Monterey Boats proudly hosted a company-wide celebration in honor of the Elite 30, which was recently named Boat of the Year by Boating Magazine and received the coveted Miami Innovation Award at this year’s Miami International Boat Show.

The event brought together more than 400 employees and executive staff at Monterey’s manufacturing facility for a day of recognition, pride, and team spirit. As part of the celebration, the entire team gathered in front of the plant for a commemorative group photo, symbolizing the collective effort and craftsmanship that led to these prestigious accolades.

Following the photo, employees were treated to a catered lunch and received a custom shirt created specifically to mark the occasion. The event served as a heartfelt thank-you to the talented individuals behind the Elite 30’s success—from engineering and design to production, marketing, and beyond.

“This moment belongs to our people,” said Charles Marshall, Co-Chairman of Monterey Boats. “The Elite 30 represents the very best of what Monterey stands for—innovation, performance, and quality—and it was made possible by the dedication and expertise of every single team member here.”

The Elite 30 has quickly established itself as a standout in the marine industry, earning widespread praise for its sleek design, innovative features, and top-tier performance. These awards serve as a testament to Monterey Boats’ ongoing commitment to excellence and its passion for delivering exceptional on-the-water experiences.

For more information on the Monterey Elite 30 and where to purchase, visit MontereyBoats.com.

About Monterey Boats

As a leading independent boat manufacturer, Monterey Boats specializes in building premium-quality sport boats, M-series, super sport boats and Elite Series Boats. Monterey Boats is a family-owned and operated company that has been building premium luxury boats for over 40 years. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Monterey Boats has become a global leader in the design and manufacture of performance boats that offer the best in style, comfort, and functionality. Every Monterey boat is NMMA certified and backed by our exclusive MVP Warranty, ensuring unparalleled customer confidence and satisfaction.

The post Monterey Boats Celebrates Dual Award Wins With Employee Event Honoring the Elite 30 appeared first on Boating Mag.

The Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show featuring Trawlerfest promises an impressive in-water selection of over 200 new and pre-owned boats, informative classes for both new and seasoned boaters, marine products and services, plus exciting rendezvous-style evening events.

The show runs from May 15-May 17, 2025 at Cap Sante Marina, 1018, Q Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221.

Get your tickets and register for Trawlerfest seminars before they are sold out! Click here for more information.

In-Water Boat Show

Boat Show: Thursday May 15 – Saturday, May 17 10am – 6pm

General Admission: $15 per day; Unlimited pass: $20 all 3 days; Discounted Military Ticket $10 available on-site only; 17 and Under: Free

Read Next: Düsseldorf Boat Show 2025 Set to Be Biggest Yet

Trawlerfest Seminars

Seminars run Tuesday May 13 – Saturday May 17, 2025

Seminar Location: Seafarer Memorial Park, 601 Seafarers Way, Anacortes, WA 98221

Note: Purchase of seminar ticket includes general admission to boat show on the day of seminar.

Below are just some of the informative seminars to attend. Click link above for the full program!

Maneuvering & Docking Strategies

• Innovation at the Helm: Nimbus & Volvo Penta’s Long History and Partnership in Technology
• Boat Handling on the Water, Session 2, Wednesday
• Unique Features of Trawlers with Wayne Goldman
• Tides and Currents: Science and Survival with Phyllis Woolwine
• Trawler Buying Tips moderated by Jeff Merrill
• Stabilizer Systems, Which Technology is Better and Why with Raffa Invrea from CMC Marine
• Maritime Medical Emergency Management Lecture with Dr Robert Leviton
• What To Look for Before You Call a Surveyor with Jim Merrick

The post Trawlerfest 2025 Set for Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show appeared first on Boating Mag.

“The idea came from a historical race called Albany to NY Marathon that started in the late 1920’s,” says Tim Sharkey, referring to a generations-old boat race down the Hudson River from the New York State capital of Albany to New York City’s New York Harbor boat race on the Hudson River. “There were at one point over 300 entries from over 18 different states.”

Sharkey will be re-creating the run on September 13, 2025. The route runs some 160 miles from the Statue of Liberty, in New York Harbor, to Albany, the state capital. Sharkey intends to launch from Liberty Landing Marina.

Sharkey will make the run in his  classic 1985 Bullet 13 SV “Kill Shot,” which is powered by a vintage Johnson SST 60 racing engine.

Read Next: Learn more about this race and Tim Sharkey, here.

Recently, notable sponsors have joined Sharkey in support of this race. Learn more about these supporters of performance boating in the descriptions below.

