As we slide into the new year, it’s clear from recent (and upcoming) boat shows that 2025 is shaping up to be a spectacular year for the boating world. Debuts are arriving fast and furious, with designers and builders pushing the envelope to create new—and irresistible—offerings. Three examples span the spectrum from twin-hulled luxury (the Prestige M48) to family fun (the Uniesse Exuma HTC5). Let’s take a closer look.
Intrepid 51 Panacea
From Intrepid Yachts in Largo, the 51 Panacea is aptly named (Panacea was the Greek goddess of solutions). This sleek 51-footer addresses all your boating needs, from speed (70 mph) to fishing (angling gear galore) to family entertaining (an outdoor kitchen with grill) to overnighting (queen berth, spacious shower, and over 6 feet of headroom). Powered by four 600-hp Mercury V12 outboards, this Intrepid boasts seating fore and aft, plus a fold-out side deck for added versatility.
Prestige M48 (featured photo)
This French multihull from Galati Yacht Sales of Tampa—a company established in 1970—is pure indulgence, offering three staterooms, each with an ensuite head and shower. The nearly 20-foot beam accommodates a full-width owner’s suite, while large sliding doors seamlessly connect the salon and galley to the cockpit. A flybridge hardtop ensures guest comfort and the foredeck lounge adds extra lounging space. The Prestige M48, considered a floating apartment, comes equipped with everything from Villeroy & Boch dishware to Belgian Mona Lison linens and twin Volvo diesel engines.

Uniesse Exuma HTC5
This 56-foot express cruiser epitomizes Italian luxury, featuring Calacatta marble countertops, mosaic-tiled showers and hand-stitched Milanese leather upholstery. Powered by four Mercury V12 outboards that remain quiet even at over 58 mph, the Exuma provides a private owner’s suite forward with an island berth, a VIP stateroom and a third guest cabin. Each stateroom includes a private head, and the surprising 7-foot-6-inch headroom adds a sense of grandeur. Say “Ciao!” to this Italian stallion of the seas.

Cobia 285 CC
Florida-based Cobia Boats designed the new 285 CC with two “Fs” in mind: family and fishability. This 28-foot center console offers all the rod holders, bait tanks and livewells an angler could want, while also providing comfortable seating in the 101-square-foot cockpit and bow area. A private compartment with an electric head makes family outings more convenient. Powered by twin Yamaha 350s, the boat reaches speeds of 62 mph, satisfying everyone’s “need for speed.”

Pursuit OS 405
Replacing the legendary Pursuit 385 wasn’t easy, but Pursuit raised the bar with its all-new OS 405, featuring a hull designed for smooth rides in offshore swells (the “OS” stands for offshore). Triple Yamaha 450 outboards deliver top speeds of over 55 mph and a range of 317 miles at 28 mph. All the essential fishing features are standard, along with a cabin for overnight stays, complete with a queen berth, a separate stall shower and a full galley.
Chris Caswell is an award-winning writer and the former editor of several yachting magazines. He has appeared on Oprah as a boating lifestyle expert and hosted the Marine Voyager series on the Speed Channel.
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