SHERIDAN, WYOMING – December 26, 2025 – If you’ve ever wished a dayboat could feel like a supercar—fast, sculpted, and unapologetically premium—BRABUS Marine is bringing that fantasy to the U.S. spotlight at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2025. Following the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 world premiere of the BRABUS Shadow 1500, the brand is using FLIBS for the official U.S. debut of its new 45-foot platform, led by the Shadow 1500 XC Cross Cabin and its “Phantom Grey” Signature Edition styling.
A 45-Foot Range Built Around Two Personalities
The headline here isn’t just “new model,” it’s “choose your vibe.” BRABUS Marine positions the Shadow 45 range as a shared platform with two distinct character profiles: the BRABUS Shadow 1200 and the BRABUS Shadow 1500. Think of it as the difference between an effortless Gran Turismo mindset and a full-throttle performance statement—same size class, very different energy.
For lifestyle buyers, that’s the interesting part: the 45-foot segment is where you want comfort, presence, and confidence, but you also want the option to dial things up. BRABUS is clearly designing for owners who care as much about how the boat looks when it’s parked as how it feels when it’s moving.
Shadow 1500: The “Goosebumps” Spec, Explained Like a Human
At the center of the Shadow 1500 is its triple-engine setup: three supercharged Mercury Racing V8 engines with a combined output of 1,115 kW / 1,500 hp. BRABUS calls it one of the most agile high-performance dayboats in its class, with acceleration and handling meant to make every run feel visceral—not just quick on paper.
A few details tell you who this boat is for. The helm is deliberately configured without Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) as standard, which is basically BRABUS saying: this is meant to feel direct at speed. If you want docking assistance and advanced positioning control, JPO is available as an optional upgrade—so you can prioritize either purity or convenience.
The FLIBS showcase model is the Shadow 1500 XC Cross Cabin in a Signature Edition style, finished in “Phantom Grey” with BRABUS “Ice” exterior upholstery—very much a “pull up and everyone looks” aesthetic.
Shadow 1200: The Long-Distance, High-Style Alternative
Not everyone wants the most intense version of everything. The Shadow 1200 is positioned as the refined, long-distance cruising choice—still unmistakably BRABUS, but with a different rhythm. For the 2026 season, it shifts to a new propulsion setup with three Mercury Verado 400 V10 outboard engines, delivering cruising at 40 knots and a top speed of up to 55 knots.
BRABUS highlights improved acceleration, optimized propeller geometry, and a redesigned gear case to deliver a smoother, more efficient ride—so the “Gran Turismo of the seas” line isn’t just marketing, it’s the intended feeling: fast, composed, and easy to live with.
Pick Your Layout, Pick Your Signature Style
The Shadow 45 range is offered in three models—XC Cross Cabin, Sun Top, and Cross Top—each aimed at a different kind of day on the water. Then you match your preferred personality (Shadow 1200 or Shadow 1500) and engine setup. The result is a boat that’s meant to feel tailored, not “one spec fits all.”
That customization is part of the lifestyle appeal: some people want open-air social energy, others want more protection and all-weather versatility, and plenty want both depending on the season.
Mini FAQ: Buying This Dream Like a Real Person
Q: What’s the big difference between Shadow 1200 and Shadow 1500?
A: Shadow 1200 is positioned as the refined, long-distance “Gran Turismo” choice, while Shadow 1500 is the bold performance flagship built around race-inspired power and a more visceral feel.
Q: What makes the Shadow 1500 feel so extreme?
A: It uses triple supercharged Mercury Racing V8 engines with a combined output of 1,115 kW / 1,500 hp, designed for uncompromising acceleration and handling precision.
Q: Is docking help included?
A: Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) is not standard on the Shadow 1500; it’s offered as an optional upgrade for owners who prioritize docking assistance and advanced positioning control.
Q: What models can you choose from in the Shadow 45 range?
A: BRABUS offers XC Cross Cabin, Sun Top, and Cross Top variants, each aimed at different lifestyles and on-water use.
Learn more at https://www.brabusmarine.com.