A large power catamaran for the Florida show

The GranOcean W-72 Open is scheduled to appear at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from 28 October to 1 November 2026. The 21.98-metre power catamaran previously made a European show appearance at Cannes in September, so the Fort Lauderdale presentation represents another opportunity to inspect an existing design rather than a new world premiere.

Its inclusion is notable because catamarans of this size serve owners seeking extended cruising, generous spaces and a high degree of layout customisation. For buyers, the show is a chance to judge whether the two-hull platform provides enough advantages to justify the broader marina footprint.

Designed by a combination of specialist teams

Naval architecture is credited to Howard Apollonio, exterior design to GranOcean and interiors to Dutch studio Vripack. The different contributors reflect how large production and semi-custom catamarans bring hydrodynamics, exterior circulation and interior design into one package.

The published design focuses on panoramic views, open main-deck living and the possibility of changing furniture and accommodation arrangements. Such flexibility is attractive, but buyers should confirm which modifications are structurally practical rather than assume any requested change can be made without cost or delay.

A ten-metre beam sets the character

At approximately ten metres wide, the W-72 Open offers a much broader platform than most monohull yachts of similar length. Its main deck connects a large saloon with the sheltered aft cockpit, making gatherings possible across indoor and outdoor areas.

The additional width can provide welcome space for guests, but it also restricts the choice of conventional marina berths. Owners should assess long-term berthing, guest boarding and access to service docks before selecting a catamaran based purely on accommodation.

An adaptable upper deck and foredeck

The boat features a flybridge that can be configured with more open seating or a greater degree of enclosure. A separate forward relaxation area offers another social space, helping groups avoid congregating exclusively in the cockpit.

Climate and itinerary will influence which arrangement is preferable. Owners regularly travelling in warmer regions may value ventilation and shade, whereas those planning cooler-season passages might prioritise protected areas and direct access between decks.

Five cabins as standard

The published standard accommodation arrangement provides five cabins for ten guests, with four double cabins and a bunk cabin. A six-cabin option allows up to twelve guests, while an Owner's Edition allocates more private space to a suite in the port hull.

There are also two crew cabins, indicating the design's potential for a professionally supported operation. Prospective buyers should compare the practicality of an owner's suite with the needs of guests, crew circulation and storage on longer passages.

Different engine packages and energy options

GranOcean offers twin Cummins QSB6.7 diesels rated at 542 horsepower each, QSM11 engines rated at 705 horsepower each, and Caterpillar C18 units of 1,001 horsepower each. The builder also offers optional hybrid propulsion and solar equipment.

Those choices could create materially different fuel consumption, service arrangements and passage profiles. A hybrid option should not be described as installed on every boat. The manufacturer has not supplied confirmed speed and range figures for the full range of configurations.

A shallow draft for its overall size

The published full-load draft is approximately 1.3 metres, which may be useful in coastal cruising areas where a deeper yacht would face restrictions. Draft alone, however, does not determine where a vessel may safely anchor or pass.

Catamaran handling, beam, windage and the local seabed must all be considered. Owners should obtain technical information for the exact build and discuss operating experience with skippers familiar with large power multihulls.

How the Fort Lauderdale presentation helps buyers

The W-72 Open joins a strong selection of power catamarans at the Florida event, where visitors can compare wide-beam living with smaller and faster models. The important question is not simply which yacht offers the most deck area but which balances accommodation with manageable ownership.

Before committing, customers should seek a written equipment list, shipyard support arrangements, technical sea trials and accurate berth information for their planned cruising grounds. A show appearance provides a valuable opportunity for inspection, but it is not evidence of a guaranteed delivery date or performance claim.