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Best performance yachts: Our pick of the top options

  • Toby Hodges
  • March 10, 2023

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the performance yachts 2022 category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The European Yacht of the Year awards is the most thorough and impartial awards programme – the winners here are widely considered the best yachts of the year . As such the boats nominated by the jury in the performance yachts category can be considered the best of the best.

This year’s shortlist had the full range. From the more conventional definitive style of performance cruiser to the contemporary French interpretation of a lightweight planing cruiser – and even a new brand of sports  catamarans  for the thrill seekers.

Three Italian pure performance yachts and two very different yachts built in Slovenia made for a varied and exciting Performance Yachts category.

Best performance yachts

Winner best performance yachts 2023 – beneteau first 36.

Where once we could assume a cruiser-racer was a fairly standard format design, over the last decade it’s been much more the sexy, perormance yachts the Italian yards specialise in. But as French yards like Pogo and JPK have proven, there’s growing enthusiasm for lightweight planing yachts – and the First 36 is the first real production yacht in that spirit.

Here’s a yacht that puts the focus firmly back into sailing. The First 36 has been kept inviting and approachable – unlike many yachts that can plane, the look is modest, not aggressive. It’s uncomplicated, unfussy and the result is a pleasure for all to sail. It’s more about what you can’t see, the design and engineering, which should ensure longterm demand.

The small, fiddly heads compartment and lack of tiller options are perhaps the only real detraction from an otherwise brilliant collaboration by Seascape and Beneteau, from concept to build quality.

It was their goal to keep this area of the market relevant and prove a mainstream brand can do it, rather than only niche specialist yards. To create a mass produced yacht at this weight and to this foam-cored quality and one that can bring so much fun is a feather in the cap of the First brand.

Grand Soleil 40

The Grand Soleil 40 is an archetypal Med cruiser-racer, and an absolute delight to sail – a feature I’ve learned that Matteo Polli designs tend to share (he also drew the Ecoracer). We sailed the race set up with ORC keel (an IRC version is available too) and six winches, an extended bowsprit and a taller mast. It was one of my most memorable trials of the season in 10-12 knots, with the deep and forward positioned rudder giving plenty of control and lovely direct steering.

The three cabin interior can have one or two heads and different galley options, the cabins are a good size with modest stowage, and it’s all tastefully styled by masters Nauta.

Italia yachts 12.98

At 5ft longer and from the board of Cossutti (who Polli once worked under), the Italia Yachts 12.98 is another cruiser-racer in the same grain as the GS40, but with a markedly different looking white interior. We sailed the ‘Bellissima’ cruising version, which 80% of customers have opted for.

Italia’s yard is now in Fano and its one-shot infused vinylester build looks impressive. However, the deck lacks some refinement and practical stowage, while the three cabin interior isn’t voluminous by today’s standards.

This is a slippery yacht that has a lovely, light feel on the single rudder – the interior styling will be the deal breaker for most.

Solaris Yachts on the other hand has perfected its recipe, tripling its yard size to cater to demand for its sexy Acebal-designed performance yachts.

The Solaris 50 we tested in 2015 and which won this award was arguably the turning point that propelled the brand’s popularity. The owner of the new 50 we tested previously had the original 50 and a 58 and confirms this replacement has nearly the same space as the 58, yet is faster, more powerful and stable than its predecessor (we easily matched 7-8 knot winds under gennaker).

It heels onto its chine and accelerates well, while twin rudders provide ample control. The design prioritises helming experience but the yard needs to come up with a better helm seat option. The interior is well executed, especially the spacious forward owner’s cabin.

The Elan E6 is a big 47-footer, high and beamy and one that leans more towards spirited cruising with generous accommodation over racing. That said, extensive options allow you to tailor it either way, including foam cored furniture and a taller carbon mast for those looking for extra oomph.

It’s a fine collaboration between Humphreys Yacht Design, Gurit, Pininfarina and Elan, while an impressive standard spec includes a carbon sprit and six winches.

The E6 is fun to sail at various angles and gives a nice, sporty feel on the helm – it likes to heel but has plenty of grip and tracks well.

