Inside Miami Boat Show 2026: AI, hybrids and world debuts

The 2026 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, held over Presidents Day weekend, offered an early look at the technologies and boat designs shaping recreational boating. Staged across three primary locations in a reimagined layout in Miami and Miami Beach, the event brought together hundreds of new products spanning power, sail and emerging propulsion.

Among the most anticipated unveilings was Brunswick’s AutoCaptain, an AI-driven system developed to assist with docking and close-quarters manoeuvring. Designed to support boaters in busy marinas and confined waterways, it reflects the industry’s steady move from assisted systems towards practical autonomy while keeping the operator engaged.

Electronics innovation also featured prominently. Global premieres included the B&G Zeus SRX and Simrad NSO 4, representing the latest in integrated navigation and control. Mercury Marine introduced a new keyless ignition system and a high-horsepower engine concept, underlining the convergence of propulsion, digital integration and onboard security.

Infrastructure and safety developments were also on display, including floating eyewear, redesigned winch handle systems, advanced liferaft technology and LUMINSEA’s Smart Channel Marker, which applies illumination and connectivity to traditional navigation aids.

New model debuts spanned major segments. The Boston Whaler 330 Outrage made its world debut, joined by launches from Chaparral, Chris-Craft, Grady-White, Pathfinder, Zodiac Nautic and Yamaha at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Electric and hybrid innovation includes the Fliteboard RACE, Pathfinder 2800 Hybrid, Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 Hybrid and Scout 435 LXF Li-Ion.

U.S. motor yacht debuts at the Miami Beach Yacht Collection include the Beneteau Swift Trawler 37, De Antonio D60, Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht and Prestige M7.