New Gear Introduced at Miami Boat Show

New Gear Introduced at Miami Boat Show

The Yamaha Marine U.S. Business Unit introduced a wireless remote control for its Helm Master EX boat control system at the Miami International Boat Show in February. While outboard motors may not be the power of choice for long-range cruising, the wireless control is a signal of things to come for boat operation. The Yamaha Wireless Control System includes all Helm Master EX joystick functionality plus autopilot control and man-overboard functions. With its fingertip button, it makes possible single-handed operation and gives captains full joystick control while freeing up a hand for setting lines or adjusting fenders. A captain can…
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NMEA Launches Marine Data Initiative

NMEA Launches Marine Data Initiative

The National Marine Electronics Association has launched the NMEA Cloud Initiative. The project is intended to aggregate existing marine data for safety, conservation and innovation. The NMEA assures participants that getting involved is voluntary and all shared data is anonymous. It will not be used for law enforcement or surveillance. The goal of the initiative is to 200 vessels actively contributing data by 2026. Peripheral data from NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 systems that are used on vessels worldwide will have consumer options that can be made anonymous and shared securely to improve navigation safety and conservation efforts. NMEA is…
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Keep Inflatable PFDs up to Date

Keep Inflatable PFDs up to Date

In its January issue, our sister publication, Professional Mariner, reported that a crew member on a pilot boat perishing after falling overboard. Canadian authorities found that the crew member was wearing an inflatable life jacket but it didn’t inflate. Since we haven’t covered the topic of inflatable life jacket maintenance in a few years in Ocean Navigator, it’s worth revisiting. An auto-inflating lifejacket malfunctioning can most often be blamed on one of two things: the actuator doesn’t work right, doesn’t fully engage the CO2 cartridge or the actuator is out of date. If you have an inflatable life jacket, an…
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New John Deere Inboard Engines

New John Deere Inboard Engines

Deere & Company, the manufacturer of John Deere engines, has unveiled two new diesel marine powerplants, the JD14 and JD18. With the new engines, John Deere offers marine customers a power range from 400 hp to 803 hp. Production on the new engines is expected to start in 2026. “With the JD14 and JD18 marine engines, we’re able to deliver high performance and excellent fuel efficiency while providing the rugged durability our marine engines have become known for in the industry,” Pierre Guyout, senior vice president of John Deere Power Systems, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to demonstrate our…
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New Anti-Collision System and Gyrocompass

New Anti-Collision System and Gyrocompass

Artificial Intelligence company SEA.AI has added to its machine vision systems with the SEA.AI brain. It integrates the technology with existing thermal cameras on a boat. The company demonstrated its abilities in its new Watchkeeper series of modular safety systems at the Boot Düsseldorf Show in Germany in January. Starting at less than $5,200, the Watchkeeper lets boaters customize a SEA.AI system based on personal preferences. The system comes with a 4k low-light camera with a wide field of view of 135 degrees, providing a comprehensive view of the surroundings around the boat. With integrated GPS and Intertial Measurement Units,…
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Hanse 360 Wins Yacht of the Year

Hanse 360 Wins Yacht of the Year

German sailboat manufacturer Hanse has received the European Yacht of the Year 2025 award. Boats that were nominated were announced in September. The awards are judged by a 12-member jury and each vessel is put through a sea trial before it is assigned a class. “What an incredible achievement: Winning the European Yacht of the Year award with the Hanse 360 is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of the entire Hanse Yachts team,” Hanjo Runde, CEO HanseYachts AC, said in a statement. “A huge thank you to all employees for making this possible — you’ve truly…
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Recreational Boating Industry Launches Environmental Initiatives

Recreational Boating Industry Launches Environmental Initiatives

Leading marine trade associations have joined forces to develop a global recreational marine lifecycle assessment framework. The International Council of Marine Industry Associations, European Boating Industry and the National Marine Manufacturers Association have formed the first global collaboration to assess, measure and report the industry’s environmental performance of recreational boats. To demonstrate environmental stewardship and harmonize global sustainability initiatives, the recreational boating industry hopes to achieve a comprehensive framework that provides a methodology to quantify the environmental performance of a recreational boat through every phase of its life. This includes raw materials, production, use phase, disposal and recycling. The announcement…
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New Lagoon 38 Catamaran

New Lagoon 38 Catamaran

Groupe Beneteau has introduced the Lagoon 38, a cruising catamaran with new hull shapes that offer a voluminous interior and 360-degree views. The salon has space for 10 people around a large table. A full galley has ample countertop space for food preparation plus a larger refrigerator than typically experienced on a European boat. Below decks, the owner’s cabin has a forward berth with an aft head and large shower stall. The cockpit and deck areas have been designed for easy passage for all members of the family. Extended transoms at the trailing edge of each sponson make it easy…
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Grand Soleil Unveils Sustainable Boat Project

Grand Soleil Unveils Sustainable Boat Project

At the Boot Düsseldorf show in Germany, Grand Soleil Yachts introduced a new project intended to address issues like sustainability and end-of-life cycle. Grand Soleil Blue is a prototype collaboration between Grand Soleil and Cantiere del Pardo to showcase eco-friendly yacht construction. “The sea is our passion and our home,” Gigi Servidati, Cantiere del Pardo chairman said in a statement. “The GS Blue demonstrates how design, performance and sustainability can harmoniously coexist creating a boat designed for future generations.” Other participants in the project include naval architect Matteo Polli, Nauta Design for the exterior and interior design and materials specialist…
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Proposed Boat Speed Limit for Atlantic Coast Withdrawn

Proposed Boat Speed Limit for Atlantic Coast Withdrawn

The National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Commerce Department have withdrawn a proposed rule that would have imposed speed limits on boats operating off the East Coast of the United States. The rule was originally published in the Federal Register on Aug. 1, 2022, to amend the North Atlantic right whale vessel speed regulations. “NMFS withdraws this proposed rule in light of numerous and ongoing requests from the public for further opportunity to review and engage with the Agency on the proposal,” the fisheries service said in a statement. “NMFS’s existing vessel speed regulations remain…
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