The cockpit is deep and comfortable, with good optional protection and there’s ample deck stowage. A really smart three (or four) cabin interior shows a high standard of construction, finish and styling. It is bulky and you pay for the size in weight, but it looks good and Elan knows how to build a great boat for the price.

Best performance yachts 2022

Winner best performance yachts 2022 – jpk 39fc.

Along with fellow Brittany yard Pogo, JPK has redefined the modern performance cruiser: stiff, stable and efficient to the max. For the keen sailor who wants to get the utmost enjoyment out of hands-on cruising, the JPK 39 is a superb design (and to my eye, an appealing one too), while the yard has done a nice job with the vacuum-infused construction and interior fit-out. The two-cabin version we sailed had plenty of stowage too.

It looks different, behaves beautifully and stands up to its canvas, is designed to sail efficiently with a loaded displacement, and has a deck set-up to encourage you to trim it to your heart’s content. My only slight negative is the unnerving mess the cockpit can become as there are so many control lines.

This lightweight blast will best suit experienced sailors and those comfortable with short-handed sailing. And it guarantees smiles.

high performance yacht

Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/European Yacht of the Year

One such sports catamaran is the IC36, an exciting first offering from a new Czech brand that’s packed with fresh thinking. The first turbo version of this cruising catamaran (Independence) is built using a carbon fibre crossbeam, bowsprit, boards and rudders, epoxy hulls, plus a custom Pauger rotating mast, which all serve to keep weight below three tonnes.

It provided some spirited sailing, particularly when fetching at a measured pace of 10-13.5 knots with the code 0. The direct feel of tiller steering while seated in the low rotating bucket seats was a highlight.

The finish quality in the hulls is first class and there is somehow space for up to eight berths. The coachroof features a retractable bimini and removable vinyl side panels and solar panels, while the cockpit table, which includes an exterior galley, is also removable.

In fact the IC36 can be dismantled to 2.55m beam to make it legally trailable. It has so many options and ideas – too many perhaps – all reflected in the price.

Monohull enthusiasts will share our congratulations to J-Boats for its elegant new flagship. The J/45 won the hearts of the jury and made for a long drawn out decision against the JPK. In the end the two yachts will appeal to different sailors and tastes.

J has stayed true to its roots, yet still managed to bring a current, classy new offering. The unmistakable Alan Johnstone lines have been paired with a contemporary, warm European interior designed by Isabelle Racopeau, while much focus has been paid to the joinerwork and the invisible quality. We saw the two cabin version, which has an excellent technical cabin in place of the second aft cabin.

The J/45 is designed to still perform when loaded with cruising gear. True to J’s reputation, it was a witch upwind and could outpoint anything else during our trials. The compromise is that it won’t plane easily like a JPK or Pogo.

high performance yacht

The Solaris 40 is another looker from Soto Acebal and the blue steel metallic hull colour of the test boat made the powerful hull shape really stand out.

We liked the recessed traveller, direct steering to the twin rudders, neat folding helm seats, clutches integrated into the coamings and the easy access to the side decks. However, the jury found the cockpit with its short benches and deck design a little too flat and minimalist.

The interior is smart and contemporary, again offered with two or three cabins with two heads it makes good use of the space.

high performance yacht

One of the yachts I was looking forward to sailing most was the Pogo 44, and the only one shortlisted that I didn’t manage to! A collision with the photographer’s RIB shortly before my scheduled trial put it out of action.

However, my colleague Rupert Holmes did a full Pogo 44 test and report on it for Yachting World and describes the 44 as designed to thrill and unlike any other pure cruising yacht of its size. The stability from the beamy hull and deep lifting keel combines brilliantly with the ability to sail fast easily and in comfort. However some jury members didn’t like having to rely on an autopilot to use winches.

The interior is like a loft apartment, with so much natural light – it’s minimalist yet comfortable, spacious and practical for cruising.

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Boating Beast

A Guide to High Performance Boats

John Sampson

If you have the need for speed, then you can’t beat the power of the “go-fast” boat. These high-performance vessels are the “race cars” of the oceans, allowing for incredibly high speeds on the water that are often triple the speed of the average speedboat with an outboard motor.

High-performance boats are available in many styles, from recreational models to professional racing boats. Getting out onto the open water and dropping the throttle to open the engines is a thrilling experience as they roar to life and surge the vessel forward.

