There are clear trends our editors are seeing among the new boats and gear at recent boat shows, and in dealerships and vendors everywhere: Multipurpose, user-friendly designs have become the norm, more creature comforts are expected and incorporated, and smart technology based on what boat manufacturers are calling “artificial intelligence,” a very widely defined term, is continuing to reshape the boating lifestyle we know and love. Here are some products and boats that stood out over the past few months of debuts.
After three years of development and testing, Brunswick has launched proprietary technology that autonomously docks and undocks a boat. Simrad AutoCaptain, designed only for short-distance maneuvering in marinas within its camera sight range of about 200 feet, is now available for purchase as an option in new Boston Whaler 405 Conquests, with Brunswick’s Sea Ray to follow.
“We stuck to three main features — docking, undocking, and temporary position hold,” explains Brandon Ferriman, program director of autonomy and advanced driver assistance systems for Brunswick (formerly a member of the team pioneering collision-avoidance systems in Mercedes-Benz cars).
As we saw firsthand on a sea trial at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, on a Simrad display the skipper points where they want the boat parked (including bow-stern orientation) and the system’s integrated Mercury propulsion system (six 3D depth-perceiving stereo cameras mounted around the boat perimeter and a powerful processor) maps out the surroundings, including nearby above-water obstacles such as other vessels, pilings, docks, and so on, then moves the wheel and throttle to maneuver the boat into position. The AutoCaptain’s movements felt deliberate and slow as the system paused for passing boats, then temporarily held our position against the dock while we tied up.
It was repeatedly demonstrated how the skipper at the helm can quickly override the system by moving the wheel or throttle. On its website, Simrad does list the system’s limitations (simrad-yachting.com/autocaptain/disclaimer), including that it’s not designed to detect shallow water, submerged objects, swimmers, or similar below-the-waterline risks. The skipper’s active boating judgment, skills, docking preparation, and vigilance are critical as situations like hands or legs over the gunwale, fog, placement of fenders, and readiness of docking lines, among other issues, are not addressed by this system. If a skipper relies too heavily on a system such as AutoCaptain, their docking experience may be inadequate under pressure, so it’s important to keep your docking skills sharp.
AutoCaptain adds approximately $120,000 to a 2027 Boston Whaler 405 Conquest’s $1,600,000 MSRP | simrad-yachting.com
Computer-enhanced and thermal-imaging camera systems are proliferating in commercial and law-enforcement fleets. SEA.AI designed it’s new Watchkeeper specifically for recreational boaters, particularly those who venture offshore or push their boating hours beyond sunset. Watchkeeper, according to the manufacturer, continuously processes real-time camera data to monitor the vessel’s surroundings, identifying hazards that human lookouts, radar, or AIS might miss.
In developing Watchkeeper, SEA.AI states that it uploaded millions of maritime images (e.g., vessels, floating shipping containers, persons in the water) so the system can try to distinguish and classify objects based on these preloaded photo options, calculate whether they pose a collision or other safety risk, and alert the user both on screen and with an audible alarm. A man-overboard (MOB) alarm is instantly triggered if the system detects a person in the water. The skipper must rely on the images and interpretations of the images uploaded by the company, their relevance to the situation, and the programming. That said, the skipper is not relieved of their duty to keep watch using all means available and to make the ultimate decision.
The scalable system is available in seven configurations that top out at just under $26,000. Watchkeeper is designed for integration with existing onboard electronics, handheld devices, and LTE connectivity. Available in black or white. Low-light camera without thermal imaging starts at $4,990 | sea.ai
Even on a small boat, a second set of eyes comes in handy and adds to overall safety. According to the manufacturer, this new aftermarket marine camera system enables the skipper to monitor and record the action from two integrated cameras (mounted just about anywhere, in any direction) with automatic DVR recording. It includes two small HD cameras and a waterproof 7-inch HD touchscreen that pairs with most phones (which can then be safely stowed) so the skipper can manage messages, maps, and music from the helm. The Captain helps the skipper keep swimmers, obstacles, and nearby boats in view, whether at anchor or running hard. Back ashore, the system can help line up a boat and trailer and navigate tight slips and docks with added confidence. However, it’s not a replacement for the skipper’s seamanship skills and watchkeeping responsibilities. The HD cameras also deliver improved visibility in low-light conditions. Power is standard 12-volt. $699.99 | thecaptaincam.com
The Coast Guard’s 2021 mandate requiring operators of boats less than 26 feet to use the installed engine cutoff switch (ECOS) has been a boost for wireless ECOS systems that maintain freedom of motion for the skipper and deliver additional crew safety that a traditional physical lanyard system cannot. Electronics manufacturer Garmin has introduced its own wireless ECOS system, OnBoard, designed to operate within the Garmin ecosystem.
