For the eleventh time, a jury of international boat journalists presented the Best of Boats Awards at BOAT & FUN BERLIN 2024. Prizes were awarded in six categories at Europe’s largest international motorboat awards – from safe family boats with a large galley to electric day cruisers.
Berlin, 29 November 2024 – A jury of 13 journalists from international boating magazines presented the Best of Boats Awards (BOB) for the eleventh time on Thursday evening, 28 November, as part of BOAT & FUN BERLIN at Messe Berlin’s Marshall House.
The founder of the Best of Boats Award, Stefan Gerhard, explained that all the nominated boats had not only been thoroughly tested on European waters over the past twelve months. For the first time, an online consumer voting was included in the judging process, with around 5,000 people taking part. The BOB Award 2024 has been divided into six categories based on the different target groups. This provides potential buyers with a concrete tool to help them make their decision.
Steering a successful course: the winners of the Best of Boats Award 2024
BEST BIG BOATS: Omikron OT-60 (Greece)
Marketing Manager Eugene Anyfantis and George Papantoniou, Naval Engineer at Omikron Yachts, accepted the award in the Big Boats category from Julijan Višnjevec, Editor-in-Chief of the Slovenian magazine ‘Val Navtika’. The jury based its decision in favour of the Omikron OT-60 on its outstanding workmanship. The 20-meter boat is not designed for maximum speed, but for minimum fuel consumption and noiseless traveling.
At the same time, it offers an unrivalled level of comfort and quiet on board, inspired by sailing yachts. Eugene Anyfantis, Marketing Manager, and George Papantoniou, Naval Engineer at Omikron Yachts, felt that their efforts had been rewarded.
“The jury understood our concept and we look forward to a bright future,” Anyfantis said.
Read More: OT60 by Omikron Yachts: Sustainable navigation
BEST FOR BEGINNERS: AMT 165 R (Finland)
At less than five meters in length, the AMT 165 R offers plenty of space on board. The boat’s great versatility is demonstrated by the various deck options and hull materials such as GRP and aluminum, explained Alfred Boer, chief motorboat tester at ‘Nautique’ from the Netherlands and ‘Varen’ from Belgium, the jury’s decision. Dominik Entzminger, Managing Director of Boat Solutions, accepted the award on behalf of AMT Boats. “I am very surprised and delighted that our model has won,” he said.
BEST FOR FAMILY: Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser (Norway)
The Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser from Norway beat out the competition from four other finalists. The jury was impressed by its unpretentious luxury with its spacious deck design and great performance. A special feature is the Gourmet Cruiser concept, which gives chefs plenty of space. This makes the boat perfect for full dinners and long family cruises. Arek Rejs, chief motorboat tester for the Polish magazine ‘Wiatr’, presented the award to Espen Aalrud, CEO of Marex Boats. Aalrud expressed his gratitude for the award. “The BOB makes us proud and happy. It is a valuable acknowledgment of our work,” he said.
BEST FOR FUN: Saxdor 400 GTC (Finland)
The Saxdor 400 GTC promises fun on the water. The focus is not on maximum speed, but on maximum serenity. Whether sunbathing, partying on the two balconies or cruising in all sea conditions, the versatile and spacious 40-foot vessel is always fun on board, said the jury, which was represented by Siga Curt Iborra, editor-in-chief of ‘Mares’ from Spain. Erna Rusi, CEO of Saxdor Yachts, said: “I feel very honored to have won the race and received this award in this demanding category”.
BEST FOR PERFORMANCE: Anytec 860 T (Sweden)
It was also not easy for the jurors to make a choice in the 50+ knots class, where speed is not the primary consideration. The focus is on performance, safety and ease of use. The Anytec 860 T from Sweden offered the best combination of these features with the simplest handling, a robust aluminium hull and a fine cruising performance. Jonas Vedin, CEO Anytec Sweden and Jari Ahoranta, International Sales, accepted the BOB 2024 from Jan Sjölund, Editor-in-Chief of ‘Venemestari’ from Finland. “We feel very honored and did not expect to receive this award,” said Jonas Vedin.
BEST ELECTRIC: Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air (Austria)
The collaboration between Germany’s leading sports car manufacturer, Porsche, and the Austrian shipyard, Frauscher, with many years of experience in the field of electric boats, promises the best of both worlds.
A fast day cruiser with a state-of-the-art electric drivetrain, the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air is, according to the jury, the first electric boat with performance and class for continuous daily use. Kerstin Zillmer, editor-in-chief of ‘float’ magazine in Germany, presented the team with the trophy. Florian Helmberger, Director Sales and Marketing, accepted it on behalf of Frauscher, while Jens Winterfeld, Director Electric Drives and Combustion/Hybrid Systems, travelled to the event on behalf of Porsche. Both indicated that this was likely not to be the last collaboration.
More Info: https://www.boot-berlin.de/en/berlin/
