winningmotorboats of the year announced in the 2025 Motor Boat Awards

The long-awaited results of the 2025 Motor Boat Awards have finally been unveiled, marking another year of impressive innovation and excellence in the motor boating industry. The rigorous testing, meticulous analysis, and deliberations of the judges have culminated in a prestigious list of award-winning boats across nine categories.

In the Best Sportsboat up to 30ft, the internationally acclaimed Axopar 29 emerged victorious, impressing the judges with its improved seaworthiness, versatility, and continued commitment to style. The Axopar 29 boasts a taller bow and more pronounced flare that provide a drier, safer ride in rough seas, as well as a spacious and sociable forward cockpit. The option of two engine choices, multiple seating and wet bar layouts, and a possible aft cabin ensure that this boat remains practical while keeping its weight in check.

In the Best Adventure Boat over 30ft, Targa 41 claimed the top spot, offering impeccable performance as a versatile multi-purpose adventure platform. The Targa 41 boasts an array of design firsts, including hull windows, inset windows, and prominent side doors, which contribute to its exceptional soft-riding and offshore capabilities. The boat's flexible seating and sunbed layouts further augment its potential as a fun dayboat, practical cruiser, and potent sea boat.

The Fairline Targa 40 received the award for Best Sportscruiser up to 45ft, captivating both judges and consumers with its stylish design, ample cruising facilities, and impeccable responsiveness. The boat provides a spacious and beautifully designed lower lounge, three comfortable cabins, and a plethora of practical features for day boating and cruising.

The Princess S72 was declared Best Sportscruiser over 45ft thanks to its exceptional versatility, style, and performance. The S72 delivers the experience of a two-deck sportscruiser while providing the functionality of a four-cabin flybridge cruiser, all within a sleek and elegant design. Its flexible engine options, well-designed interior spaces, and impeccable engineering ensure a comfortable and enjoyable cruising experience.

In the Best Flybridge up to 60ft category, the Absolute 52 took the crown due to its remarkable balance between style, performance, and functionality. The boat offers three excellent day boating zones, a light-filled lower lounge, and quiet, fuel-efficient cruising capabilities. Its thoughtful design and premium quality build make the Absolute 52 a formidable package for those seeking a blend of style, space, and unparalleled seagoing practicality.

The Pearl 82 was honored as Best Flybridge over 60ft, taking the brand to new heights both literally and figuratively. Boasting a stylish design, excellent packaging, and a full-length flybridge, the Pearl 82 offers four luxurious double ensuite cabins, a private foredeck terrace, and a range of contemporary interiors by Kelly Hoppen. Its hallmark nimbleness and refined cruising experience further distinguish this remarkable boat.

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 54 was crowned Best Passagemaker 2025, thanks to its successful blend of luxury family cruising and practical living onboard. The boat's light-filled main deck, spacious cabins, and numerous storage options provide a cozy, home-like atmosphere for extended cruising. The Sleipner fin stabilizers ensure comfortable cruising from 5-18 knots while solar panels provide enough power to run systems and charge batteries at anchor.

The Riva 82 Diva emerged victorious in the Best Custom Yacht category, dazzling judges with its striking design, luxurious interiors, and exceptional quality. The boat's unique katana-blade hull windows, compound curved forward bulwarks, and sophisticated interiors by Riva itself make it a standout in terms of style and luxury. Its spacious outdoor spaces, powerful performance, and dedicated attention to detail impress both cruising enthusiasts and onlookers.

In the Innovation award 2025, the Azimut Seadeck 6 stood out for its forward-thinking approach to sustainable boatbuilding. The boat's holistic design philosophy is evident in its lightweight carbon fiber construction, hull cored with recycled plastic bottles, and cork decking and carpets made from recycled fishing nets. Exceptional fuel efficiency and a mild hybrid system that enables the boat to run on battery power for up to eight hours at anchor make the Seadeck 6 a trailblazer in sustainable luxury boating.

In the Customer Service Award 2025, sponsored by Garmin, Ventura Yachting clinched the title. The company has consistently provided outstanding service to its clients over the past 25 years, with a special focus on looking after customers before, during, and after the sales process. The numerous glowing testimonials from satisfied clients underscore Ventura Yachting's unwavering commitment to customer care.

Finally, renowned British yacht designer Bill Dixon was awarded the Judges' Special Award 2025 for his significant contributions to the motor boating industry. Over a long and celebrated career, Dixon has designed boats for a wide range of manufacturers, including Pearl Yachts, Sealine, and the Ferretti Group. His innovative designs, practical approach, and resolute focus on meeting market needs have left an indelible mark on the modern motor boating landscape.

For those interested in expanding their knowledge of the motor boating world, Motor Boat & Yachting magazine offers monthly insights, practical features, tests, and news on the latest motorboats, as well as a quarterly Custom Yachting supplement focusing on the luxury end of the market. As the world's leading magazine for motorboating enthusiasts, it provides valuable guidance for discerning boat owners and those seeking to realize their sailing dreams. Subscriptions are available for those looking to build their knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the motor boat industry.

The Axopar 29, winner of Best Sportsboat up to 30ft, boasts a versatile design that includes multiple seating and wet bar layouts, and an option for an aft cabin.
With its hull windows, inset windows, and side doors, the Targa 41, winner of Best Adventure Boat over 30ft, offers exceptional soft-riding and offshore capabilities.
The Fairline Targa 40 won the award for Best Sportscruiser up to 45ft, featuring a spacious lower lounge, three comfortable cabins, and practical day boating and cruising facilities.
The S72 was named Best Sportscruiser over 45ft due to its balance between style, performance, versatility, and an impeccable cruising experience.
The Absolute 52, winner of Best Flybridge up to 60ft, is a formidable package for those seeking style, space, and unparalleled seagoing practicality.
The Pearl 82, the Best Flybridge over 60ft, offers four luxurious cabins, a private foredeck terrace, and contemporary interiors, while delivering a refined cruising experience.
The Beneteau Swift Trawler 54, the Best Passagemaker 2025, combines luxury family cruising with practical living onboard, featuring a cozy, home-like atmosphere for extended cruising.