Electric propulsion continues to gain momentum in the boating world, and VETUS is pushing that evolution forward with the introduction of its new E-Line 22 kW electric motor. The Netherlands-based manufacturer says the new model is its most powerful electric offering to date, designed to deliver familiar performance with the added benefits of zero emissions and near-silent operation.

Rated at 22 kW with a maximum torque of 130 Nm, the E-Line 22 kW is built to provide strong, responsive acceleration from a standstill and immediate deceleration when required. VETUS says the motor’s output makes it suitable for vessels up to 50 feet and displacements of up to 20 tons, opening electric propulsion to a broader range of cruising boats and small commercial craft.

The system incorporates advanced range-management technology to help operators make the most of available battery capacity. VETUS’ Sailing Assist firmware is designed to optimize efficiency during acceleration, cruising, and emergency stopping, aiming to deliver predictable and intuitive handling that mirrors the feel of a conventional diesel auxiliary.

One of the E-Line 22 kW’s key selling points is its modular, ready-to-install design. The motor is delivered as a complete system, requiring only the choice of control lever and cooling solution, either keel cooling or freshwater cooling, to match the vessel’s configuration. Its compact footprint allows it to be mounted on many existing engine foundations, making it a realistic option for refits as well as new builds.

VETUS has also designed the E-Line platform to be expandable over time. Owners can tailor their systems with different control levers, shunts, and display options, allowing upgrades as needs or cruising plans evolve.

The timing aligns with regulatory trends, particularly in Europe, where an increasing number of waterways and harbors are being designated as low- or zero-emissions zones. High-powered electric propulsion offers boaters access to these areas while delivering quiet operation that enhances the on-the-water experience.

While electric motors are a growing focus, VETUS continues to position itself as a full systems supplier. In addition to propulsion, the company provides shafts, propellers, seating, and other onboard equipment, supporting integrated installations from a single manufacturer. All VETUS products are backed by a three-year warranty.

The E-Line 22 kW electric motor is available now. More information is available at vetus.com

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Artificial intelligence continues to move from the fringes of marine technology into the everyday tools sailors and professional mariners rely on. This week, Hefring Marine and SEA.AI announced a new partnership aimed at bringing AI enhanced vision and onboard analytics together to elevate safety and situational awareness at sea.

Hefring Marine, an Icelandic marine technology company known for its intelligent maritime analytics, will integrate SEA.AI’s machine vision collision avoidance technology with its IMAS platform. The result is a combined system designed to help operators better understand what is happening both around the boat and within it.

Hefring Marine’s IMAS platform uses AI sensor data and edge computing to provide real time operational intelligence. It is designed to support safer decision making while improving efficiency and sustainability across a wide range of vessels. SEA.AI brings a different but complementary capability to the table, using optical and thermal cameras paired with artificial intelligence to detect and identify floating objects in real time, including hazards that can be difficult to spot by eye or radar alone.

“At Hefring Marine, our mission is to empower vessel operators by enhancing safety, efficiency and sustainability through intelligent technology,” said Karl Birgir Björnsson, CEO of Hefring Marine. “This partnership with SEA.AI allows us to offer our clients an even more comprehensive solution that combines operational intelligence with advanced collision avoidance capabilities. Together, we are setting a new standard for maritime safety and performance.”

By integrating the two systems, operators gain a more complete picture of both external risks and onboard performance. The companies say the combined technology is intended to improve situational awareness, streamline operations and support compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations by helping crews operate more efficiently.

SEA.AI CEO Marcus Warrelmann sees the partnership as a natural extension of his company’s focus on maritime machine vision. “Partnering with Hefring Marine solidifies SEA.AI’s position as a pioneer in maritime smart vision technology,” Warrelmann said. “By joining forces with such an advanced analytics platform, we are creating an integrated ecosystem that addresses the full spectrum of maritime operational needs.”

SEA.AI has been developing machine vision systems for maritime use since 2018, offering solutions that combine AI with optical and thermal sensors for recreational commercial and government vessels. Hefring Marine’s IMAS platform is already used across multiple workboat sectors to support safety fuel efficiency and data driven fleet management.

For cruising sailors and offshore operators alike, the collaboration signals how quickly AI based tools are becoming more integrated into onboard systems. Rather than standalone gadgets, future safety technology increasingly points toward unified platforms that help crews see more, know more, and respond faster at sea.

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When a harbor master called Nick Heyes to tell him his boat was sinking, the news came with a troubling twist. A persistent leak in the shaft seal had slowly filled the bilge with contaminated water. The pump eventually overloaded and failed, leaving the boat at risk and sending polluted discharge overboard without anyone knowing.