Title Sponsors

Chef Mike’s ABG

One of New Jersey’s premier waterfront destinations, Chef Mike Jurusz’s Atlantic Beach Grill is located in Seaside Heights, NJ. Owner Jurusz is not just a chef, but a philanthropist and avid performance boater. That’ s him at the helm in this shot.

Ocean County Powersports

A premier dealer for Polariz, Slingshot, Can-Am and more, located in Tom’s River, NJ, Ocean County Powersports has long supported performance boating.

Horsepower on the Hudson

Homeported in Castleton, NY, Horsepower on the Hudson is a premier power boat event. This year it takes place August 2, 2025. Don’t miss it!

Tiger Outboards

Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Tiger Outboards isa top notch repair facility owned and run by John and Laura Tiger. Tiger is a regular contributor to BOATING as well the technician who’s prepping Sharkey’s engine for this run. Follow Tiger Outboards on Facebook.

Hotshot Marine

Located in Albany, New York, Hotshot Marine is supporting Tim Sharkey on this run. Hotshot Marine serves boaters with expertise, experience, care and concern. (Visit Hotshot Marine on Faceboook) They offer a range of boating services and support numerous performance boat teams as well as performance boat events. Consider Hotshot Marine for your boating needs. 

Associated Sponsors

• Mitchell & Sons Property Management
• Holy Cow Kelly O’Hara
• Sherry Dupont
• Mark Jameson Chimney
• Hurricane Force Detailing
• Lilly Sport Boats

Media

• Boating Magazine
• Speedonthewater.com

The post Statue of Liberty to Albany Powerboat Run Garners Support appeared first on Boating Mag.

MasterCraft is back with its third annual Rule The Water demo tour, headlined by its recently redesigned iconic flagship model, the XStar 23 and 25. In partnership with Chevy Silverado, the 57-stop nationwide tour brings next-level wake performance, unmatched luxury and comfort, along with premium technology to boaters who demand the best. 

Fresh off winning the NMMA Innovation Award at MIBS, the XStar gives boaters at each tour stop the chance to take part in an immersive demo and experience firsthand what sets MasterCraft apart. As home to the industry’s most expansive lineup, MasterCraft will also showcase its full range including the XStar, NXT, XT, and X family – offering attendees the opportunity to explore every model. 

MasterCraft Boat Company, a subsidiary of MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc., in partnership with Chevrolet Silverado, the Rule the Water Demo Tour will embark on a 57-stop journey across key markets, bringing the latest MasterCraft models directly to boating enthusiasts and families. As the brand with the largest lineup of boats in the industry, MasterCraft offers something for everyone, from the revolutionary new XStar models to the NXT, XT, and X-family lineups. Attendees will have the chance to test- drive the XStar lineup and explore MasterCraft’s full range of industry-leading boats, ensuring there is a perfect fit for every lifestyle. Each stop on the tour will be hosted in collaboration with local MasterCraft dealerships, providing attendees with expert insights, hands-on demonstrations, and the chance to connect with fellow boating enthusiasts.

The First 20 Stops for Rule the Water Tour

Check the dates and sign-up for your demo.

You can follow along with the MasterCraft Rule The Water tour 2025 on follow along on Instagram, YouTube, X, and Facebook.

The post MasterCraft and Chevy Embark on the Rule The Water Tour 2025 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Now in its fifth successful year, the MasterCraft Let Her Rip Tour powered by Progressive takes off for 2025. Let Her Rip is about empowering and inspiring women to build confidence and feel their best on the water, and also in all aspects of their lives.  It’s  goal is to get as many women out on the water throughout the summer, with pro athletes from Team MasterCraft.

Part of the Let Her Rip DNA is supporting others who proudly and courageously chase their goals and give 100-percent. MasterCraft encourages your to share how you Let Her Rip on Instagram by using the hashtag #letherrip so we can join you in celebrating your passions.

This year’s program will feature seven stops across the country. The seven-stop tour kicks off in Hot Springs, AR, and runs from May through July. The full 2025 schedule is as follows:

• May 4 – Hot Springs, AR
• June 1 – Denver, CO
• June 5 – Knoxville, TN
• July 15 – Lake Tahoe, CA
• July 24 – Minneapolis, MN
• July 25 – Charlotte, NC
• July 28 – Austin, TX

The 2025 ‘Let Her Rip’ campaign continues MasterCraft’s commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity in watersports.