Once you experience the adrenaline rush of speed, you’ll never go back – it’s a truly life-changing experience, and you’ll find it somewhat addicting to get out on the water with your new go-fast boat.

These models are ideal for taking distance trips between islands, cruising the coastline, or even entering professional or amateur racing competitions. With so many models, styles, engines, and accessories to choose from for your boat, you get a customizable setup that suits your needs.

This post unpacks everything you need to know about high-performance boats.

What Is a High-Performance Boat?

The high-performance boat model comes with several designs to suit your boating experience. When assessing high-performance models, you have two options for hulls.

The V-Bottom (Mono-Hull Design)

The first option is the deep V-hull. You’ll find these hulls on the fastest models, like “cigarette boats.” The deep single-hull allows for exceptional stability on the water at high speeds, ensuring you get a clean cut through the roughest waters without compromising the handling or maneuverability of the watercraft.

The Catamaran (Dual-Hull Design)

These boats have two hulls, similar to a pontoon boat but designed for performance. The double catamaran hull allows for exceptional stability at high speeds on the water, giving you more control and stability than the V-hull. It’s for this reason that professional racing watercraft use this hull configuration.

Fountain 34 Thundercat

Center Consoles and Go-Fast Catamarans

The most popular version of the go-fast boat is the “center console” design. This driver configuration places the driver position in the center of the boat, with the seating being closer towards the aft of the watercraft.

You have options for open or closed cockpits, lounge chairs, and booster seats, and some models may feature a v-berth in the bow allowing for sleeping accommodations or a small seating arrangement. These boats feature single or twin motor setups capable of reaching speeds of 60 to 85-mph.

Go-Fast Catamarans

The catamaran go-fast models range in length from 28 to 52-feet, and the longer the boat, the better the performance and speed. Most models feature twin motor setups offering you up to 1,750-HP, with top speeds of up to 180-mph, thanks to the exceptional stability provided by the catamaran hull system.

Go-fast catamarans often include the use of carbon fiber materials around the boat, decreasing weight while increasing performance and handling. The material also adds exceptional strength and stability to the hulls, preventing hull distortion under high-speed conditions.

The sports catamaran is gaining in popularity in the recreational go-fast market. These models vary between 28 to 38-feet in length, with outboard motors capable of reaching up to 130-mph on open, calm waters.

Engines for High-Performance Boats

Most v-hull models feature inboard stern-drive engines, and there are a few models with outboards. All boats come with exceptionally high power outputs, with some models relying on twin, triple, or quad engine setups, depending on the length and weight of the boat.

High-Performance Boat Lengths

High-performance boats come in a range of sizes and power outputs to suit your activities on the water. Most models range between 20 to 50-feet in length. The longer the boat, the more stability it has on the water, giving you more control at high speed.

Since some of these models can reach speeds of up to 150-mph on flat calm waters, they need the length to ensure the boat doesn’t flip when it catches an updraft on the surface of the water.

Benefits of High-Performance Boats

High-performance boats offer you several advantages for sports recreational and professional racing. If you love going fast on the water or want to give it a try, these boats come with the following benefits for your boating experience.

Speed and Handling

Typically, any boat capable of speeds over 70-mph on the waterfall into the category of high-performance models. With the advances in engine technology over the last few decades, you have boats capable of hitting speeds of anywhere from 120 to 180-mph.

The handling of a high-performance boat isn’t as good as a cabin cruiser or bowrider. The long length gives you a wider turning circle that’s not ideal for watersports. The design of the high-performance boat means that it’s a “point-and-shoot” model designed for use in a straight line.

When you consider the high speeds involved in operating these watercraft, the go-fast will suit captains with boating experience under their belt.

If you’re planning on making a go-fast your first boat, make sure you take an instructional course to show you how to handle the power and performance of the vessel before taking to the water yourself.

Donzi 38ZRC

Dynamic Cruising

The go-fast offers a powerful performance that’s ideal for cruising at high speeds. Hit the throttle and race between islands in the Caribbean, or take a day trip up the coastline.