“That got me thinking,” said Heyes, managing director of Digital Yacht. “Our company creates connected solutions for boaters, and yet my own boat nearly sank and was discharging polluted bilge water simply because I didn’t know the bilge pump had failed. There had to be a solution.”

That incident kicked off the development of Bilge iQ, a new intelligent bilge monitoring and environmental protection system that has since earned major industry awards.

Bilge iQ connects to any bilge pump through NMEA 2000 and displays pump status on a vessel’s multifunction display. Owners can control the pump from the MFD or use standard NMEA switching commands. A built-in wireless interface allows monitoring from a phone or tablet, giving boaters access to pump activity, current draw, cycle logs, and alarms for dry-run events, long run times, or pump failures. Bilge iQ also integrates with Victron Cerbo systems to enable remote oversight through the free VRM cloud platform.

“We developed a solution that allows boat owners to monitor and control the bilge pump,” Heyes said. “A sinking boat obviously poses major environmental risks, but on a day to day basis unmonitored bilge discharge is a problem.”

To address that broader concern, Digital Yacht partnered with Wave International, maker of Lloyd’s Register-approved Wavestream bilge filters. Wavestream units remove hydrocarbons and other contaminants down to 5 ppm, a level often required in marine protection zones and inland waterways.

“Digital Yacht contacted us about integrating the Wavestream filter into the Bilge iQ to create a comprehensive solution which would not only protect owners’ boats but also protect the environment,” said Paul Gullett, managing director of Wave International. “It ensures only clean water is pumped overboard.”

The combined system launched in September and was named Best New Product by the NMEA. In November, Bilge iQ earned the DAME Design Award for Environmental Design as well as a special mention for On Board Safety.

For boatowners, the solution offers something long overdue: a smarter way to keep water out of the boat and pollution out of the sea.

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Henri-Lloyd unveiled its new Ocean PRO offshore apparel line at Metstrade this week, positioning the collection as a breakthrough in survival-grade performance gear for professional racing teams, committed adventurers, and long-distance cruisers. The range was also shortlisted for the prestigious Dame Award 2025.

Developed over three years in collaboration with brand ambassadors, including Vendée Globe and Ocean Race sailors, Ocean PRO is engineered to redefine extreme-weather protection through innovation and sustainability.

The core technology is the world’s first 4-Layer Hybrid Membrane Stretch Fabric, which delivers enhanced waterproofness, breathability, and flexibility compared to traditional offshore textiles. The fabric is rated for survival-grade waterproofness (35K) and exceptional breathability (14K). Overall, the unlined Ocean PRO garments are 17% lighter than comparable competitor products, offering easier packing, storage, and faster drying times.

“Ocean PRO represents a major leap forward in offshore protection,” said Knut Frostad, Executive Chairman at Henri-Lloyd. “It’s not just built to withstand the ocean — it’s built to empower sailors to perform at their peak, sustainably and comfortably, for longer than ever before.”

Key Features and Design

The Ocean PRO range includes specialized Offshore Jackets (men’s and women’s), a Hybrid Smock (unisex), and Hi-Fit Salopettes (men’s and women’s).

• Hybrid Smock: This innovative design is the first fully-zipped offshore smock with a removable collar, providing the protective seal of a smock but the ventilation and accessibility of a jacket.
• Offshore Jacket: Features include the Optivision Hood System, a removable face mask, photoluminescent safety details, and a removable inner jacket neoprene skirt to prevent wind and water ingress in extreme conditions.
• Fabric Composition: The technical specifications include a 100% recycled Polyamide Face Fabric, PFOA-free and PFC-free microporous coating and hydrophilic membrane, and Cordura stretch reinforcements at high-wear areas like the seat and knees.

Sustainability and Testing

Henri-Lloyd emphasized sustainability, noting that the range’s face fabric and mesh backing are sourced through pre-consumer recycling and verified by the Global Recycling Standard (GRS). The gear minimizes environmental impact by removing PFOA, PFOs, and other “forever chemicals.”

The Ocean PRO line was extensively tested across multi-day ocean passages. Vendée Globe sailor Sam Goodchild, one of the ambassadors who provided feedback, commented, “I’m very proud to be a part of the Henri Lloyd team who have a great heritage and experience in Offshore Sailing. It is great working with the team who are all enthusiastic and motivated to get Henri-Lloyd back to the top of the offshore race world. I’m excited to be part of this ambitious adventure!”

The Ocean PRO range will be available for purchase starting in March 2026.