“Five years later, I’m just as excited to work alongside fellow female athletes to inspire young girls and women to step outside their comfort zones, try something new, and experience the pure joy of getting up on a wakeboard,” said Meagan Ethell, world champion MasterCraft. “I love the opportunity to meet girls from all over the country and connect over our shared passion for being on the water. It’s incredible to see how this sport brings people together, builds confidence, and creates unforgettable memories out on the lake.”

To learn more about MasterCraft, sign up for a Let Her Rip clinic, or to shop Let Her Rip apparel, visit mastercraft.com/let-her-rip-movement/ and follow along on Instagram, YouTube, X, and Facebook.

About MasterCraft

MasterCraft is a world-renowned innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of premium performance sport boats. Founded in 1968, MasterCraft has cultivated its iconic brand image through a rich history of industry-leading innovation, and more than five decades after the original MasterCraft made its debut, the company’s goal remains the same – to continue building the world’s best ski, wakeboard, wake surf, and luxury performance powerboats.

About MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.

Headquartered in Vonore, TN, MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. is a leading innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of premium recreational powerboats through its three wholly-owned brands, MasterCraft, Crest, and Balise. Through these three brands, MasterCraft Boat Holdings has leading market share positions in two of the fastest-growing segments of the powerboat industry – performance sport boats and pontoon boats. For more information about MasterCraft Boat Holdings, please visit Investors.MasterCraft.com, MasterCraft.com, CrestPontoonBoats.com, and BalisePontoonBoats.com.

The post Let Her Rip Tour Set for 2025 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Highfield Boats USA, America’s leading supplier of rigid inflatable boats (RIBS), in partnership with global outboard manufacturer Tohatsu America Corporation, announce the launch of The Big Pink Charity Auction in support of cancer research and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Between February 1 and March 22, 2025, the Special Pink Edition Highfield Sport 360 RIB powered by a Tohatsu MFS40A EFI 40hp four stroke outboard will be offered in a public online charity auction at highfieldboats.com/pinkcharityfundraiser/.

The pink Highfield Sport 360 also will be on display for showgoers to see in person at at the 2025 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, February 12-16, in Miami Beach Convention Center Booth MB1244, and in the Nautical Ventures display at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, March 19-23. Bidding in the auction will conclude at midnight on March 22, and the winner will be announced on March 23 at the Palm Beach show.

“Highfield Boats CEO Julien Carusi came up with the concept of The Big Pink Charity Auction, and everyone at Highfield USA is proud to join in this effort to help fight cancer of all types, especially breast cancer, which has impacted so many of our lives and the lives of our loved ones,” said Highfield Boats USA President Christophe Lavigne. “Our heartfelt thanks go to Tohatsu, our partner this event, and to Nautical Ventures, which will host the Special Pink Edition RIB until the end of the charity auction, for their support. We hope that bidders will be especially generous knowing the proceeds go to such an important cause.”

Read Next: Win A Boat!

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Highfield USA in The Big Pink Charity Auction,” said Tohatsu America General Manager John Adam. “Together we are committed to a world where no woman faces breast cancer alone. Your donations directly fund breast cancer education and support systems, and we encourage the marine industry to join us in fundraising for such a worthy cause!”

Highfield Sport 360

The Highfield Sport 360 RIB is two boats in one: a sturdy and spacious tender that fits on the back of most sail and power cruising boats, and a safe and affordable day boat for families who Dare to Explore. Featuring Highfield’s rugged tensile chromated and powder-coated aluminum hull, the Sport 360 has an LOA of 11′ 11″, six-person seating capacity, and built-in helm console with space on the dash for a multifunction display. The 40hp Tohatsu outboard provides the RIB with plenty of power for a full day of family fun on the water.

The post Highfield Boats, Tohatsu America, Announce “The Big Pink Charity Auction” to Benefit Cancer Research and the National Breast Cancer Foundation appeared first on Boating Mag.

Boatbuilder, noted boating photographer, contributor to Boating and other marine media, Tim Sharkey will undertake an endurance run on the Hudson River in New York, in the fall of 2025. The route runs some 160 miles from the Statue of Liberty, in New York Harbor, to Albany, the state capital. Sharkey intends to launch from Liberty Landing Marina.

Sharkey will make the run in his  classic 1985 Bullet 13 SV “Kill Shot,” which is powered by a vintage Johnson SST 60 racing engine. 

Sharkey, who originally built the very boat when he worked for Bullet, acquired it a few years back, and has completely restored it. The engine is being rebuilt and readied by John Tiger, who, when he’s not running Tiger Outboards in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a Boating Contributing Editor, and tests boats as part of our Tech Team.

