The international jury of the Best of Boats Award 2026 has nominated 30 motorboats across seven categories. The shortlist was announced on 9 September during the Cannes Yachting Festival. This marks the 13th edition of the international award recognising most outstanding motorboats of the year.

The grand finale traditionally takes place in Berlin: on the evening of 26 November 2026, the winning boats will be announced at BOOT & FUN, the world of boats, water sports and lifestyle at OutVenture Berlin. The awards ceremony, attended by the jury and representatives from international shipyards and the boating industry will take place in the exclusive setting of the historic Marshall Haus.

BOOT & FUN has been a premium partner and host of the Best of Boats Awards since 2014. Since 2025, it has been part of OutVenture Berlin, which will take place from 26 to 29 November 2026 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, bringing together a variety of leisure worlds spanning water sports, angling, camping, caravanning, offroad and outdoor activities under one roof.

The awards recognise the most outstanding new boat models to have distinguished themselves during extensive testing over the past twelve months. The 16-member expert jury, comprising editors-in-chief and motorboat test editors from across Europe and the United States, put the most interesting new European motorboats through their paces during more than 300 test drives in a wide variety of waters.

What sets the Best of Boats Award apart is that the jury assesses the boats from the perspective of the people who actually use them, rather than according to boat length. Only boats tested by at least four members of the jury are considered. The thoroughness and technical depth of the testing, combined with an assessment based on a detailed set of criteria make the Best of Boats Award a European seal of quality. The ‘BOB Award’ is therefore one of the most internationally renowned accolades in the boating industry.

Following an intensive season, the 30 finalists and the categories for 2026 have now been confirmed. Alongside the established categories ‘Best for Beginners’, ‘Best for Family’ and ‘Best for Fun’, boats will be honoured for the second time in the new ‘Best for Adventure’ category, which is dedicated to enclosed sports boats. In keeping with the ‘Green Route’ at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival, the ‘Best Electric’ category features three very different concepts for electric boating.

New for 2026 is the ‘Best RIBs’ category, recognising rigid inflatable boats that are increasingly serving as fully fledged family boats. At the top end, the BOB Award features the ‘Best Big Boats’ category, dedicated to luxury motor yachts measuring 50 feet in length and above. The same principle applies to these larger models: every new model qualifying for the Best of Boats Award can be operated single-handedly without the need for an external crew.

BEST FOR BEGINNERS

• AMT 150 R (Finland)
• Bayliner V22 (USA)
• Terhi 450 TC (Finland)
• Yamarin Cross 55 BR (Finland)

BEST FOR FAMILY

• Grandezza 34 Outboard (Finland)
• Greenline 42 (Slovenia)
• Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1095 Fly Series 2 (France)
• Marex 390 (Norway)
• Viknes S40 Panorama (Norway)

BEST FOR FUN

• Jeanneau TH33 (France)
• Saxdor 400 GTS (Finland)
• SAY Carbon 32 (Germany)
• Wellcraft 28 T-Top (France)

BEST FOR ADVENTURE

• Axopar 38 XC Cross Cabin (Finland)
• De Antonio D36 Cabin (Spain)
• Saxdor 460 GTC (Finland)
• Yamarin Aura Cabin (Finland)

BEST RIBS

• Highfield ADV9 (China)
• Nordkapp Airborne 5.4 (Norway)
• Ranieri Cayman 37.0 Hard Top (Italy)
• ZAR Imagine 115 (Italy)
• Zodiac X9CC (France)

BEST ELECTRIC

• Frauscher x Porsche 790 Spectre (Austria)
• Jeanneau Sea Loft 480 (France)
• Samar 50 (Spain)

BEST BIG BOATS

• Astondoa 577 Coupe (Spain)
• Beneteau GT 50 (France)
• De Antonio D60 (Spain)
• Leopard 53 PC (South Africa)
• Sirena 60 (Turkey)

Images of the finalist boats for editorial use are available for download on the Best of Boats Award 2026 website.

The selection for the Best of Boats Award 2026 reflects the full range of the current model year. Established boatbuilding nations remain strongly represented, with Spain and Norway gaining ground alongside Finland and France as countries of origin, even though many of the boats are manufactured at least partly in Poland. From entry-level sports boats and family cruisers to luxury big boats and innovative electric concepts, the Best of Boats Award 2026 represents all major types of motorboat.

About BOOT & FUN at OutVenture Berlin

Under the motto ‘Everything – except indoors!’, OutVenture Berlin is the leading platform for outdoor activities, water sports and adventure in the capital region. With its four themed worlds – BOOT & FUN, ANGELWELT, CARAVAN & CAMPING and OFFROAD & NATURE – it brings water sports, fishing, camping, caravanning and off-roading together under one roof. Visitors can discover the latest trends, meet experts, try out and compare products, and buy or order them directly. The premiere in November 2025 attracted 55,000 visitors. The next edition will take place from 26 to 29 November 2026 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

BOOT & FUN is the world of boats, water sports and lifestyle within OutVenture Berlin, accompanying water sports enthusiasts throughout the season: in late summer, BOOT & FUN INWATER showcases the latest boats and innovations directly on the water in Werder (Havel). At the end of November, the industry and the water sports community come together for the grand end-of-season event at BOOT & FUN at OutVenture Berlin.

For further information, visit https://www.outventure-berlin.de/en/areas/boot-fun or follow us on Instagram @outventure.berlin.

About Messe Berlin

Berlin has been a trade fair destination for 200 years, and has been one of the most important such hubs for many decades. Messe Berlin – the state’s own trade fair company – conceives, markets and organizes hundreds of live events every year. It strives to be an outstanding host for visitors at all events, generate optimal business stimuli, and provide fair conditions for everyone. This concept is reflected in the company slogan: Messe Berlin – Hosting the World.