Boats

Media Preview Day

I have been covering the Toronto International Boat Show for many years but this was my first time attending Media Preview Day. This pre-show event provides an opportunity for content-creators to get a sneak peak of the exhibits and speak with exhibitors prior to public access. Many exhibitors also take this opportunity to unveil their newest offerings.

I arrived super early and the (very media friendly!) organizers were kind enough to let me look around. It is always interesting to me to watch shows being set up as you really appreciate how much work goes into making a show happen!

Can’t wait to see the Boston Whaler booth after show opening

Tons of boating accessories and supplies were being set up as well

Huge loading docks

Ok now for the formal event! We met at The Lake to get a sneak peek of the Boat Show’s floating pickleball court and to watch competitors practice wakeboarding and e-foiling.

The wakeboarders use a zip-line…

…to get some air!

And ride the rails!

The e-foil rider should give you an idea of the “flying boat” we will see in a few minutes!

The floating pickle-ball court

We had the opportunity to give it a try (I like how she has a microphone in one hand while playing lol)

Next a guided tour with five new boat introductions!

First up, the Canadian debut of Regal’s 2026 43’ SAV or “sport-activity vessel” featuring an innovative electronic “fold-out” hull that expands the boat’s entertainment square footage to do more fishing, diving, and lounging.

The rep filling us in on the features of the boat, such as the OceanTrac2 hull, designed for outstanding handling and a smooth, dry ride even in challenging offshore conditions.

We were given the opportunity to embark however I did not do so

You can see another cool feature of this boat here, the GarmRest, which as the name suggests is an armrest with integrated Garmin displays. This totally reminds me of Captain Kirk and the USS Enterprise!!

A glimpse of the full-beam stateroom through the porthole

Now on to the boat I was most looking forward to, the Nor-Tech 4000 Roadster! So happy this was part of Media Preview Day! Brace yourself for a ton of Nor-Tech pics!

Nor-Tech got out of the cat segment in 2015 to focus on v-bottoms and came back this year with a vengeance! The 4000 Roadster is the most powerful, fastest outboard in its class with its quad Mercury Racing 500R outboard setup (2000 HP)!

This time I did not pass on the opportunity to embark so the Salomon Toundra’s came off lol

The captain’s view

Comfortable, supportive seating

Which are needed considering the max speed!

The boat combines this high performance with cockpit seating for 8 plus two aft facing lounges, a small cabin, and even an enclosed head with shower!

In case you couldn’t tell, I love it! Yes, I liked it way more than the centre-console Nor-Techs I have seen in the past.

How would you like this in your rearview mirror?

I spent so much time with the Nor-Tech that I missed Le Boat’s introduction so apologies for that. By way of background, Le Boat is the world’s largest luxury houseboat rental company with a fleet of over 900 boats including 34 in Canada. Le Boat offers a new way to staycation and cruise in your own private houseboat along popular boating destinations such as the Trent-Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal – no boat license required. I will aim to visit their booth when I go back during the show.

Next up, the North American debut of the ENVGO NV1, a Canadian-made hydrofoiling ‘flying’ boat!

Always exciting to see the covers coming off

Also cool to see the hydrofoils deploying

The company founder giving us the details about his design. The NV1, is a zero-emission 25ft electric-powered hydrofoiling cruiser with AI-assisted control technology. The hydrofoil technology lifts the hull above the water, dramatically reducing drag and extending range up to four times that of conventional electric boats. It is said to feel like flying, which the boat will do at 80 kph with a 100 km range on a single charge. NV1’s self-stabilizing avionics make 250 automated foil adjustments per second to ensure a smooth, controlled flight. Really cool! And as he says, “No pilot’s licence required” lol.

Last but certainly not least as it is one of the largest boats on display at the show, the Absolute 48’ Coupe.The boat’s design allows for some the highest below-deck ceiling heights for its three cabins, 360 electronic panorama windows (including opening side windows) for uninterrupted views, and a strong commitment to sustainability with a solar-panelled transparent roof.

After the guided tour and new introductions, we were given the opportunity to roam the show. I headed straight for some of my returning favourites, like the Police boats!

Toronto Police Marine Unit’s Zodiac Hurricane

Equipped for rescue for all ages

Ontario Provincial Police Boston Whaler

Another one of my recurring favourites that I have covered in detail in past reviews, the Hewescraft Alaskan

More fine boats from Hewescraft

I have always liked the look of Rossiter

The 14’ Day boat looked great in this colour combo of antique white, midnight blue, and navy blue.

The Hudson Bay inspired 17’ Runabout was my favourite

Ranger Tugs always look stunning in person. No matter which size, I would say they have a “commanding presence.”

I will end my Media Preview Day coverage with a “squirrel” moment. I wasn’t expecting to cover the Grady White booth but this one (I believe from the Freedom line) really caught my eye. Wow that looks great in all white! I will definitely go back during the show to get more info.