The route is a classic and historic racing route. In fact, ice boats and steam locomotives used the route as a test of mettle in the 19th century. In modern times, the route has seen many American Powerboat Association (APBA)-sanctioned events, as well as other races and runs, though these have dwindled in recent years.

Boating applauds Sharkey for his skill, expertise and perhaps most of all, his resolve to make this run happen. We’ll be covering the story, so look for updates here, in the print magazine and on our social media channels. 

Those seeking additional information, including sponsorship opportunities, can reach out to Tim Sharkey at timsharkey.com/blog/2025/1/statue-of-liberty-to-albany-ny-endurance-run.

The post Performance-Boat Endurance Run Slated for Fall 2025 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Grady-White Boats announces the promotion of Todd Leggett to Director of Sales and Customer Relations. In his new position, Leggett will manage all sales operations and oversee customer service policies, systems, and initiatives. His most recent role as Dealer and Customer Relations Manager, paired with his extensive knowledge of Grady-White Boats gained from a more than 30 year career with the company, makes him well suited for this new position. Leggett began his Grady-White career in 1994 in production, before joining the engineering team. After working on all aspects of the boats from the ground up in engineering, he transitioned to sales and customer relations. As Director, Leggett will report to Kris Carroll, President, who states, “Todd has a long history of supporting our incredible dealer network and working with our valued customers to make them happy. His shared passion for delivering the ultimate boating experience to every Grady-White owner will reinforce our ability to continue consistently achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction in the industry.”

About Grady-White Boats:

Founded in 1959, and privately held by Eddie Smith, since 1968, Grady-White Boats builds 28 models of premium offshore outboard fishing boats from 18 feet to 45 feet.  Grady-White Boats has been recognized for top-ranking excellence in customer satisfaction in every third-party study ever done in the marine industry including the 22nd consecutive National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) CSI Award for excellence in customer satisfaction awarded in 2024. Both Smith and 49-year veteran, President Kris Carroll, are recipients of the National Marine Manufacturers’ Association’s Hall of Fame Award.  Kris leads the company carrying on Eddie’s principles and values, with integrity and the highest standards, while empowering every team member to develop to their full potential.

The post Grady-White Boats Names New Director of Sales and Customer Relations appeared first on Boating Mag.

Starting on January 18, Düsseldorf, Germany, will once again be the center of the international water sports industry for nine days. With 1,500 exhibitors in 16 exhibition halls and more than 1,000 boats and yachts, boot will vividly demonstrate its global appeal. Companies from over 60 countries will be on board, showcasing world premieres, technical innovations in the accessories, equipment, propulsion and diving markets, as well as attractive destinations for water sports all over the world.

Read Next: More About boot Düsseldorf

The size of boot is impressive and a glance at its exhibitor portfolio shows that the ‘who is who’ will participate. A single visit to boot Düsseldorf thus replaces numerous separate trips to different companies. 

“When the entire world market is in the same place at the same time at a trade fair like boot, it creates an extremely attractive atmosphere for us manufacturers and dealers. In Düsseldorf, we meet exactly our audience to ring in the coming season with the best contacts. For visitors, there is also the unique opportunity to compare the offers of top brands, interesting newcomers and specialists directly with each other. As a spokesperson for the exhibiting industry and representative of the boat engine sector, I can only recommend a visit to boot in January 2025 to anyone interested. Nowhere else offers a marketplace with this selection. The timing of boot fits perfectly into the schedule of a water sports fan. The boats are in the winter quarters after a thorough inspection and everyone knows what investments are needed for the coming season,” said boot President Robert Marx, representing the exhibitor industry and describing the market situation.

Exhibitors From More Than 60 Countries With Boats, Diving, Surfing, Canoeing and Vacation Destinations

At boot 2025, companies and destinations from more than 60 countries are taking part. Manufacturers from Italy are leading the way, followed by the Netherlands, France and Great Britain. But companies from Poland, Austria, the U.S., Greece and Turkey will also be there with large presentations. The French Beneteau Group is the undisputed largest exhibitor at the trade fair, with stands in the powerboat Hall 1 (Jeanneau Motorboats, Beneteau and Fourwinns), Hall 4 (Beneteau Outboards, Wellcraft), the luxury yacht Hall 6 (Prestige), the charter/destination Seaside Hall 13 (Beneteau Concept) and the sailing Hall 16 (Beneteau/Jeanneau as well as the catamaran shipyards Excess and Lagoon). Groupe Beneteau is also again the main sponsor of the ‘blue innovation dock’ sustainability forum in Hall 10 at boot 2025..

