The Newport International Boat Show, presented by BankNewport, is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Newport for New Products™ (NFNP) Awards.
Each year, the NFNP Awards recognize standout new boats and marine products making their debut at the show. Following an evaluation by a panel of marine industry experts on Opening Day, this year's winners were selected for their innovation, design, technology, and value to today's boating community.
From exciting new vessels to products designed to make life on the water even better, the 2026 winners showcase some of the latest ideas and advancements shaping the marine industry. Explore this year's award-winning boats and products below.
Best New Boat Overall
Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding Inc. | Hood 42 | Booth N3W
"The Hood 42 has a retro look but with modern touches tastefully incorporated throughout. This one is a throwback to the days of the Golden Era of American dayboat cruising. Simply incredible."
– Sam White, senior editor, Yachting
Best New Powerboat
Hunt Yachts | Hunt 56 presented by DiMillo’s | Booth NB10
“The Hunt 56 is a model that ushers in a new era for the storied brand under DiMillos ownership. Stunning and well built, the future is looking bright for the brand.”
– Dan Harding, editor-in-chief, Power & Motoryacht
Best New Sailboat
Windcraft Multihulls | Dragonfly 36 | Booth N-4 E A
“The Dragonfly 36 combines classically beautiful finishing with an innovative design brief for a boat unlike any other on the market. Improvements to the signature swing wing system and a stable cruising platform make the most of this modest LOA from a sailing perspective, and the cozy interior is both stylish and cleverly organized.”
– Lydia Mullan, editor-in-chief, SAIL Magazine
BEST NEW POWER BOAT UNDER 35'
Kirby Marine | Highfield ADV9 | Booth KMDU2
“The Highfield ADV9 marks a new chapter for the successful tender builder. A cross between the rising class of adventure cruiser and inflatable tender, this newcomer offers the kind of versatility that give it wide appeal.”
– Dan Harding, editor-in-chief, Power & Motoryacht
BEST NEW POWER BOAT OVER 35'
Bosun's Marine | Riviera 55 Belize | Dock S-2 E K
“Smart layout, striking, with the build quality the brand is known for, the Belize 55 was simply a star of the show. Such a debut from the Australian giant is good for both the Newport show and show goers alike.”
– Dan Harding, editor-in-chief, Power & Motoryacht
BEST INNOVATIVE BOAT
Vandal Marine | Vandal 50 | Booth M-10 R
“Built in Holland, the fit-for-adventure Vandal 50 is a bit of a unicorn: The foil-assisted, aluminum catamaran has a draft under three feet, the range of a coastal cruiser but can also reach speeds over 45 knots. I particularly liked the versatility of the semicustom layout options combined with the sleek carbon fiber touches throughout.”
– Jeff Moser, editor-in-chief, Passagemaker
BEST INNOVATIVE PRODUCT
Facnor | TackFurl by Wichard Group | Booth D15
“Facnor's innovative new Tackfurl sysyem allows sailors to tension a furling headsail from the tack, adjusting the drum placement to achieve a better sail shape. This fresh approach to fine tuning trim is a clever option for getting more from your sails, whatever your performance goals are.”
– Lydia Mullan, editor-in-chief, SAIL Magazine
BEST PRODUCT FOR NEW BOATERS/ ACCESSIBILITY
TuffTide Marine | TuffTide 13 | Booth PM9
“The unofficial motto is ‘Stop paddling, go fishing,’ and it lives up to it. A great entry-level product for those who want to get into boating and fishing, or who want a motorized option from a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.”
– Sam White, senior editor, Yachting
BEST NEW PRODUCT
SwiftLoc | Adjustable Fishing Rod Holder | Booth PM8A
“This heavy-duty rod holder is built to last and has a smooth-motion mechanism that allows anglers to adjust rod angles to three different positions while also providing a swiveling option. It’s a clever, well-built piece of gear that no doubt will be popping up in gunwales everywhere.”
– Gary Reich, editor-in-chief, Soundings
BEST OPERATIONAL, MAINTENANCE & SAFETY PRODUCT
Propspeed | Foulfree Multi-Surface | Booth G51
“Propspeed has taken its already innovative foul-free coating and adapted a clear version to stick tenaciously to everything from plastics to inflatable boat fabrics. If you have something on your boat that’s underwater, there’s now a solution to keep it free of marine growth.”
– Gary Reich, editor-in-chief, Soundings
NEWPORT FOR NEW PRODUCTS - NOMINEES
Every nominee is a standout! The following products were recognized in the 2026 Newport for New Products Awards for pushing boundaries and bringing fresh innovation to the marine industry. While they may not have taken home the top prize, these nominees embody the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that make the Newport International Boat Show a showcase of what’s next in boating.
2026 STAR AWARDS
Excellence at the Newport International Boat Show goes beyond the boats and products on display. The STAR Awards recognize exhibitors who go the extra mile to create standout spaces and welcoming experiences for show attendees.
Exhibitors are evaluated on the overall appearance and presentation of their displays, branding, product visibility and just as importantly, how welcoming and engaging their teams are throughout the show.
BEST DISPLAY IN A TENT
IK Yacht Design
With a large, thoughtfully designed space, IK Yacht Design stood out for creating a cohesive display that brought together a wide variety of products while still feeling polished, organized, and inviting.
BEST FREESTANDING DISPLAY
Artisan Boatworks
Small but mighty, Artisan Boatworks made the most of its recently reconfigured display with strong branding, an engaging team, and a space that immediately drew visitors in.
BEST IN-WATER POWERBOAT DISPLAY
Hinkley
Hinkley created an impressive waterfront presence with several boats, a large team, and thoughtful details throughout the display, including carpeting, lounge seating, greenery, and a tent that brought the entire space together.
BEST IN-WATER SAILBOAT DISPLAY
Signature Catamarans
Signature Catamarans stood out with a well-branded and welcoming display featuring carpeting, a tent, and greenery. The attentive and engaging team helped make the visitor experience especially memorable.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 STAR Award winners!
SEE THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT
Want to learn more about this year's award winners? Read the official press release for the complete announcement of the 2026 Newport for New Products™ Award and Star Award winners.
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