Statement Marine is a performance boat maker based in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Their 50-ft. powercat was designed to “Make a STATEMENT” when it made its debut at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show.  This powercat incorporates hydrodynamics, aerodynamics and ergonomics and is capable of sustaining high speeds without compromising comfort and safety while remaining easy to handle at lower speeds. According to Todd Werner, a World Champion APBA Super Cat racer who was part of the design team, the Statement powercat is the perfect combination of physics, philosophy and life style.

Find out more on the Statement Marine website and see the Statement powercat in action in this YouTube video.

January, February and March are the most popular months for boat shows.  Whether you’re interested in buying a boat this year or just like to see what’s new and exciting, a boat show is the perfect venue.  In addition to learning about dealers and manufacturers and maybe taking some test rides, most boat shows provide the opportunity to take classes and seminars on a variety of boating topics.   

Here’s a listing of some of the top 2012 boat shows in the U.S. with links for more information.

As you may have noticed from the list above, Progressive Insurance has assumed title sponsorship of boat shows that are produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

At the 2010 Miami International Boat Show, Mercury Engines unveiled their 1350 and 1300 HP turbocharged engines.  Mercury President Fred Kiekhaefer described the engines as the most sophisticated products from the company to date, featuring a 552-cubic-inch, 32-vale quad-overhead cam platform.  The close-cooled aluminum block and cylinder heads are designed to eliminate turbo lag and torque deficiency, problems often associated with turbocharged engines of this type.  The engines also feature a patent-pending pulse tuning exhaust which is unique for four-stroke engines.

The 1350 and 1300 are advertised as being significantly quieter and more fuel-efficient than other engines in the same power range.  They also meet all EPA exhaust emission standards.

Find out more about the 1350 and 1300 at the official Mercury company website.  You can also read a review at Boats.com.

Aspen Power Catamarans are among the world’s most fuel efficient power cats.  The Aspen C90 was introduced at the 2010 Seattle International Boat Show.  It’s the same boat that won an NMMA Innovation Award at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show, but with the addition of a cabin.  This 28-foot powerboat as a cruising speed of almost 18 mph with a fuel efficiency of 6.6 miles per gallon. 

The Aspen C90 has twin hulls, but its port hull carries about 35% less beam than the starboard hull.  The starboard hull carries extra weight in the form of the diesel engine, 2 water tanks and access to the king-sized bed equipped stateroom.  The single small diesel engine keeps keeps maintenance costs down and a built-in solar charging systems provides additional economy. 

The Aspen C90 was designed by Larry Graf, founder of Aspen Power Catamarans and former designer for Glacier Bay, one of the world’s largest power cat manufacturers.

Read a full review of the Aspen C90 on the Sea Magazine website.

The Miami International Boat Show will be held February 11-15, 2010 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Featuring more than 200 exhibitors from around the world, the Miami International Boat Show includes a large group of multi-hull powerboats and sailboats. Seminars on a wide range of interesting boat-related topics and fun activities for the entire family will be available. Vendors will also be exhibiting engines and marine accessories of all types. From personal watercraft to mega-yachts, the Miami International Boat Show has plenty to offer every boating enthusiast. A portion of the show known as Strictly Sail will be held nearby at the Sea Isle Marina and Yachting Center.

Find out more about the 2010 and 2011 Miami Beach International Boat Show on the event website.