If you like marine electronics, you’re going to love the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 29 through November 2, 2025). While you’ll see all kinds of boats, motors and gear, you’ll also discover some of the newest and coolest marine electronics and electrical accessories displayed at company booths, integrated into boats and for sale at retailers exhibiting at the show. Here are some items you must see at this year’s Fort Lauderdale show.
Simrad AutoCaptain Autonomous Boat System
The Simrad AutoCaptain autonomous-boating system features full auto-docking capabilities, including docking, undocking, and short-distance maneuvers. Developed in collaboration with Simrad’s sister-brands Mercury Marine and Boston Whaler in the Brunswick family, the system at Fort Lauderdale will be integrated into a Boston Whaler 405 Conquest with triple Mercury 600 hp outboards with joystick piloting. AutoCaptain is controlled with a Simrad touchscreen display that’s networked with an electronic brain/interface that reads sensors and controls propulsion and steering. Using the display, you simply drag the boat icon to the desired location then activate the docking or departure sequence. You can also make on-screen adjustments. Once the boat reaches the dock, it uses joystick piloting to remain on station. To help guide its actions, AutoCaptain employs a number of sensors, including six seamless integrated depth-perceiving cameras. Activating by hand any other control system such as steering, joystick or throttle and shift immediately disables AutoCaptian. To learn more, visit simrad-yachting/autocaptain.
Garmin Force Current Electric Kayak Motor
Garmin’s new Force Current electric motor offers a hands-free wireless throttle and steering control system for your kayak. It features a brushless motor with full forward and reverse thrust. It uses power-steer wireless foot pedals, included on select bundles, or a wireless handheld remote with point-and-go gesture steering. The foot pedals also allow you to engage anchor lock and heading hold, both of which use multiband GPS for position data. The dual-voltage motor delivers 50 pounds of thrust with 24 volts of DC power, or 30 pounds at 12 volts DC. It weighs less than 25 pounds. $3,599.99 for the motor with foot pedals, $2,999.99 for the motor without pedals; garmin.com/marine.
Seakeeper Ride Boats Up to 55 Feet
Seakeeper has five new Ride dynamic attitude control systems, now making complete underway stabilization available for boats up to 55 feet in length. The new systems include the Seakeeper Ride 900, 1050, 1125, 1275 and 1500. Each will consist of four controllers, and the number in the product name indicates the total span, in millimeters, of the two blades placed on each side of the transom. Sizing and product selection will be done individually to meet vessel stabilization needs due to variations in hull design and function. From $23,500 to $35,500; ride.seakeeper.com.
Fusion Apollo RA800 Marine Stereo
The new Apollo RA800 marine stereo from Fusion, a Garmin brand, delivers high-resolution audio and Wi-Fi connectivity for outstanding performance and seamless streaming. With a processor that’s eight times faster than the previous generation, the RA800 features an internal amplifier with 50 percent more power. It drives up to four speakers. The tuner supports the latest DAB and DAB+ broadcasts, allowing for high-quality digital radio streaming, and improved Wi-Fi connectivity for Apple AirPlay to deliver a high-fidelity listening experience. $999.99; garmin.com/marine/audio
Dometic CSX Series Cold Machine
Dometic’s new CSX Series systems–known as the “Cold Machines”–can convert virtually any insulated compartment into an energy-smart refrigerator/freezer. This self-contained systems are perfect for keeping perishables, beverages and your catch of the day icy cold and fresh aboard your boat. Accommodating storage volumes from 63 up to 422 quarts, the CSX Series Cold Machines feature fully integrated designs that combines high-efficiency compressors, fan-cooled evaporators, and digital temperature controls in a single space-saving unit. The 12/24VDC units use up to 15 percent less power than previous models and operate using Dometic’s low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant, making them more sustainable options for today’s boats. $999; dometic.com
FLIR Ocean Scout Pro
FLIR’s compact new Ocean Scout Pro handheld thermal-imaging scope provides a 500-meter detection range and a 32-degree field of view to enhance nighttime boating safety. A one-finger button controls zoom, brightness, standby and more. It records photos and videos, and integrates a wireless app to manage and transfer files. It sports an IP67 rating, and the battery lasts for six hours on a single charge. Viewing palettes include White Hot that displays warmer objects in white and cooler objects in black. A Grayscale palette creates images with realistic details. The Black Hot palette displays warmer objects as black and cooler objects as white. Sepia applies a golden hue to the White Hot palette for reduced eye fatigue. $2,395; flir.com
Read Next: Must-See Boats at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2025
Siren 3 Connected Boat System
Siren Marine’s compact new Siren 3 Connected Boat security, monitoring, control and maintenance system is designed for small to midsize outboard-powered boats, such as bay boats and flats skiffs. The Siren Connected Boat app allows boating anglers to monitor and control onboard systems from anywhere and at any time. Siren 3 supports up to six wireless sensors through SirenWave, a proprietary communication protocol that brings a fast, reliable and secure connection. It also features a new internal-antenna design, which reduces the amount of space needed on smaller boats. It can connect to the NMEA 2000 network and the Yamaha CommandLink network through mechanical engines 300 hp and down. Starting at $299; sirenmarine.com