OnBoard communicates with the engine(s) and helm display through a NMEA2000 integrated hub, which tracks up to eight wearable tags. The captain-designated tag triggers an engine shutdown if submerged or separated from the hub (up to 66 feet), sounds an alarm, and creates a waypoint on the chartplotter. A crew tag MOB event triggers the alarm and creates a waypoint. The DIY kit includes the hub, required cables for engine and multifunction display connections, and one wireless tag. $499.99 | garmin.com
Water-contaminated fuel is a leading cause of engine malfunction, but one of the most preventable. Water-separating fuel filters work great, unless their collection bowls fill and they cease to work, allowing water to pass through and directly into your engine(s). The WIF-Pro Water-in-Fuel Detection System solves this problem by sensing water accumulation before it can overwhelm the filter.
Made specifically for Parker/Racor Spin-On Series fuel/water separators with clear bowls (Parker/Racor Turbine Series for diesel applications), the WIF-Pro system uses an externally mounted sensor ring and visual indicators inside the bowl to trigger an alarm once the water reaches a critical level. Once triggered, the helm or below-console control panel sounds a 95 db alarm, flashes LED lights, and displays an alert on your MFD if an active NMEA network is present.
The kit comes with a handy drip-free drain bottle that allows one-handed draining of the filter bowl to reset the system and continue boating. The system seems straightforward to install for the average DIY boater. $699 | wifpro.com
The influx of electric motor technology can be overwhelming, but the RemigoOne Neo fills a niche as a portable, efficient, and streamlined electric outboard motor for small vessels. Neo weighs 29 pounds without the bracket, making it manageable to carry down the dock. A slim rudder-shaped casing houses an integrated 1085 Wh lithium-ion battery. A removable bracket allows the motor to separate for charging, and a stepless adjustment accommodates 15- to 25-inch shaft lengths. Push-button controls and a digital display make operation easy and intuitive.
A 1,500 W torque-based motor delivers the equivalent of 3 horses in regular operating mode, but Boost Mode adds 4-hp bursts to help get off a dock or battle wind and current. Range is up to 30 miles in Eco Mode, according to the manufacturer. An AC fast charger fully charges the battery in three hours, but expect 10 to 12 hours with optional DC charger. A solar charging unit is another option for charging on the hook. $3,499 | remigousa.com
There are new twists on lithium-ion battery technology every year, and this year’s is from Solid State Marine. Its batteries use a lithium-based chemistry but with no liquid electrolyte. According to the manufacturer, a solid electrolyte reduces the distance between cathode and anode, allowing each cell to pack more power into a reduced size and weight, while also reducing fire risk.
The power-to-size ratio improvement is significant: Solid State claims its 12-volt Group 31 battery packs 300 usable amp hours, while the same size lithium iron phosphate battery contains 100 hours, and a comparable AGM lead-acid only 50 usable amp hours. Solid State also claims that its batteries charge twice as fast as lithium iron phosphate on standard lithium-ion charge settings.
Current offerings include 12-, 24-, 36-, and 48-volt batteries, with up to 600-amp hour capacity. Solid State Marine cites 10 years of testing the technology, including two years of field testing, for confidence in offering an eight-year warranty.
The company’s batteries are designed to provide 3,500-plus cycles at 80% depth of discharge. But this is emerging technology, so those interested should first check all warranties and perform due diligence. One such issue is suitability for use as starting batteries: although Solid State claims most of its batteries have more than enough cranking amps, some engine warranties are voided by connection to a lithium-ion battery.
12-volt batteries range from $1,249 to $6,499 | solidstatemarine.com.
— KELSEY BONHAM BAILEY
Known for pairing robust offshore fishing hulls with creature comforts, Pursuit drew from customer feedback on its popular S 378 center-console to shape its replacement — the new S 388 Sport center-console that features more space, storage, and amenities. The 41-foot, 1-inch boat with deep-V hull retains the hardcore fishing features (and even has four more rod holders), but the family fish boat’s entertainment zones have been expanded. These include a larger aft-facing mezzanine seat with integrated tackle storage; a galley with grill, sink, refrigerator, and cabinetry; and a retractable shade for near total sun protection on a center-console.