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RiteAire Marine introduced its newest whole-vessel dehumidification system at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, giving owners of 40 to 50 foot cruising boats a purpose-built solution for year-round interior humidity control.

The new RAM 30 joins the company’s patented Whole Vessel Dehumidification System and extends RiteAire’s offerings to boats from 40 feet all the way to yachts over 125 feet. Designed specifically for smaller spaces, the RAM 30 delivers nearly five gallons of water removal per day when ducted into the full system.

The unit’s compact footprint is one of its standout features. At 14 inches wide, 30 inches high and only 5.75 inches deep, it can be tucked out of sight in tight mechanical spaces where larger RAM 75 and RAM 100 models would not fit.

“With the enormous popularity of cruising boats from 40 to 50 feet, we are proud to offer our patented whole-vessel solution for reducing humidity in this rapidly growing segment,” said RiteAire Marine Co-Owner Ted Reese.

The RAM 30 is designed to keep interiors dry, odor-free and comfortable in hot, humid climates where mold and moisture can take a toll on equipment, soft goods and onboard air quality. For cruising owners who store boats in the water year-round or make long seasonal passages, humidity control has become an increasingly important onboard system.

RiteAire Marine also announced that Ice Marine of North Palm Beach has joined its dealer and installer network. While the dealer appointment is part of the brand’s wider service growth, the company says the RAM 30 launch marks a major step toward making whole-vessel dehumidification more accessible to midsize-boat owners.

Since 2013 RiteAire Marine has installed its patented system on hundreds of yachts. The introduction of the RAM 30 further broadens the application of whole-vessel humidity management across a wider range of cruising boats.

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Iris Innovations has launched Photon, a compact 4K night vision CCTV camera designed to make safe nighttime navigation accessible to every boater. The new model promises exceptional visibility, even in near-total darkness, without relying on infrared or thermal imaging.

Whether cruising after dusk, fishing before sunrise, or running coastal patrols, Photon captures detailed full-color video in conditions as dark as starlight. Its ultra-sensitive 0.0003 lux minimum illumination and 4K resolution deliver clarity and situational awareness at a fraction of the cost of traditional thermal cameras.

“Photon is for anyone who wants to navigate with confidence after dark and can be used on any vessel—from leisure and sportfishing boats to yachts, commercial operators and law enforcement patrol craft,” said Carl Hitchcock, CEO of Iris Innovations. “It delivers extraordinary low-light performance at a fraction of the cost of thermal and other night vision cameras, and because it’s 4K, the detail and definition are outstanding.”

Built to marine-grade standards, the Photon is fully EN60945 EMC compliant and rated IP67 for durability in saltwater and harsh conditions. Power over Ethernet (PoE) simplifies installation, and each unit includes a rugged waterproof PoE injector.

The system integrates with major marine electronics brands, including Raymarine, Navico (Simrad, B&G, Lowrance), Furuno, and Garmin via Iris’s CMAC management system and IrisControl App for Garmin OneHelm.

“We’ve always focused on designing rugged, purpose-built cameras for demanding marine and commercial applications,” Hitchcock added. “With Photon, we’ve taken that expertise and combined it with cutting-edge low-light and 4K processing technology to deliver a camera that performs brilliantly at a price point that puts it within reach for all boat owners and operators.”

Set to debut at METSTRADE 2025 in Amsterdam, the Photon will retail for $1,295 and be available worldwide through Iris Innovations’ dealer network beginning in late November. Two lens options are offered: a standard 12mm lens for long-distance viewing and a 2.8mm super wide-angle lens for side, rear, or backup applications.For more details, visit boat-cameras.com.

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There are three types of boats. The first includes every possible spare and piece of gear that might be used. The second has hardly anything at all. The third has essential spares and gear, but is not overstocked.  

I like to sail on the third kind of boat, with the essentials. I recently completed a safety-at-sea course whose list of gear was so exhaustive that its cost was depressing, and the equipment would overwhelm the stowage areas on any yacht. I thought about that list and the three long-distance ocean races that I competed in over the summer. I was amazed by how many pieces of equipment we used to solve small and large problems. 

All of this got me to thinking about which equipment is considered essential, and why. Boats seem to gather an ever-increasing amount of gear. Once each year, I take every item off the boat and retain what’s useful while eliminating things that will not be used. It’s a good opportunity to review the inventory and make sailing more efficient.

Aboard my 32-foot day sailor, Whirlwind, I make sure to have the essentials: a paper navigation chart, life jackets appropriately sized for all crew, a sturdy anchor, a toolkit, a medical kit, spare lines, a VHF radio, a cellphone, fenders, dock lines, sunscreen and adequate drinking water. I ask each crewmember to bring a foul-weather jacket, sunglasses, a hat and boat shoes. 

