The Docks Are Open. Here's What's Worth Your Time at FLIBS 2026.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show opened today, and if you've been waiting for a reason to make the drive up I-95, three brands gave you one. A Finnish adventure boat company is debuting new models on American soil for the first time. A marina operator is about to open a facility that can survive a Category 5 hurricane. And one of the world's leading catamaran builders brought six boats to the docks. Here's what to know.

Axopar has spent the last decade building a reputation as the global standard in adventure boating — boats that are equally at home on a weekend run to the Bahamas as they are crossing open ocean. Today, in partnership with BRABUS Marine, the brand is making its most significant American statement yet: the U.S. debut of the Axopar 38 Sun Top, the Axopar 38 Cross Top, and the BRABUS Shadow 38. Fourteen vessels total are on display at Bahia Mar F/G Dock and inside the convention center.

The anchor of the Axopar display is the Hull of Fame — an innovation showcase tracing the brand's decade of design evolution. Proudly manufactured in Europe, Axopar builds boats that look as good as they perform, and the new 38 series carries that forward: refined lines, elevated onboard comfort, and the kind of engineering that earns the premium. Axopar Founding Partner Jan-Erik Viitala and CEO Kari Kulojärvi are both on-site. Find them at Bahia Mar F/G Dock or Convention Center Booth 2022.

PORT 32 Marinas is at FLIBS with news that matters to anyone who keeps a boat in South Florida: the December opening of PORT 32 Palm Beach Gardens, a ground-up redevelopment at 2385 PGA Boulevard that is, by any measure, a serious piece of infrastructure. The facility will offer 471 total slips — 451 enclosed dry storage slips for vessels up to 60 feet, and 20 wet slips for boats up to 100 feet. It is the only Category 5 hurricane-rated marina in Palm Beach County, engineered to withstand winds up to 180 mph.

The forklifts alone are worth noting: PORT 32 Palm Beach Gardens will operate the largest marina forklifts in the United States, with 75,000-pound lifting capacity and elevating cabs built for precision and safety. Positioned between the Jupiter and Palm Beach Inlets with direct Intracoastal and Atlantic access, the location is as well-chosen as the engineering. PORT 32 has also expanded its Fort Lauderdale operation on the New River into a full-service yacht repair and refit destination — a 150-metric-ton Marine Travelift, wet basin capacity for vessels up to 180 feet, and a contractor-friendly property where owners can coordinate everything in one place. Booth 873 at Bahia Mar.

Leopard Catamarans arrives at FLIBS with six vessels at Bahia Mar G/H Dock: the Leopard 40 Powerboat, Leopard 46 Powerboat, Leopard 53 Powerboat, Moorings 403PC, Moorings 464PC, and Moorings 534PC. If you're in the market for a power catamaran — private ownership or a charter program — this is one of the strongest lineups you'll find anywhere this week.

Leopard has also announced the all-new Leopard 43 Sailing Catamaran, the next-generation replacement for the highly successful Leopard 42. Designed with naval architects Simonis Voogd and built by Robertson & Caine, the 43 is built for both private ownership and The Moorings and Sunsail Yacht Ownership Program. It won't be at Bahia Mar — but it's available for viewing at Harbour Towne Marina in Dania Beach, a short drive from the show floor.

FLIBS runs through Sunday, November 2. Whether you're shopping or just want to see what the marine industry is building right now, this is the week to be on the docks.