Halls 1 to 17:  “Who’s Who” of the Industry

The motorboat and motor yacht halls read like a Who’s Who of the industry and are fully booked. Affordable, fully equipped motorboats in Hall 3 will be of particular interest for beginners. Family-friendly and comfortable motor yachts can be found in Hall 1. Scandinavian market leaders and international innovators will be located in Hall 4. Superboats in Hall 5 are dominated by renowned companies. Hall 6 will feature the international luxury lines. Fans of the trendy ribs and power ribs will find a wide variety of manufacturers in Hall 9.

Manufacturers of boat drives will include Honda, Kawasaki, Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu and Yamaha (all in Hall 3) as well as Torqeedo, Volvo Penta and Yanmar (all in Hall 10). Also, in great demand are the suppliers of important and sometimes even vital accessories for water sports in Halls 9, 10 and 11, ranging from SVB, Europe’s largest dealer in technical water sports equipment, to high-tech suppliers such as Garmin and top brands for boating clothing. Spinlock will offer a special safety belt for all boot fans at the trade fair and in the boot.club, a blue Altobelt with the boot logo and white ‘We love water’ print. Yacht insurance companies such as Pantaenius and Schomakers (both in Hall 10) and Kuiper Verzekeringen (Hall 1) will inform about  boat insurance. Scuba diving enthusiasts will be able to immerse themselves in Halls 11 and 12 and discover a wide range of equipment suppliers, instructors and attractive diving destinations alongside international market leaders such as Aqua Lung, Cressi, Mares, Padi and SSI. Here, as well as in the Seaside destination segment, vacation destinations will be highlighted – from  Curacao,  the Red Sea in Egypt,  the historic underwater park at the tip of Italy’s boot in Gallipoli, cozy camping in Albo on the Little Belt in Denmark and cool yacht charter for trips between the Ionian Islands to water sports of all kinds on the Croatian Adriatic coast, the Baltic Sea in northern Germany between Lübeck and Travemünde and South Seas trips to Papua New Guinea or relaxation on a houseboat on the Mecklenburg Lake District.

The focus of the canoe course in Hall 14 will be on leisurely paddling along the river. Canoes can be directly purchased from suppliers such as Gatz Kanus and EKÜ-Sport. In Halls 15 and 16, the focus will be on sailing, with exhibitors including X-Yachts, Jeanneau/Beneteau, Dufour, Excess, Hallberg Rassy, Contest, Amel, Saffier, Solaris, Grand Soleil, Lagoon and Bali. Water sports on the action pool in the surfing Hall 17 is wild, fast and extremely spectacular. The action pool in surf hall 17 is wild, fast and extremely spectacular. This is where the pros of the scene show what they can do with a board and a foil at the international contests. Visitors are welcome to try out a board themselves in the pool during dedicated participation slots.

For more information on visiting or exhibiting at boot 2025, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America.

The post Düsseldorf Boat Show 2025 Set to Be Biggest Yet appeared first on Boating Mag.

As part of the 10th edition of the Boat Builder Awards run by IBI and METSTRADE, Manitou is thrilled to receive the award for Retail Marketing Initiative as a result of a unique partnership with professional quarterback Kirk Cousins. This award is open to all boat builders, shipyards and their official distributors who have demonstrated a real innovation in sales and marketing initiatives to expand their marketplace.

Kirk’s authentic passion for the water and the closeness it helps facilitate with his family speaks volumes about Manitou’s goal of creating unforgettable moments on the water. This partnership bridges the worlds of pontoon boating and professional sports, promising a fusion of excitement and relaxation for enthusiasts of both.

Highlighted in a four minute longform video, Kirk shares his journey, the freedom he feels on the water in his Manitou and the memories he can create with his family. Kirk Cousins embodies the spirit of excellence, teamwork, and dedication—values that align seamlessly with the Manitou brand. Known for his leadership both on and off the field, Kirk’s genuine passion for boating, coupled with his strong dedication to family and community, made him the ideal partner for Manitou.

“We are thrilled with the amazing results from Manitou’s partnership with Kirk Cousins and I’m honored to accept this prestigious award because of it,” said Jeremi Doyon-Roch, Global Brand Strategy Director, Marine at BRP. “The collaboration between Kirk and Manitou resonated strongly with our target audience and proved that a strong authentic partnership like we have with Kirk can redefine leisure and recreation on the water.”

For more information about Manitou pontoons, visit manitoupontoonboats.com and follow on social media: Facebook and Instagram.

The post Manitou Wins IBI Boatbuilding Prize in Partnership With Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons appeared first on Boating Mag.