On board, I include a boat hook, several buckets for bailing, an electric pump, hand-operated pumps, and a small box with fittings, shackles, clamps and various pieces that might be of use. My inventory fits easily in two lazarette boxes on either side of the boat and in the bow. 

After 10 years of sailing, I have fine-tuned the necessary equipment, along with instructions for each member of the crew. The essentials get more complicated for larger boats, but here is my list of essentials.

Boat Handling

Have an anchor, chain and line that are adequate for the size of the boat. If you need to anchor, you want it to hold. Have extra lines, including small stuff that can be used when something needs fastening. 

Keep all sails folded and ready to set. Make sure every crewmember understands how to start, run and stop the engine. Most important, take a moment to demonstrate how to operate the head. 

Before going out for a sail, hold a brief crew meeting to explain where the life jackets are located, and where the important safety equipment is stowed. Also assign specific tasks in case of an emergency. 

Comfort

Bring proper foul-weather gear. Even on warm days, a spray jacket is helpful. Insist that the crew wear boat shoes. Toes and feet are particularly susceptible to injury. No bare feet.  

Sun glare is tough on eyes. Sunglasses are a must. A wide-brim hat reduces sunburn.  

On cold or windy days, a pair of gloves is helpful. Find a dry place to store the crewmembers’ gear.

Communications

Carry a charged VHS radio, a cellphone and signal items (whistle, flares, horn, flags and a mirror).  Subscribe to at least one weather service to keep track of the forecast.

Engine

Keep a fire extinguisher near the engine in case of a fire, and make sure that extinguisher is up-to-date. 

Instruct the crew on how to operate the engine. An instructional manual is an essential item that has helped me many times when I’ve had engine troubles, which regular maintenance can help to avoid.

Medical

Carry a complete first-aid kit and enough drinking water for all hands. Dehydration is a common problem for many sailors. Also keep a good supply of sunscreen available, and ask the crew to reapply periodically. 

For people prone to seasickness, a scopolamine patch is an effective remedy available by prescription. 

Navigation

I believe boats should carry paper (or waterproof) charts of the area. Electronic aids are useful, but paper charts are the most reliable. I like when you can spread the chart on a table and visualize the sailing area.  

A GPS is also an important tool. Stow extra batteries for a handheld unit. I also always carry a copy of the Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book, which provides detailed information on tides and currents for the East Coast. 

I also keep a hand bearing compass, and test the running lights to make sure they will be on at night. A pair of binoculars is also useful.

Repair Kit

Carry a rustproof toolbox with a hammer, pliers, a wrench set, a screwdriver set, vice grips, a wire cutter, duct tape and a good knife. A hand pump, buckets and sponges augment an electric bilge pump.  

Also carry a collection of shackles, shock cord, fuses, fittings, blocks, cotter pins, equipment that can be used to jury rig something that breaks, and silicone spray.

Safety Gear

A properly sized life jacket is necessary for each member of the crew. For weak swimmers and in rough weather, PFD use should be mandatory. 

Carry a horn and a whistle in case you need to draw another boat’s attention. I also carry a package of flares. 

Have a flotation device ready to throw to anyone who might fall overboard. Post a list of the location of safety equipment.

 Larger boats carry life rafts. Respect the expiration date, and periodically get the raft renewed. Post of a list of all your safety equipment and where it is located. 

Sustainability

Carry all garbage ashore. Instruct the crew on proper use of the head.  

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Two marine innovators are joining forces to electrify a boating icon. Zodiac Nautic has partnered with Rhode Island-based Flux Marine to launch the first all-electric Zodiac Medline 6.8, powered by Flux Marine’s 115-horsepower outboard system. The collaboration will debut this week at the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

The new model pairs Zodiac’s popular 22-foot rigid inflatable hull with Flux Marine’s high-performance electric propulsion and modular battery system. The result, the companies say, is a fast, quiet, zero-emission RIB designed for a full day of cruising, fishing or watersports.

“With more than a century of innovation behind us, Zodiac Nautic is excited to join Flux Marine as we lead the way into the electrified future of marine propulsion,” said Tim March II, chief operations officer of Zodiac Nautic. “Our vessels have pioneered new ways to explore and enjoy the oceans, and this collaboration continues that legacy with sustainable, quiet power for the next generation of boating.”

The FM115 electric outboard delivers 115 continuous horsepower, with bursts up to 175 horsepower for quick acceleration and sporty handling. The system is powered by Flux Marine’s 84-kWh battery pack, offering an estimated cruising range of 25 to 30 miles, or more than 80 miles at low speeds.