Powerful Motors

The go-fast comes with performance engines designed for speed and power. They are like the Ferrari’s of the waterworld, offering exceptional performance that you can’t find with any other model. Sports catamaran models in 28 to 36-foot lengths are popular, featuring twin Mercury Racing Verado 400R outboard motors that rip through the water at high speed.

The Mercury Marine Verado 350 outboard offers you a better warranty and a better choice for your sports cat model. The 400R features a standard SportMaster gearcase in the engine, making it unsuitable for use in sports cars.

Two-stroke motors are on the way out, with most sports models shifting to 4-stroke engines for improved fuel efficiency and smoother power curves when accelerating. They also reduce noise and emissions, making them the suitable choice for your high-performance boat.

Multiple Sizing Options

The go-fast boats come in a range of lengths to suit your needs and experience. Typically, the recreational “beginner” high-performance boats come in sizes from 28 to 36-feet, with professional models extending anywhere up to 50-feet, with a few catamaran models being longer.

Suitable for Offshore Use

These boats offer excellent performance, and they are suitable for offshore use. Professional racing models allow for an extended range for the longest races.

Disadvantages of High-Performance Boats

Expensive price tags.

The high-performance boat can set you back a considerable chunk of change. Most models start at $100,000, even for entry-level sports cats. Depending on the boat design, manufacturing brand, Customization options, and length, you could end up paying more than a million dollars for a pro racing boat.

Expensive to Maintain and Dock

The high-performance boat is like owning a Porsche. Sure, it’s great driving it, but you’ll choke when you see the servicing bill. The high-capacity motors and stern configurations on most models mean they have higher servicing costs. You’ll also need to consider that these models are unsuitable for trailering, so you’ll need a dedicated slot at the marina, adding to your ownership and running costs.

Large Engines and More Fuel Consumption

Since these boats have the largest motors and several engines in their configuration, you’ll be spending more money on fuel. Think about it like a fancy sports car; you get way less economy with a Lamborghini than you do with a Toyota Camry.

Limited Seating

Your smaller high-performance boats offer you more passenger capacity than the larger racing models. These boats are not known for their passenger capability – they focus on performance. More people on the boat adds to the overall weight, reducing the speed and maneuverability of the boat.

Limited Storage

While larger models may offer v-berths and under-seat storage, they are not the best choice if you’re looking for ample storage space. You might get a built-in cooler and a small cuddy, but don’t expect to pack your fishing and dive gear into this boat.

Not the Best Choice for Fishing or Watersports

These boats don’t offer crossover capability for watersports and fishing. While you can fish from them, that is not the design intention for these models. They are for speed and racing, not sports and fishing.

Most Models are Not Trailerable

The length and weight of these boats mean most of the models over 40-feet are not trailerable. You’ll need to store them in a slip at the marina.

Top High-Performance Boat Brands and Models

There are dozens of manufacturing brands and hundreds of high-performance boat models. Here are our top choices for some of the best go-fast boats available.

Fountain 34 Thundercat

The Fountain 34 Thundercat is an incredibly fast boat for its size, offering plenty of performance out on the open water.

This 34-foot model offers max speeds of up to 130-mph, featuring a 10′ 2″ beam and enough passenger capacity for four to six people. It’s a great choice for an entry-level boat into the world of go-fast vessels.

Fountain 34 Thundercat

You get twin outboard motors, with plenty of performance, and under-seat storage, with a center console driver configuration for stability and control over the boat at speed. It’s a great choice for your first high-performance boat, and it comes with an affordable price tag compared to other go-fast models offering the same level of accessories, design quality, and engine performance.

Stealth Yachts 540 FLY

The Stealth Yachts 540 Fly looks like it belongs in a Navy stealth boat program, with flat sides and boxy looks. It’s an incredibly fast boat for its size, offering plenty of performance out on the open water. This 34-foot model offers max speeds of up to 130-mph, featuring an 18-foot beam and multi-hull setup.

STEALTH 540 sport Black

This model has plenty of passenger capacity offering you bow and aft seating, two captain’s chairs, and a center console configuration. It’s a visually impressive boat offering you excellent perf5romance from its in-stern engine setup, reaching speeds of 50-knots thanks to the 800hp MAN Common Rail diesel engines and the Integrated Surface Drives (ISD).

