What You Missed at the 2025 Miami Boat Show
The Wajer 38S, Vanquish 70, and XO44 Steal the Day Boat Spotlight
The 2025 Miami International Boat Show wrapped last night, and even though the show’s popularity has taken a hit, it didn’t disappoint with fresh models in the day boat category.
If you didn’t make it, here are the top three reveals: the Wajer 38 S with outboards, the Vanquish 70, and the XO44.
WAJER 38 S: A Bold Move Outboard
Wajer has long been synonymous with sleek sophistication; the pinnacle of Dutch day boating. With premiere affiliations to American sports legends like Tom Brady and John Henry, they’ve made waves even with a hull shape that limits usable space. But where Wajer space is limited, quality flourishes. Wajer yachts are at the pinnacle of artistry and quality, ceding nothing to their design DNA, until now.
We all know outboards are not the prettiest, but they sure are practical. Wajer finally broke their mold, ceding to American demand with the Wajer 38 S outboard, fixing triple Mercury V10 Verados to the transom in a clear attempt to widen their reach in South Florida and continue their surge in the yacht tender category.
WHY BUY the Wajer 38 S with outboards?
More Speed: Gain +6 knots with V10 Merc 400s vs the standard IPS 650s.
Increased Storage: Convert your inboard engine room space into storage
Outboard Benefits: Easier serviceability, trimmable drives, overall lighter weight
For Wajer, this outboard option marks a major evolution, catering to a growing US-demand for premium outboard-powered day boats without compromising their signature sloop style and edgy transom design.
Want more information on the Wajer 38S from an unbiased source?
VANQUISH VQ70: Bigger Gets Better
Arguably the launch that turned the most heads was the Vanquish VQ70. This Dutch-built, fully aluminum day boat continues Vanquish’s legacy of subtle evolutionary changes to match market demand.
WHY BUY the Vanquish VQ70?
Ultra-Customizable: Utilize the benefits of an aluminum design by customizing your exterior and interior layouts, seating arrangements, appliances and more.
Twin Tenders: The VQ70 revels in size large enough to hideaway two on-board tenders (i.e. VQ16 and Williams) and a crew quarters.
Surprising Speed: Reach up to 50 knots propelled by MAN V12 2000s and water jets. At 70 feet, you’re even beating the Pershing 70 by 4 knots.
For the client who enjoys a little more than choosing colors and cushions, the customizable nature of Vanquish (and the new space gained with the VQ70) can allow you to build out your dream day boat.
Want more information on the Vanquish VQ70 from an unbiased source?
XO44: Premium Adventure Engineering in 44 Feet
The XO44 continues to ascend my list of top day boats, as I’ve now seen it out of the water at the Dusseldorf show and sea trialed it last week at the Miami show. It secludes a comfortable all-weather design in a military-like profile line; a great combination of form and function. The general market continues to introduce Nordic-style cruisers, but XO delivers a clear premium option to supplant the average quality of Axopar, Nimbus, Quarken and the like.
WHY BUY the XO44?
Military-Grade Aluminum Hull: Tough enough to tackle any conditions, while suppressing sound with strategically sprayed rubber liners.
Adaptable Layout: A sliding helm seat that doubles interior seating capacity. Two bedrooms, each with an ensuite. The XO44 is the epitome of spatial efficiency.
Quiet Cruising: At full throttle the cabin is silent; it’s also climate controlled. Those hot Miami summer days are no longer your enemy.
The XO44 is one of the most efficient layouts I’ve experienced, at any size. But it doesn’t stop there. The performance is smooth, sound is minimal, and the price is justified against production quality. I see the XO44 having great success in South Florida.
Want more information on the XO44 from an unbiased source?
Final Thoughts: Miami Boat Show 2025
The 2025 Miami International Boat Show exceeded expectations, of which I didn’t have much. It was great to see new blood in the slips, and I was impressed by much more than these three brands. I loved the color schemes presented by Midnight Express, the grand size of the lower level of the Bluegame BG54, and Wally’s continued attempt to resize their “Power” models to finally sell in the American market.
If you missed these great launches, don’t worry—the Palm Beach International Boat Show is right around the corner, from March 19-23, 2025.
About the Author
Reed Nicol is a licensed yacht broker with experience in all corners of the marine industry. He’s worked as an executive and sales director in yacht manufacturing and distribution, has structured commercial charter operations, and designed and executed notable refits. Read more about Reed’s marine journey, his love of helping 1st time boaters and his entrepreneurial spirit here.
Reed Nicol [Licensed FL Yacht Broker #11926]
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