The 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show wrapped up last week, bringing together some of the world’s finest boats, latest marine tech, and an increasingly switched-on brokerage community. We were there not just to observe, but to listen, compare notes, and get a feel for what the industry really needs right now.

A Strong Line-Up, But Quiet on the Docks

Over five days, the show featured over 1,000 boats and drew a sizeable crowd—but the energy on the docks felt different. Private viewings were in full swing, and footfall was quieter than expected. For us, it wasn’t about the volume—it was about the quality of conversations and the insights that came from them.

The Boats: Built Smarter, Not Just Bigger

There were some impressive new launches on display—yes, they were big, but what really stood out was how smart they're becoming.

Leapher NAVIX50: A 49.2m explorer yacht with a hybrid engine setup and serious ocean range. Built for autonomy and global cruising—not just looking good at anchor.

Tankoa 72m ‘Casino Royale’: Despite the flashy name, this was a serious bit of kit. Wellness facilities, stabilisation, and centralised digital systems throughout. High-net-worth buyers aren’t just after luxury finishes anymore—they want yachts that are easy to run, smartly connected, and ready to handle different kinds of trips without hassle.

Amaryllis, 78.4m: A classic design with a modern twist. It’s not just about luxury anymore—energy-efficient systems and reduced emissions are starting to matter even in this upper-end market.

Broker Frustrations Are Building

Here’s the real headline from the show: brokers are fed up.

Nearly every conversation we had included the same points—rising YachtWorld costs, no clear performance metrics, and a lack of transparency across the board. There’s still no well-known alternative delivering the volume of buyer traffic needed to replace them—but brokers are actively looking.

Boatshed’s Traffic Cards Made an Impact

We came prepared, handing out printed cards showing actual Boatshed traffic and engagement figures. The reaction was immediate.
SEE THE SIMILARWEB INFO HERE

Some brokers said they’d be taking the data straight to their reps at Boats Group, YATCO, and elsewhere—asking why this kind of info isn’t made public. Companies like YATCO didn’t seem thrilled with that conversation, but it’s one that clearly needs to happen.

Transparency isn’t a marketing gimmick. It's something brokers are hungry for—because it helps them sell more boats.

Conversations That Mattered

A few highlights from our time on the ground:

A large marine company is considering using the Boatshed Toolbox across their marinas—a great sign that our modular system is ticking the right boxes.We met with Vincent Finetti from the Yacht Broker Academy to talk about recruiting and training the next wave of smart brokers.Interesting discussions with around six other companies, including Dockline, a mooring rental app that's quietly reshaping how boat owners connect with local dock space.And a new US insurance firm showing off live tracking tools that could slot nicely into our ecosystem.

What’s Next?

While a lot of conversations at Palm Beach are still under wraps, what’s clear is that the market is ready for something new. Brokers are no longer satisfied with overpriced listings and vague traffic promises. They're looking for a real alternative—something more transparent, cost-effective, and adaptable to their business models.

Boatshed is stepping into that gap with:

Proven Traffic: Backed by real data, not marketing claims.Modular Tools: Brokers can choose what they use, when they use it.Fair Commercial Terms: No inflated listing fees or forced packages.Ownership and Control: Brokers own their data and their relationships.We’re also looking closely at the way platforms like Dockline and new insurance partners are innovating. These kinds of integrations—combined with what we already offer—could lead to a more seamless, full-service experience for our brokers and buyers.

Real Talk with Brokers

Here are a few snippets of what we heard on the ground:

“I’ve been paying more and getting less from YachtWorld for years. I just thought that was the deal.”
“I didn’t even realise you could get traffic stats like this. No one’s ever shown me actual numbers before.”
“Boatshed feels like it’s built for real brokers—not just for show.”

These weren’t isolated comments—they were consistent. And they tell us we’re on the right track. People are ready for a platform that’s more than just a marketplace.

Palm Beach Was Research—and It Delivered

We didn’t go to PBIBS with a stand or a banner. We went with a message and a mindset: listen, ask questions, and hand over the stats.

That approach paid off. We left with strong leads, clearer direction, and a deeper understanding of how fast the tide is turning in the brokerage world.

Interested in becoming a Boatshed broker, partner, or tech collaborator?
Visit boatshedbusiness.com to see what we’re building and how to get involved.

To chat about traffic stats, toolbox access, or anything else, get in touch.

We’re always open to conversations that move the industry forward.

Neil