The 70-foot monohull design gives you plenty of stability at high speed, and there are three staterooms, a 12-person flybridge, spacious side decks, and a central walk-through linking the aft and bow of the boat.

Donzi 38ZRC

This boat is long and narrow, designed for straight-line speed, reducing drag from the hull on the water. The 38-foot length of the boat makes it a mid-range model, capable of speeds up to 120-mph on open water.

Donzi 38ZRC

You get a lightweight design with carbon fiber options and powerful 450-HP motors, giving you plenty of acceleration and top-end speed for racing. It’s not a professional model, but it offers the recreational driver the time of their life on the water.

Mercedes AMG Cigarette Racing Boat

If you drive a Mercedes on land, why not own one for the water? This AMG series “cigarette boat” from Mercedes gives you everything you would expect from the AMG brand, including six powerful high-performance AMG Mercedes motors giving it a top-end of 180-mph.

Mercedes AMG Cigarette Racing Boat

The 59-foot length of the boat provides exceptional stability at speed, cutting through the water with its monohull design and generous use of carbon fiber. It’s a real racing boat and suitable for a professional competition.

Wrapping Up

The world of high-performance boating isn’t for the faint of heart. However, if you have the need for speed, then you can’t go wrong with the go-fast model. Choose between double or single hull configurations, a wide variety of build materials, including carbon fiber, and your choice of engine configuration and seating arrangements.

However, due to the high price tags of these models, make sure you have a budget in mind when selecting your boat. It’s easy to add 20% to 40% to the purchase price when customizing your boat.

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John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

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COMMENTS

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    Offshore V-Bottom Monohull Speed Boats. The offshore monohull V-bottom is still the quintessential high-performance powerboat. The boat's length dictates the waves you can take on safely and comfortably. Typically, high-performance V-bottom measures from 25 feet and up to over 50 feet.

  3. High performance boats for sale

    There are a wide range of High Performance boats for sale from popular brands like Skipper-BSK, Fountain and Formula with 1,024 new and 1,149 used and an average price of $144,652 with boats ranging from as little as $8,920 and $2,622,087. High Performance Speed Boats Guide.

  4. Best performance yachts: Our pick of the top options

    Italia yachts 12.98. At 5ft longer and from the board of Cossutti (who Polli once worked under), the Italia Yachts 12.98 is another cruiser-racer in the same grain as the GS40, but with a markedly ...

  5. High Performance Boats For Sale by Owner & Dealers

    High. Performance Boats. For Sale. With 282 Performance Boats for sale, we have the perfect vessel for you! Search through. our list below for all New and used Performance Boats from owners and dealers. See All Performance Boats For Sale List Your Performance Boat For Sale. List Grid Detail.

  6. The World's Fastest Center Console Boats

    The 2024 Cigarette 52 Thunder combines luxury with high-speed capability, setting a benchmark in marine design and engineering. A remarkable level of performance is achieved through the use of six Mercury Racing 500R engines (3,000hp total), the latest and most powerful outboard motors in Mercury's lineup, supported by a hull that is designed for optimal handling.

  7. High-Performance Speed Boats: The Ultimate Guide

    Typically, high-performance V-bottoms measure from, say, 21 feet to upward of 50 feet. The longer the boat, the bigger the seas you can take on comfortably. The above Pantera 24 Sport is a good example of a relatively small V-bottom speed boat, though some smaller ones do exist. Propulsion systems also are varied.

  8. High Performance boats for sale

    Of the 985 high performance boats currently for sale on YachtWorld, there are 409 new vessels and 576 used and custom yachts listed by professional brokerages mainly in the following countries: United States, France, United Kingdom, Italy and Canada. Over the past 30 days, 117 high performance boats have been listed for sale on YachtWorld. ...

  9. 10 of the Best Performance Boats

    The boat that so defined high performance that an entire category of imitators were named after them (this is where the term "Cigarette boats" comes from, after all), today's Cigarette 42 X continues to set the bar with truly iconic performance styling that integrates cutting-edge amenities and the company's meticulous hand ...

  10. High Performance boats for sale

    High Performance boats for sale on Boat Trader are available at an assortment of prices from a reasonable $12,733 on the lower-priced models all the way up to $2,395,222 for the more lavish boat models. While more compact utility models may have engines with as modest as 234 horsepower on them, models with the greatest power can have motors up ...

