boot Düsseldorf 2025: Motorboats and trends inspire thousands of water sports fans
Torsten Moench
· 27.01.2025
"We love water": this is the catchy motto under which the world's largest water sports trade fair, boot Düsseldorf, opened its doors to trade visitors and water sports enthusiasts from 18 to 26 January 2025. Even a song composed especially for the trade fair, which played through the halls every morning at the start of the fair, bears this meaningful title.
The trade fair, which stretched from Hall 1 to Hall 17, presented an impressive selection of boats, yachts and accessories on over 220,000 square metres of exhibition space. Motorboat fans found the objects of their desire mainly in Halls 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9, while the matching accessories and services were presented in Halls 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. A total of around 1,500 exhibitors from 68 nations offered the numerous visitors a programme that was as varied as it was interesting.
Good mood at boot Düsseldorf
Despite the current difficult economic situation in the industry, the general mood among exhibitors and visitors was positive. What's more, it was better than many insiders had expected. Petros Michelidakis, project manager of boot, summarises it as follows: "The money is basically there, we just have to give the customers the confidence and thus the willingness to invest back. The success of our dealers shows this: If you have the right product, you don't have to worry about your future." And Karsten Stahlhut from the Federal Association of the Water Sports Industry adds: "Even in the previously hard-hit class of boats up to 10 metres in length, we see light at the end of the tunnel. Demand and sentiment are on the rise." The motorboat industry once again showed its innovative side.
Focus on sustainability and energy efficiency
This year, the focus was particularly on sustainability and energy efficiency - an area that is becoming increasingly important, both in terms of innovation and sustainable technologies. The Italian large yacht shipyard Sanlorenzo presented an impressive example of this. In collaboration with the German engine manufacturer MAN, Sanlorenzo presented a methanol-based propulsion system that is designed to reduce emissions by 70 per cent.
For normal pleasure boaters, this remains a dream of the future for the time being, but it is well known that many innovations from the megayacht scene will find their way to mass products sooner or later. The newly developed stepped hull of the Sterk 31 RC appears to be much more practical. According to the manufacturer, so-called spray rails in the hull shape of the 10-metre boat reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent by giving the boat more hydrodynamic buoyancy and thus reducing water resistance.
Highlight at boot Düsseldorf 2025: the large number of electric motorboats
One highlight of the trade fair was the presentation of electric motorboats, which set a new standard thanks to their virtually emission-free use and low noise levels. Motor manufacturers such as Torqeedo, E-Propulsion, E'dyn and Fischer Panda presented their latest models, which are equipped with powerful lithium-ion batteries and offer an impressive range. These boats are particularly suitable for inland waters, where the ecological footprint of traditional motorboats is currently still clearly noticeable.
In the area of classic combustion engines, the focus was on the digitalisation of drive technologies and so-called easy boating. Manufacturers such as Mercury, Honda, Yamaha, Volvo Penta and Yanmar presented intelligent engine control systems that enable easy handling and optimised power output. These technologies offer owners greater efficiency and improved handling, even in difficult driving conditions or during mooring manoeuvres.
What features make motor yachts stand out
Another area that traditionally shone particularly brightly in Düsseldorf were the luxury motorboats, mainly represented in Hall 6. Manufacturers such as Azimut Yachts, Princess Yachts and Sunseeker presented spectacular models that not only impress with their impressive technology, but also with their exceptional comfort and exquisite design. These yachts offer everything a discerning boat owner's heart desires: spacious deck areas, luxurious cabins and innovative smart technologies for controlling and monitoring the boat's systems. For example, the Ferretti Group is launching two new Riva models and an Itama on the market in 2025.
To summarise, it can be said that the world of motorboats is changing. The trend towards sustainable, electric drives and the development of intelligent, efficient engines are driving the industry forward. At the same time, the luxury motorboat sector remains a driving force for top-class innovations - even in difficult times, the end of which appears to be in sight.
