Guided by the Stars to FLIBS
Northstar Brings the Orion 8 and Orion 10 to FLIBS 2026.
Published: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 8:00 am
Days are passing by and excitement is building up for the 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Those looking for big adventures and freedom on the water, Northstar Boats will be present at this year’s show, featuring two performance-driven RIBs that balance confident handling, thoughtful design, and the freedom to make the most of every day on the water.
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is where the boating world comes together to see what's next in design, performance, and life on the water. From October 28 through November 1, 2026, attendees will have the opportunity to explore an impressive range of vessels, meet industry innovators, and discover the boats shaping the future of recreational boating. Among the brands to watch is Northstar Boats, which will bring its Orion 8 and Orion 10 to Bahia Mar, Booth 304.
Northstar's approach is built around a simple idea: a boat that inspires confidence while making every trip more enjoyable. Its rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) combine inflatable tubes with a rigid hull, bringing together stability, maneuverability, and versatility in a package designed for real-world boating. The Orion series takes that philosophy into the day-cruising category, pairing performance-focused hull design with layouts made for spending more time on the water.
At FLIBS, the Orion 8 and Orion 10 offer two perspectives of Northstar’s mission, demonstrating how this RIBs bring together practical capability and a more refined boating experience.
Orion 8: Big-Day Adventures in a Versatile Package
At 26 feet long, the Northstar Orion 8 is designed for boaters who want the flexibility to do a little of everything. Family cruising, afternoons at the sandbar, swimming stops, and relaxed days exploring the coastline all fit naturally into its versatile layout.
The Orion 8's stepped hull, designed by renowned powerboat hull designer Adam Younger, is central to its performance. The design is intended to deliver a smooth, stable, and dry ride, even when conditions get choppy. Its deep deck helps passengers feel secure and comfortably situated within the boat rather than perched above it.
With a beam of 9 feet, 3 inches, the Orion 8 can accommodate up to 14 people and is rated for up to 350 horsepower. Its proportions strike a balance between generous onboard space and manageable size, making it an appealing option for owners who want a capable day boat without moving into a substantially larger vessel.
Northstar has also given the Orion 8 some flexibility on the social side. Facing aft-deck seats, a removable table, and a marine cooler create a natural gathering space for lunch on the water or a quiet afternoon at anchor. Twin flip-up seats, substantial storage, and integrated swimming platforms add practical touches, while available upgrades such as a hardtop, sundeck, electric refrigerator, and electric head allow owners to tailor the boat to their preferred style of boating.
The result is a RIB that feels equally suited to an energetic day exploring the coast and a leisurely afternoon spent enjoying it.
Orion 10: More Room to Explore, More Ways to Enjoy the Water
For boaters looking to step up in size and capability, the Northstar Orion 10 takes the same performance-minded philosophy and expands on it. As Northstar's flagship Orion model, it offers a larger platform for cruising, entertaining, and making longer days on the water more comfortable.
Performance remains a defining feature. Like the Orion 8, the Orion 10 benefits from the advanced stepped hull, reflecting Northstar's emphasis on handling and seakeeping alongside speed. The model is rated for up to 700 horsepower, giving owners access to a higher-performance experience while retaining the versatility that makes a RIB appealing.
The additional space also opens the door to a more extensive collection of comfort-oriented features. A spacious sundeck creates room to relax between destinations, while available equipment includes an electric windlass, freshwater shower system, and electric toilet for comfortability. Its vacuum-infused hull and heavy-duty Hypalon tubes further reflect the brand's attention to construction and durability.
Rather than treating luxury and utility as competing priorities, the Orion 10 brings them together. It has the performance credentials for an exhilarating run and the onboard amenities to make time at anchor or a day spent entertaining friends just as enjoyable. For owners who want a RIB to serve as more than a simple tender, the Orion 10 illustrates how the format can evolve into a substantial day-cruising platform in its own right.
The Orion 8 and Orion 10 may differ in size and capability, but they share the qualities that define Northstar's broader approach to boatbuilding. The stepped hulls are developed to balance speed with stability and predictable handling, helping make performance useful in everyday conditions rather than simply a number on a specification sheet.
RIBs are known for combining a rigid hull with inflatable tubes, and Northstar builds on that format with deep decks, substantial tube construction, and layouts designed around practical movement and passenger comfort. The goal is a boat that feels capable when conditions change and welcoming when the day's destination is simply a favorite anchorage.
The Orion series is built for more than one kind of outing. Social seating, swimming access, storage, shade options, and available cruising amenities let owners shape their boats around family time, entertaining, coastal exploration, or a combination of all three. From the seating arrangements to the available sundecks and onboard conveniences, the Orion models demonstrate that a capable RIB can also be a comfortable place to spend an entire day. Northstar's design philosophy brings together performance, thoughtful functionality, and a polished finish without losing sight of the boating experience itself.
Together, the Orion 8 and Orion 10 show how Northstar approaches the modern RIB: as a versatile platform for people who want the freedom to go farther, enjoy the ride, and make the most of the time they have on the water.
See Northstar at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show returns for its 67th edition from October 28 through November 1, 2026, bringing together new models, notable yachts, marine technology, and boating accessories across its waterfront venues. Northstar will be at Bahia Mar, Booth 304, where visitors can get an up-close look at the Orion 8, Orion 10, and additional models from the brand's lineup. The display is an opportunity to compare the two Orion cruisers in person, explore their layouts and features, and talk with the Northstar USA team about finding the right fit for your boating plans.
Whether you're actively shopping for your next boat or simply interested in seeing how builders are approaching performance and design, FLIBS offers an opportunity to experience the latest developments firsthand.
Plan your visit: October 28–November 1, 2026
Location: Bahia Mar, Booth 304, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Learn more: Northstar Orion 8 | Northstar Orion 10
tags: 2026, Boat-Show-Shopping, FLIBS, Fort lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Northstar Boats, Orion 10, Orion 8, showcase
