Top Boat Trends: A Look into Boating 2024
Discover the latest and most exciting boating trends shaping 2024, from cutting-edge technological innovations to lifestyle upgrades
January 17, 2024
Curious about what's in the works in the boat scene for 2024? We've got the lowdown on the top boating trends to look out for, from cutting-edge tech that simplifies docking to the well-stocked shelves of manufacturers.
Above: No excuses pulling up to the dock this time. Image courtesy of Worldcat.
Automatic Docking and Tech is Saving Us All
Whether it’s saving your boat from scratches or saving your psyche from the wrath of Uncle John trying to pull up to the slip whilst screaming and blaming everyone but himself, everyone could use a little bit of help on the docks. Thankfully the game is changing with the latest autonomous features, one of the biggest boating trends of 2024. Volvo Penta is on the scene with its cutting-edge Assisted Docking system – think sensors, GPS wizardry, joysticks, and fancy algorithms making docking a breeze. Avikus unveiled its Neuboat Dock system in October, and it's making waves. Their software powerhouse uses cameras, GPS, and lidar to dock your boat automatically – just get it close to the dock, press a button, and let the software take over. It handles throttles and steering like a pro, gliding the boat into the slip flawlessly, adjusting for wind and currents.
Brunswick teased a peek at their docking assist platform recently, and Yamaha's cooking up something for spring 2024. Even newcomers like Daewoo, Samsung, and Mitsubishi are in on the self-driving boat software action at different stages. There’s also the Seakeeper Ride, a cool tech feature that reads your boat's moves and adjusts the rotary blades for a smoother ride. People are loving the ease and comfort that come with these advancements in autonomous boating.
Above: Customizable seating options and luxurious finishes on the bow of the Mystic M5200. Photo courtesy of Mystic Powerboats.
Ultimate Boat Customization Continues
Boat customization has gone through a massive transformation, thanks to tech upgrades, making it more accessible than ever. Bespoke boat builders are everywhere. Now, we've got custom 3D printed goodies like cleats and speaker grills, and everyone can have access to the whole “luxury vibe” with options for selecting their own premium finishes on every last detail, which has become one of the most prevalent boating trends of 2024.
Shifting gears to boat power options, there's a lot happening in this space as well. Manufacturers continue to offer a large selection of power options for ultimate customization of your boat. There's been a large trend towards electric motors as well - offering a quiet, eco-friendly experience, and some powerful outboard motors that pack a punch. These electric motors are gaining ground within the industry, even for water-sport enthusiasts, like in the Nautique Super Air GS22E. The Mercury Verado 600 V12s and V10s are making waves too – delivering solid performance with a touch of quiet and smooth operation. And if you're looking for something in the middle, hybrid boats are catching on, offering flexibility in choosing the power that suits your boating trip needs.
Above: Maritimo M60 on the water can't escape the wifi, I'm afraid. Photo courtesy of Maritimo Americas.
Work From Boat is Here to Stay
I tend to be in the minority on this because one of my favorite things about being out on the water is being unplugged and unreachable, but the growing desire for connectivity has led to the popularity of satellite technology like Starlink among yacht owners. Beyond streaming, Starlink supports video calls and online gaming while cruising or anchored, mirroring onshore experiences. Recently, it's become a hot trend in the industry, offering global high-speed internet at a reasonable cost. Moving into 2024, having your yacht "Starlink equipped" is becoming a notable feature, comparable to having a Seakeeper on board. So no more work excuses for being out at sea, unfortunately. This is one the boating trends of 2024 I'm hoping will disappear, though it has impressive download speeds, upload speeds, and low latency – perfect for seamless streaming on multiple devices. Alongside Starlink, there are various options – using cellular data, adopting plug-and-play Marine WiFi systems, or going for the portable BGAN for a mobile hotspot. So, you’ll have to join that 12:30pm Zoom call afterall, I’m afraid.
Above: Boot Düsseldof is one of the largest boat shows in the world. Bring your negotiation skills for best deals! Image courtesy of Boot Düsseldof.
Inventory Issues Aren’t Issues Anymore
As we all know, since the pandemic, the boating industry (along with many others) has faced a shortage in inventory due to disruptions in the supply chain. Manufacturing delays and shortages of essential components, combined with a surge in demand for boats, led to a mismatch in supply and demand. This resulted in limited options for consumers and challenges for dealers and manufacturers to restock quickly and continued to affect the industry for several years.
Going into 2024, we’ve seen that manufacturers and exhibitors at the latest boat shows last year still had a bunch of 2023 (and even some 2022) boats on display when typically you'd anticipate only all-new 2024 products. With interest rates also putting a damper on sales, there's more 2023 inventory in the pipeline than anyone wants, for once. Dealers at upcoming winter 2024 boat shows will be eager to offload it, especially since they're now dealing with higher interest rates on that inventory. This particular one of the boating trends means if you're genuinely interested in getting a new boat, now's the time to hit the negotiation table - and don’t be afraid to haggle!
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