Small Boats Big Ideas | Miami Boat Show | Aquila 45 | A 13-Year-Old Hero - 2/11/2026

SMALL BOAT, TWO HELMS Cutwater’s C-288 CB packs a lot into a compact footprint. Twin Yamaha 250s, a deep-V hull, and joystick control handle day runs with ease, while the command bridge adds a second helm and extra seating. Below, a real cabin with galley, enclosed head, and convertible berths supports overnight trips without turning the boat into a full cruiser.
 

WHEN DECKS EXPAND Aquila’s 45 Sport uses a wide-beam power cat hull to balance speed with deck space. Twin Mercury Verado V12s support fast coastal runs, while fold-down aft terraces expand the cockpit into a broad social zone. A private cabin with enclosed head adds flexibility for long days that stretch past sunset.
 

BUILT TO TRAVEL Cormorant’s COR55 RAV focuses on distance, reliability, and ease of ownership. A semi-displacement hull supports efficient cruising with reserve speed in hand, while systems favor straightforward access and repair. Flexible deck arrangements, heavy-load flybridge capability, and deep storage reflect a design aimed at sustained travel.
 

OPENING DAY IS HERE And Leopard is showing five cats at the Miami International Boat Show, including three power models at Collins Ave., and two sail cats at Jungle Island. BoatTEST coverage helps compare layouts and performance, or arrange a VIP appointment while the boats are in place.
 

BUILT ON KNOW-HOW Manari Yachts is a new name, but not a newcomer mindset. Backed by long-time industry experience, the brand launches with a 52-footer designed around speed, IPS handling, and layouts inspired by much larger yachts. With plans that include potential superyacht chaseboat roles, this debut starts to look like more than just another startup announcement.
 

AN AUSSIE HERO, AGE 13, swam for hours to save his mother and two younger siblings after their kayak capsized and filled with water off the coast of Australia last week. None of the family were wearing PFDs. In 2024, 140 people in the U.S. died in drowning accidents involving kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Eighty-seven percent were not wearing life jackets. This story ends well. Most don’t.