The Miami International Boat Show is always a hotbed for launching new products, and 2025 was no exception. This year saw a particular increase in new technology being launched, so much so that we had a hard time keeping up.
For any boater that couldn't make it down to sunny Miami, here are the five best new tech products we saw at this year's show.
1) Raymarine Releases Next Generation LightHouse Charts
Raymarine has launched LightHouse Charts GEN 2, their latest upgrade for their Axiom and Element multifunction displays. The new charts offer faster performance, expanded coverage, and premium data updates.
The new charts have been updated with the latest official hydrographic office nautical chart data for accurate and reliable navigation. The global LightHouse Charts regional catalog receives an upgrade with over 14,000 updates, expanded coverage, and new bodies of water. Updated regions included Northern Europe, Western Europe, Mediterranean, Oceana and North America. Notable global updates include over 3,000 new lakes in Canada, Baja California coverage, plus expanded coverage to include Turkey, Greece, and the Pacific Islands.
“LightHouse Charts GEN 2 set the bar for intuitive, clear and reliable navigation,” said Grégoire Outters, General Manager at Raymarine. “Pairing the increased processing power of our latest chartplotters with an upgraded cartography engine, we have optimized our LightHouse Charts to make them one of the most powerful and information-rich cartography solutions on the market. Whether you are relying on Raymarine to get you to your favorite fishing spot or charting a course offshore, LightHouse Charts GEN 2 provides an intuitive and confidence-inspiring navigation experience.”
Key Features:
3x faster redraw speeds for a smoother navigation experience.
14,000+ updates & expanded coverage in North America, Europe, Mediterranean, Oceania, Turkey, Greece, and Pacific Islands.
3,000+ new Canadian lakes and Baja California coverage.
Four color palettes & customizable chart symbols for optimal visibility.
Premium subscription includes regular updates, satellite overlays, and a rich POI library from sources like Mapbox, Marinas.com, and Waterway Guide.
Lighthouse Charts will be available with new Raymarine Axiom or Element displays, or can be purchased separately starting at $149.99 USD. Premium subscribers get a free upgrade online.
2) FLIR Launches Ocean Scout Pro - Next-Gen Marine Heldheld Thermal Camera
FLIR has introduced the Ocean Scout Pro, their next-generation marine thermal monocular designed for public safety and boaters seeking enhanced situational awareness.
The Ocean Scout Pro handheld has a 500-meter detection range, a 32-degree field of view, and can record both photo and video. The Scout Pro is also rated IP67 waterproof with a battery that can last up to six hours on a charge. As with all new thermal tech, objects projecting heat are shown with a 'white hot' colour pattern while colder objects display in black. The Ocean Scout Pro has an MSRP of $2,395 USD.
“Our decades of R&D and pioneering innovation in thermal imaging have culminated in the development of the rugged, effective and accessible Ocean Scout Pro,” said Grégoire Outters, General Manager of FLIR Maritime. “Whether you are a professional or recreational mariner, the ability to see a person in the water, even in no-light situations, can be the difference between life and death. The true innovation is putting this intuitive and feature-rich technology into a product at an attractive price point that every boater and marine law enforcement officer should have on board.”
Key Features:
Advanced 640 x 480 thermal detector with a 500-meter detection range and 32-degree field of view.
Intuitive one-touch controls for zoom, mode, brightness, and standby.
Wireless app for image/video management and easy file transfer.
Rugged & reliable:
IP67-rated, 2-meter drop resistance.
6-hour battery life, USB Type-C & powerbank charging.
Pocket-friendly design with a Molle-compatible carrying case.
Four video color palettes:
White Hot (warmer objects in white).
Black Hot (hotter objects in black for lifelike imagery).
Sepia (reduces eye strain for extended use).
Heat Palette (highlights warmest 10% in orange/yellow for quick body heat detection).
Backed by a 5-year warranty, the Ocean Scout Pro offers professional-grade performance at an accessible price.
3) Simrad Debuts New NSS 4 - Faster and Smarter Multifunction Display
Simrad Yachting has introduced the NSS 4, a premium chartplotter and fishfinder designed for cruisers and offshore sportfishing boats.
Available in 10", 12" and 16" screen sizes, the NSS 4 is significantly enhanced with the all-new Qualcomm 8-core processor, enabling smoother page transitions, faster auto-routing and, ultimately, faster boating.
