Catamarans Dominate 2026 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show

Catamarans are poised to be the star attraction at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, turning the reimagined, city-wide campus into a multihull showcase that matters to anyone shopping for a cruising boat or planning a charter investment. A strong dealer and builder presence, in-water displays, and a dedicated sailing hub put catamarans front and center from February 11–15.

George Day reported an industry observation that underscores the trend: "A broker friend of mine told me a while ago that 75 percent of the new cruising sailboats sold in the last few years are multihulls with catamarans ruling the market." That market pressure shows up in the lineup: Excess brings its new 13, described as "the epitome of the 'sport cruising' theme that drove the founding of the company. Aimed at younger cruisers who are into water sports, the 13 is a spritely performer with a, indoor-outdoor accommodation plan." Fountaine Pajot will display its new 41 and 44, "making a world tour of all the major boat shows" and intended to "provide an entry level for new cruisers." Aquila, known for power cats, is promoting the Aquila 50 as "a thoroughly modern new design ... aimed at family cruisers who want to sail far and wide."

The show marks the event's 85th anniversary and operates across three main locations: a central hub at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Pride Park, in-water yachts along Collins Avenue as the Miami Beach Yacht Collection, and Sailor’s Cove at IGY Yacht Haven Grande (Watson Island). Sailor's Cove is billed as an "all-in-one hub" where attendees can compare in-water sailboat displays, explore sailing gear, and connect with experts. The show also offers a full seminar series at Sailor’s Cove and a dedicated park-and-ride with $25 on-site parking to ease movement between locations.

Ticketing and visiting logistics are straightforward but require a little planning. Show hours run Wednesday through Sunday with the busiest public days from Thursday through Saturday; adult one-day admission is $45 and a two-day pass is $78. "Note that you have to buy tickets in advance through the show’s website," George Day advises, and the event promotes an online ticket purchase flow and group discount options.

Moorings will have split exhibits between Sailor’s Cove and the Miami Beach Yacht Collection, showcasing sailing models such as the Moorings 4600 and 5200 and power catamarans like the Moorings 403PC and 464PC; their map listings show Moorings Booth - Dock A at Sailor’s Cove and Moorings Booth - Ramp 5 on Collins Avenue. Moorings also lists an "Owning a Charter Yacht Seminar: Join us Thursday, February 12 at 2:00 PM in Sailor’s Cove Seminar Room B" that features an overview of their guaranteed income program and asks visitors to RSVP.

For buyers and club organizers, the practical value is direct: compare hulls, layouts, and systems side-by-side in water; attend seminars that cover ownership and charter revenue; and spot entry-level models aimed at newcomers as well as high-capacity family cruisers. Expect booth tours, manufacturer walk-throughs, and show-only incentives from charter and ownership brands. With major cat builders showing new designs and a program tailored to sailors and would-be owners, Miami will be the place to read the market and plan your next cruise.