“Zodiac has always been a symbol of adventure, innovation and performance on the water, and this collaboration allows us to demonstrate how high-powered electric marine propulsion can elevate the experience,” said Ben Sorkin, CEO of Flux Marine.

The Medline 6.8’s integrated digital helm lets boaters monitor performance in real time, while the Flux mobile app provides remote status updates. Charging options include standard 110-volt and 220-volt shore power or DC fast charging, which can top off the batteries in about 90 minutes.

With a starting price of $116,069, the electric Medline 6.8 is now available for pre-order, with deliveries beginning in 2026.

The model will be on display at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from October 29 through November 2 (Booth 1011, Bahia Mar).

For more information, visit fluxmarine.com or zodiac-nautic.com.

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Henri-Lloyd has unveiled the Bergen Range, a line of lightweight, high-performance mid-layers designed with sustainability at its core. The Bergen Hooded Jacket and Bergen Gilet are the brand’s first garments made from NetPlus fabrics, derived from discarded fishing nets, and Repreve insulation, sourced from recycled plastic bottles.

“The Bergen range is more than just a new style of high-performance technical mid-layer,” says Kim Ramsay of Henri-Lloyd. “These are the first garments from Henri-Lloyd that have been created using NetPlus and Repreve, enabling us to deliver outerwear that is functional without relying on virgin resources.”

Available in Navy with Off-White, Navy, and Sea Spray colorways, the Bergen Hooded Jacket retails for around $330, and the Gilet for around $260. Both come in sizes Small through 2XL. The pieces feature a chemical-free C0 durable water-repellent coating and recycled PET insulation to provide warmth and weather resistance, whether worn on their own or as a layering piece under foul-weather gear.

The NetPlus program, managed by certified B Corporation Bureo, recycles end-of-life fishing nets into nylon pellets that are then spun into durable yarns. Compared with virgin nylon, NetPlus manufacturing reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, water use by 70%, fossil fuel consumption by 67%, and energy use by 68%. The program also supports coastal communities and environmental reinvestment.

For insulation, Henri-Lloyd uses Repreve, the world’s leading brand of recycled performance fiber, which transforms ocean-bound bottles into moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and durable insulation. To date, Repreve has diverted more than 40 billion bottles from landfills and coastlines.

“We chose Repreve because it offers warmth without bulk, moisture and odor control, and long-lasting performance,” Ramsay adds. “Together with NetPlus, this range epitomizes our belief that performance and responsibility must go hand-in-hand.”

The new Bergen line marks a step forward for the iconic British sailing brand, continuing its legacy of innovation while aligning with modern sustainability goals.

For more information, visit henrilloyd.com.

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A new feature from the Noforeignland app aims to make digital seamanship even easier for sailors on the move.

The popular social platform for cruisers, Noforeignland, has introduced a built-in GPS boat tracker that allows sailors to share their positions, record passages, and document their voyages, all at no cost. Available for both Apple and Android devices, the app has grown rapidly since its launch and now claims the world’s largest online sailing community.

“We wanted yacht tracking that just works; no subscriptions, no setup,” said Steve Neal, co-founder of Noforeignland with his wife, Helena. “Our built-in GPS lets sailors share their adventures instantly and securely, all for free.”

Using the new tracker is simple. Users can tap Move My Boat to log a position update, or choose Record My Boat Track to start a live track of a passage. The app then uses the phone’s GPS to create an accurate record of the journey, which can later be shared or exported.

For cruisers already using satellite devices or tracking systems, Noforeignland is designed to integrate easily. The app is compatible with Garmin inReach, Iridium GO!, Yellowbrick, PredictWind DataHub, and other systems. Users can also import or export GPX files for seamless data sharing between tools.

Where Noforeignland appears to stand out from most tracking platforms is in how it weaves navigation and storytelling together. Sailors can attach photos, videos, and notes to their routes, building a personalized digital logbook that doubles as a public journal for family, friends, and fellow voyagers.

Founded in 2017, Noforeignland has evolved into a crowd-sourced global sailing resource, combining location-based information, social networking, and now, vessel tracking. Its community-driven “wiki” model lets users contribute details about anchorages, marinas, and shore facilities in real time. The app and website are free to use, with no data selling or tiered paywalls, and supported instead by community donations and partnerships.

For everyday cruisers, the app’s latest update represents another step toward integrating passage tracking, navigation, and social connection into a single, free platform.Learn more or download the app at noforeignland.com.

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