the Newport show to debut their newest models.
This year there are seven new designs that fit into Cruising Odyssey’s cruiser-oriented forma from 38 to 60 feet. And, the new boats come from all around the world, including Norway, France, Malaysia, Australia and China.
Here’s our annual quick look at the new designs for 2025.
MJM 38
This summer MJM Yachts undertook a rebranding of their models to better align the boats with the company’s refreshed management, build capability and expanding dealer network. The company no longer builds boats just one at a time. They now have a full production facility and are using the latest high-tech infusion construction techniques.
The MJM 38 that will be at the show has been known as the MJM 35 or the M3. It is now called the MJM 38 and comes in either a cruiser version designated the 38R or the sportfishing version called the 38RS.
The 38R is set up for day tripping and occasional weekends aboard. The RS is equipped with professional rod holders a bait well and an open cockpit for easy rod handling.
Rad more about MJM here. https://www.mjmyachts.com/
Hinckley Picnic Boat 39
There has been a flurry of news out of Hinkley in the last year following the change in ownership and management. New CEO Gavin McClintock is taking this venerable and almost 100-year-old brand swiftly into its second century.
While the company has been focusing on expanding its service capabilities, it has not been ignoring the core business of building some of the world’s finest day boats and cruisers. At Newport, Hinckley will introduce the all new Picnic Boat 39, which is their first with a huge bow lounge.
The 39 is set up with three discreet social areas, the aft cockpit and swim platform, the salon and helm and the forward lounge. For family excursions or evenings entertaining friends and clients, the three spaces offer flexibility and comfort.
With a top speed of 36 knots, this luxury mini-yacht is also a spirited sport boat that will get where you need to go in a hurry. But the varnished teak still has that patented Hinckley glow and finish.
Read more about the Hinckley Picnic Boat 39 here.
https://www.hinckleyyachts.com/yachts/picnic-boat-39/
Jeanneau 1295 Fly
The French production builder Jeanneau may be better known in the U.S. for its sailboats but it also has an expansive line of powerboats that are gaining market share here.
The new 1295 Fly is their mid-range cruiser that sports three outboards and has a three-cabin, one head accommodation plan. The new model has a flybridge that provides a fair weather helm and a new raised lounge that will be perfect for sundowners on pleasant evenings.
Built for indoor-outdoor family living, there is a sunbed forward, a large dinette and table in the cockpit and an interior dinette and galley in the salon. So, the fly lounge adds a fourth gathering spot. Note that the starboard cockpit bulkhead folds down to become a water-front porch.
The glazing in the salon and hull will fill the 1295 with natural light even down below in the sleeping cabins. All of this fits into a 39-foot cruiser that has the performance of a sport boat.
Read more about the Jeanneau 1295 Fly here.
https://www.jeanneau.com/en-us/boats/powerboat/41-nc-weekender/685-nc-1295-fly
Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser
One of the exciting happenings in the U.S. market this spring is the introduction of Marex Yachts from Norway. Marex has been building and selling high-quality, family cruising boats in Scandinavia and Europe for two generations but decided last year that it was now time to cross the pond.
Marex formed a new venture called Marex USA in partnership with marine industry veteran Chris Hughes who is steadily building a network of experienced dealerships, including McMichaels in Connecticut. All four Marex models will be at the Newport show.
The Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser is the builder’s flag ship. Like its smaller sisters, the 440 sports two retracting sun roofs over the salon and cockpit and a unique canvas cockpit enclosure that lets you shut out the weather in seconds.
Known for the quality of the build and the fit and finish, you will be hard-pressed to find a boat of this size with more innovations and better ergonomics. When you step aboard, check out the stitching on the cushions and seats. That says it all.
Read more about Marex Yachts here. https://marex.no/
Maritimo M60
Australian builder Maritimo, which is known worldwide for their sturdy, blue water cruising motor yachts, will have their M60 at the Newport. First launched in 2022, the M60 defines Maritimo’s unique blend of luxurious appointments, superb craftsmanship and true offshore performance.
Powered by the standard twin 800-horsepower Volvo D13s with straight shafts, the M60 will have a top speed of well over 30 knots. With 1,200 gallons in the fuel tanks, its range at cruising speeds will allow her owners to explore far and wide between fuel stops.
The M6 has a large after deck that provide a beach front relaxing area, an outside dinette and dining table under the flybridge deck and a spacious salon. On the bridge there is another after deck area while the helm is enclosed inside the windscreen and side windows,
Maritimo yachts appeal to owners who want to spend a lot of time on their boats while cruising in luxury to new and enticing landfalls.
Read more about Maritimo Yachts here. https://www.maritimoamericas.com/model/maritimo-m60/
Kadey-Krogen 60 Open
The much-anticipated introduction of the new Kadey-Krogen 60 Open is finally a reality. Cruising Compass first reported on the development of the design two years ago and we’re sure the new 60 will be worth the wait.
The 60 Open follows on the success of the 50 Open and is designed to be a serious, long range cruiser for intrepid owners who want to cross large bodies of water, even oceans. With the twin 200-horsepower John Deere engines, the 60 will have a top speed of nine knots and a cruising speed of eight knots that will provide 2254 miles of range, enough to get across the Atlantic in three hops.
The pilothouse has two raised helm seats and a raised dinette. The salon, galley and pilothouse are all on one level, so the social areas are linked and accessible.
The published drawings show that the 60 will have a master cabin amidships with an en-suite head and shower, a VIP guest cabin in the fore peak and a twin cabin in between.
Kadey Krogen has been building blue-water capable yachts for decades and their boats still evoke classic yacht design, yacht style and fine yacht boat building.
Read more about the Kadey Krogen 60 Open here.
https://www.kadeykrogen.com/tour/krogen-60-open/
Palm Beach GT 60.
Palm Beach Yachts, which originated in Australia and now builds in Malaysia, creates truly distinctive designs that are fast, beautiful (to my eye) and downright sexy. The new GT 60, which is the alpha model in the new GT line, ticks all those boxes and given the black styling even adds a sense of purposeful menace.
The boats are designed by Palm Beach’s founded Mark Richards who is a noted offshore sailor and has for years been the captain of the Australian racer Wild Oats, which is a perennial favorite in the Sydeny-Hobart Race. Richards’ knowledge of high tech sailboat design and construction, makes his PB motor yachts among the fastest, most efficient and most sea-kindly on the market.
The GT 60 is a two cabin, two head design and has a lower level galley that in turn opens up the salon for more living and dining space. The cockpit is spacious with direct access to the large aft swimming platform.
Palm beach yachts are in a class of their own and the GT60 extends that lead.
Read more about the Palm Beach GT 60 here.
