European Powerboat of the Year 2025: These boats win an Oscar!
On Saturday evening, around 450 guests were eager to find out which motorboats would be honoured with the prestigious European Powerboat of the Year Award this year. Full of anticipation, the nominees waited to see if their boat would be called out over the loudspeakers.
The winners were announced in six categories: Boats up to 10 metres in length, Motor Yachts up to 14 metres, Motor Yachts up to 18 metres, Motor Yachts up to 24 metres, Catamarans and Electric Boats. The selection criteria for the awards included design, innovation, performance, functionality and value for money.
The winners were selected by a jury of specialised journalists and experts working for leading European motorboat magazines. The winners represent the top products in the boating industry and were assessed in various tests under real-life conditions.
The European Powerboat of the Year Award is not only a celebration of the best boats, but also a platform that promotes development and progress in boating technology. The awards serve as a KPI in the industry and highlight trends that inspire manufacturers and consumers alike. The awards are a significant indicator of quality and innovation in the boating industry, inspiring and informing trade professionals and consumers alike.
You can find out which boats won the race this year and why in the list below!
The winning boats
Category up to 10 metres: Axopar 29 Cross Cabin
The Axopar 29 Cross Cabin is characterised first and foremost by its excellent rough water properties and its practical use. The boat has been well thought out in all respects, with great emphasis placed on safety. It also offers good value for money.
Category up to 14 m: Wellcraft 38 T-Top
The Wellcraft 38 T-Top is a powerful centre console boat designed for offshore use. This model combines robustness with a sleek design and features a distinctive T-top for sun protection, plenty of deck space and powerful propulsion options. The advanced hull design ensures stability in all sailing situations.
Category up to 18 metres: Nimbus 495 Fly
The current flagship of the Nimbus fleet is the first Flybrige model from the traditional Swedish shipyard. The hull of the 495 Fly has been designed for low fuel consumption and hybrid drive solutions, which makes the boat economical. The Nimbus 495 Flybridge is the ideal touring boat thanks to its excellent build quality and spacious design.
Category up to 24 m: Cranchi Sessantadue 62
The Sessantadue is a successful blend of modern design, sophisticated room layout and traditional Italian boat building. She offers plenty of space for her size and is very easy to manoeuvre and more than sufficiently motorised with the two 1000 hp Volvo Penta IPS drives.
Powercats: YOT 41
The YOT 41 epitomises everything that makes a modern touring catamaran: outboard propulsion and folding sides make this French catamaran a real space miracle. In addition, the centre passageway in the saloon benefits the room layout and the two cabins in the hulls offer plenty of space for four people.
Electric: Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air
The Frauscher x Porsche Fantom 850 Air stands for engineering at the highest level. The hull and deck of the sports boat come from the Austrian Frauscher shipyard, while the newly developed drive train with up to 400 kW peak power comes from the current Porsche Macan. The boat's performance is impressive, reaching speeds of around 45 knots.