“NSS 4 is the next step in our evolution of premium multifunction displays, representing our commitment to never settling,” said Kevin Steinbraker, VP and General Manager, Digital Systems of Navico Group. “Anglers want tactile interfaces for total control in any sea conditions, they want a quick user experience, and they want all of this in a sleek, modern design that will elevate their helm. With the new NSS 4, there is no need to compromise. Our team works diligently to provide versatile solutions to anglers so that they can set new expectations out on the water.”
Key Features:
Performance: Equipped with a Qualcomm® 8-core processor for faster auto-routing and seamless app transitions.
Control Options: Hybrid controls (touchscreen, rotary dial, and keypad) for adaptability in all conditions.
Fishfinding Tech: Built-in dual-channel 1kW CHIRP sonar and Active Imaging™ HD support, allowing anglers to track four sonar sources on a single display.
Navigation & Connectivity:
Includes C-MAP® DISCOVER® X and REVEAL® X charts for precise fishing locations.
Seamless integration with radar, Simrad® RECON™ trolling motors, and multiple IP cameras.
Engine Compatibility: Extensive Mercury, Honda, and Suzuki integration with features like onscreen cruise control, active trim, and autopilot.
Support for Mercury®, CZone®, SiriusXM®, and more
Sleek Design: Available in 10, 12, and 16-inch sizes with a modern glass-to-edge display.
The NSS 4 starts at $2,599 USD.
4) Yamaha Unveils Wireless Helm Master EX Control System
Yamaha's all-new Helm Master EX Wireless Control feature puts unmatched convenience and control in the palm of boaters’ hands, giving boat operators the freedom to move around the boat while remaining in complete control at all times.
Available in single through quint configurations, the new Yamaha Wireless Control System includes all Helm Master EX joystick functionality, autopilot control, and man overboard functions for both captains and passengers. Boat captains can monitor depth, heading and speed all in the palm of their hands. This is especially handy underway when monitoring course while using the autopilot functions. During anchoring, captains can operate the engine controls from the Wireless Control System. The system is also buoyant, making it easy to retrieve should it fall overboard.
“This innovative feature of Helm Master EX has the ability to transform the boating experience with precision, automation and smart functionality,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “In a nutshell, the new Wireless Control gives captains the opportunity to make the most of their time on the water.”
A passenger or captain falling overboard will trigger the boat to decelerate to a stop in idle or immediately turn off the engines depending on the situation. The system includes one Captain and one passenger fob and will support up to eight MOB fobs all equipped with a wristband or lanyard to help keep track of the entire crew onboard.
Key Features:
Full joystick control, autopilot, and man overboard (MOB) functions.
Single-handed operation with a fingertip button for easy maneuvering.
MOB system automatically stops or shuts off the engine if someone falls overboard.
Supports up to eight MOB fobs for crew safety.
Access to StayPoint®, FishPoint®, and DriftPoint® functions for precise positioning.
Buoyant design for easy retrieval if dropped in water.
Eight-hour battery life with a charging cradle for onboard convenience.
Set for dealer installation in Fall 2025, the system is compatible with updated Helm Master EX software.
5) Harman Releases JBL 'Rallybar' Sound Bar
Harman International has officially launched the JBL Rallybar, a marine-grade soundbar designed specifically for boats.
It will come in two sizes: Rallybar S (21") and Rallybar XL (35"), both built to endure harsh marine conditions.
Rallybar S: Features 8 marine-grade speakers (4 woofers, 2 tweeters, 2 passive radiators) with a 150W amplifier.
Rallybar XL: Includes 10 speakers (8 woofers, 2 tweeters, 4 radiators), delivering bass like a 10-inch subwoofer, with a 300W amplifier and RGB LED lighting.
Both models support Bluetooth 5.3, USB, and Aux-in/out, allowing standalone use or integration with other systems. PartyMode lets multiple units link wirelessly for synchronized sound.
With an IP66-rated aluminum body, the Rallybar is both waterproof and mud-resistant. The versatile mounting system enables installation on various boats, from small pontoons to larger vessels, as either a primary or supplementary audio system. With a compact footprint it can be pedestal, hard top, or tower-mounted. For small boats like RIBs and dayboats it can serve as the all-in-one audio system. For larger vessels, it can supplement the existing audio system or can be used individually for individual groups in the bow lounge, below deck, or on the bridge.
"The Rallybar is rugged, attractive and brings the party to any outdoor activity," said Kent Jopling, Senior Global Sales Manager, Special Markets. "Whether at the sandbar or accompanying your wake boarding adventure it provides the perfect soundtrack to your time on the water."
The Rallybar S, and Rallybar XL are available in either white or black with an MSRP of $649.99 to $999.99 USD. #news #products #raymarine #JBL #simrad #yamaha
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