- Events and Regattas
From the Bosphorus to Biscayne: The Bold U.S. Deployment of AIATA
The Miami Deployment
The 2026 Miami International Boat Show is serving as the staging ground for a significant international shift. AIATA, the Turkish shipyard manufactured by Anadolu Motor, is making its first-ever official appearance in the United States from February 11 to 15. By positioning its fleet in the water along the iconic Collins Avenue, the brand is moving beyond its roots in Çayırova to establish a permanent presence in the world’s most influential boating market. This isn’t a mere exhibition; it is a decisive move in a long-term strategy for U.S. expansion.
Tactical Alliance: Marine Connection
AIATA’s entry into the American scene is reinforced by a partnership with Marine Connection, a dealer with a specialized footprint along Florida’s West Coast. This alliance provides the Turkish brand with a foundation of local expertise and after-sales authority. For a performance-oriented clientele, having an established dealer network is the difference between a successful deployment and a temporary visit. Marine Connection is the bridge that brings AIATA’s 50-year heritage of engine production and manufacturing to the American docks.
The Wayfinder 38: Dual Configurations
At the heart of the Miami debut are two distinct iterations of the Wayfinder 38 series: the Cabin and the Suntop. These vessels represent a modular design philosophy intended to adapt to the fluid lifestyles of modern boaters. The 38-foot walkaround architecture maximizes deck space and social zones, offering a flexible platform that works just as well for aggressive day cruising as it does for extended stays on the water. It is a vessel designed to cut through the noise of a crowded segment with contemporary aesthetics and purposeful utility.
Velocity and Outboard Logic
Performance is the primary language of the Wayfinder 38. Capable of reaching top speeds of 53 knots, the hull is engineered to handle massive output from high-end outboard platforms. Owners can choose between twin Mercury V8 300 hp setups, the heavy-hitting Mercury V10 350 or 400 hp engines, or the reliable Honda BF 350 hp units. This range of power ensures that maneuverability remains smooth even when operating at the edge of the vessel’s capabilities.
A Heritage of the Tides
The name AIATA is derived from “Ay Ata,” meaning “Grandfather Moon” in Turkish mythology—a nod to the lunar cycle’s historic control over the tides and its role as a guiding beacon for seafarers. This connection to tradition is balanced by a modern 10,000-square-meter production facility where innovation and quality are the standard. AIATA is targeting the “aspirational boater,” those who value the intersection of comfort and technical know-how in a vessel built to navigate any dream.
The Miami Verdict
As the gates open on Collins Avenue, the presence of the Wayfinder 38 marks a major milestone for Turkish boatbuilding. The combination of aggressive speed, modular deck plans, and a refined manufacturing process makes AIATA a serious contender in the U.S. market. For those attending the show, these two boats represent the beginning of a structured expansion that promises to raise the bar for what a 38-foot walkaround can achieve.
