The 2026 Motor Boat Awards were announced at a gala ceremony honouring the finest achievements in powerboat design, engineering, and the overall ownership experience. Following months of sea trials, rigorous analysis, and detailed deliberation, judges confirmed winners across ten categories. Each boat was assessed not only on raw on-water performance but also on how convincingly it delivers for its intended market.
The judging panel remarked on the impressive standard of this year's entries, highlighting meaningful advances in usability, refinement, and innovation right across the size range. Several categories came down to fine margins, and a number of Highly Commended awards were issued to recognise boats that either pushed boundaries or delivered exceptional value.
Category winners and finalists
Best Sportsboats up to 30ft
Finalists
: Arksen Discovery 8, De Antonio D29, Ockelbo B25 Cabin
Highly Commended
: Aquaspirit 700, Windy 29 Huracán
Winner
: Nordkapp Enduro 830
Best Weekender up to 40ft
Finalists
: Aiata Wayfinder 38, Beneteau Antares 9 S2, Delta 33 Coupé, Duchy 25, Fjord 39XL, Navan S30
Highly Commended
: Fjord 39XL
Winner
: Navan S30
Best Family Cruiser up to 45ft
Finalists
: Aquador 400HT, Rustler 41, Windy SR40
Highly Commended
: Marex 390
Winner
: Viknes 10
Best Passagemaker
Finalists
: Prestige M7, Silent 62 Open, Sirena 48 Coupé
Highly Commended
: Hardy 45 European
Winner
: Absolute Navetta 62
Best Sportscruiser over 45ft
Finalists
: De Antonio D60, SAY 52, Wallywhy100
Highly Commended
: Bluegame BGF45
Winner
: Pardo GT75
Best Flybridge up to 55ft
Finalists
: Greenline 45 Fly, Prestige F4.3
Highly Commended
: Merry Fisher 1095 Fly
Winner
: Beneteau Swift Trawler 37
Best Flybridge over 55ft
Finalists
: Pardo Endurance 72, Pearl 63
Highly Commended
: Pershing GTX70
Winner
: Princess F58
Best Custom Yacht over 80ft
Finalists
: Ferretti Infynito 80, Sanlorenzo SL96A, Zeelander 8
Highly Commended
: Arksen 85, Sunseeker Ocean 82 Enclosed
Winner
: Azimut Fly 82
Customer Service Award
Finalists
: Approved Boats, Boats.co.uk, Mallorca Marine Group, Tingdene Marinas and Boat Sales, Ventura Yachts
Winner
: Wessex Marine
Best Technical Development
Finalists
: Fathom and Integrel E Power 15, Garmin OnBoard MOB system, Simrad Autocaptain
Highly Commended
: SEA.AI Watchkeeper
Winner
: Volvo Penta Electric IPS
Judges' Special Award
Winner
: Sakari Mattila, founder and chief designer of Saxdor Yachts, recognised for nearly five decades of innovation in the global motorboat industry.
The 2026 winners point to a market heading in a clear direction: smarter layouts, cleaner propulsion, and boats that back up their claims on the water.