  11. High performance power boats for sale

    The 42' Auroris embraces over 50 years of performance boat building experience with the incorporation of Cigarette's advanced engineered twin-step hull design. This multi-faceted vessel executes in transit and exceeds expectations for luxury day boating. It provides extraordinary speed, industry-leading performance, and unparalleled comfort.

  12. Bestselling High Performance Yachts

    The high-performance yacht category consists of boats with a sporty character, capable of reaching speeds of 40 knots and more. While 40 knots might not seem like much in car terms, that speed becomes a whole different sensation on the water. You feel the waves hitting the hull, raising and lowering it, and a strong wind blowing in your face ...

  13. High Performance boats for sale in Florida

    Find High Performance boats for sale in Florida. Offering the best selection of boats to choose from.

  14. A Guide to High Performance Boats

    Typically, any boat capable of speeds over 70-mph on the waterfall into the category of high-performance models. With the advances in engine technology over the last few decades, you have boats capable of hitting speeds of anywhere from 120 to 180-mph. The handling of a high-performance boat isn't as good as a cabin cruiser or bowrider.

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    Skipper-BSK 34NC. 2025. Request Price. The Skipper-BSK 34NC is designed with proportions that give the boat a strong, sporty character that reflects its performance oriented, deep-V hull with 4-steps. This boat is an absolute thrill to drive and it handles like a go-cart on the sea— turning and accelerating on a dime!

  16. One Haute Yacht, The Spirit BARTech F35 Owns Speed, Style, And ...

    Ipswich, Suffolk, UK-based Spirit Yachts is known for precision woodworking and classic yacht design placing an emphasis on sustainable methods and materials. Universally recognized for a high ...

  17. High Performance boats for sale in United States

    Find High Performance boats for sale in United States. Offering the best selection of boats to choose from. ... South Florida Performance Boats | Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Request Info; 2022 Nor-Tech 460 Flyer. US$1,600,000. South Florida Performance Boats | Boca Raton, Florida. Request Info; 2021 Nor-Tech 390 Center Console. US$595,000.

  18. Nordic Boats USA

    Nordic Boats has always lead the pack in performance boat design and styling since the conception of the company in 1962. Located in Lake Havasu, AZ offering full service and sales departments we are here to answer all your questions about any of our high-performance boats. Nordic Boats offers 6 stylish models to choose from both inboard and ...

  19. Top U.S. High-Performance Poker Runs: Where Speed Meets ...

    The U.S. high-performance boat schedule runs year-round with enough boating events and races to challenge those with a penchant for speed to plan their travel schedules around the best water, the best parties and the best places to showcase your boat. The variety of locations and personality of events affects those complex decisions, so let's ...

  20. Performance Boats for Sale

    Call for additional information or to schedule a viewing. Maxed Out Marine 928-854-3060 Maxedoutmarine.com. Located in Lake Havasu City Arizona. Year: 2003 Power: Twin 800 hp (each) Location: Arizona Contact Number: 928-854-3060 Asking: $115,000 Details & Photos ».

  21. High Performance boats for sale in Great Lakes

    Find High Performance boats for sale in Great Lakes. Offering the best selection of boats to choose from.

  22. High Performance boats for sale by owner

    2022 Nitra Boats 22' Super sport. $78,000. ↓ Price Drop. $593/mo*. Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | Private Seller. Price Drop.

  23. 2023 Performance e801 High Performance for sale

    The Performance e801 is a milestone in the development of electric boats. It combines performance, sustainability, and user-friendliness in an impressive way. The Evoy propulsion system, a powerful 400+ horsepower (300+ kW) liquid-cooled electric motor, forms the heart of this boat. ... extensive customization options, and high technical ...

  24. High Performance boats for sale

    1991 High Performance Mac 40 Offshore Catamaran. US$87,023. De Valk Yacht Brokers | Nieuwpoort, Belgium. <. 1. >. * Price displayed is based on today's currency conversion rate of the listed sales price. Boats Group does not guarantee the accuracy of conversion rates and rates may differ than those provided by financial institutions at the time ...