The helm features teak accents, while a vented laminated glass windshield decreases spotting, and a sliding hatch in the hardtop ventilates the triple helm seats. For multiday adventures, an air-conditioned center cabin houses a V-berth, private head, shower, refrigerator, and new hanging locker. $965,180 | pursuitboats.com
True to its Pacific Northwest heritage, Cutwater builds enclosed pilothouse cruisers that keep everyone warm and dry in wet and windy conditions, but with standard air conditioning/heating that make it practical on any coast. The new C-288 CB gets its name from an open-air “command bridge” with full helm controls atop the enclosed pilothouse. The climate-controlled saloon houses the primary helm, equipped with a 12-inch Garmin chartplotter, radar, sonar, and autopilot. Four rod holders and a livewell are standard. The aft cockpit includes an electric grill and provides seating for five, while a wraparound swim platform offers easy access to the dock or water. The galley contains a refrigerator, sink, propane stovetop, and microwave convection oven, with the adjacent dinette collapsing for an additional berth. A private stateroom with TV as well as a recessed mid-berth bring overnighting capacity to six. $354,937 | cutwaterboats.com
When upscale saltwater fishboat maker Grady-White intended to replace its popular Express 330 (more than 1,200 sold), the North Carolina builder sought customer feedback. Built on the same 33-foot, 6-inch SeaV2 hull design, the Express 340 is more spacious and comes loaded with advanced technology, intuitive controls, and standard features for both serious offshore anglers and weekend family cruisers.
The centered helm on the 330 is now a starboard helm; the transom door is replaced with dual side doors; the cockpit area is expanded; and plush, shape-shifting furniture from bow to stern adjusts for on-deck activities. An elevated aft-facing seat with pullout step transforms into a leaning post or adds counter space by flipping down the backrest. The flush-mounted dash has room for twin 19-inch displays and a standard Helm Master EX joystick control system, and sits behind a wraparound windshield with electromechanically operated center vent and two wipers.
Below, 330 owners will notice an overhauled cabin with skylight, portside galley, dinette seating that converts to a berth, and a more accessible aft cabin. A new single 340-gallon fuel tank can be fueled from either side. Available with triple Yamaha 350s or twin 450s, the Express 340 should reach the mid-50-mph range. $869,870 | gradywhite.com
Part bow rider, part express cruiser, the new Formula 360 Crossover Bowrider retains the builder’s distinctive look within a 36-foot dayboat with a deep-V hull, ample horsepower, and comfortable overnight accommodations. Formula’s FAS3Tech hull paired with twin 380- to 520-hp sterndrive engines cruises the 360 CBR comfortably above 40 mph. An outboard-powered model is in the works.
Beneath the glass-sunroof hardtop, a wraparound windshield provides wind protection for triple helm seats and a skipper-friendly dash to manage standard Mercury DTS with SmartCraft VesselView Joystick Piloting control (or Ilmor One-Touch PRO joystick control). Lounges and adjustable seating all around, a cockpit wet bar, refrigerator, and stereo with four multicolor LED lighted speakers set the stage for entertaining. A rear-facing convertible aft sun lounge overlooks an extended swim platform. The 11-foot, 3-inch beam makes for a surprisingly large cabin with 6-foot, 2-inch headroom for a doublewide lounge, double berth, stereo, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and enclosed private head with shower. A likely popular option is an 8,000 BTU air conditioner. $868,720 | formulaboats.com
Center-console builder Sea Pro expands its Family Sandbar Boat line with a new flagship, the 265FLX. The 26-footer is said to be an offshore-capable deep-V with fishing features like in-floor 150-quart fishboxes and 18-gallon livewell. However, the 265FLX’s interior design and crafty seating options allow it to quickly shape-shift into a family dayboat. Features like 360-degree rotating helm seats, convertible stern lounges, and a large central sun pad keep everyone comfortable. An air compressor under the starboard gunwale makes inflating water toys easy, and double side entry doors with ladders are clever standard features. In the bow, removable backrests allow forward-facing seating, while a table cushion converts the space into an open lounge for sunbathing. Stereo controls on the aft-facing portside gunwale lets the DJ keep his toes wet, and the bow table can be converted into a water-level sandbar table, complete with cupholders. $168,896 | seapromfg.com
Published: February 2026
Editors, BoatUS Magazine
The Jersey shore and New York lakes defined Rich’s youth, followed by deckboat days on the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound while raising a family in Connecticut. He now calls coastal Delaware home. From TV news broadcasting to daily newspapers to marine journalism, Rich has crafted a career in storytelling and built a reputation for thorough, informative reporting. He leverages his wide-ranging experience to write about technology, trends, boats, gear, governmental issues, personality profiles, and travel tales.
Mike is a lifelong waterman who grew up surfing, diving, and fishing on Florida’s east coast. After graduating from the University of Florida, he and his brother bought and refit a 24-foot shoal draft cruising sailboat, which they sailed extensively throughout the Florida Keys. A passion for boat restoration ensued, with the latest being a 22-foot center-console he fishes out of Sebastian Inlet. With 15 years working in the marine industry, including mechanical, marketing, and communications positions at leading companies, Mike leverages his diverse background to distill complex topics into entertaining and encouraging stories that resonate with boaters of all experience levels.