Boating Industry’s 2019 Top Products

50 of the marine industry’s best new and innovative products

For the sixth annual Boating Industry Top Products list, we’ve selected 50 of the best new or updated products and services for the marine industry, ranging from boats to engines to electronics and more. 

To be eligible for consideration, products or services had to have been introduced or significantly updated since January 2018. With over 150 well-qualified submissions for consideration, selecting 50 products was no easy task. The following list of products stood out from the rest of the pack for their impact on the industry, innovations and how it advances its product category – or creates a new segment entirely. 

API Marine API5000 Wireless ScanTool

The API5000 allows a technician to perform diagnostics on all major engine brands and more, by connecting to the ECM and transmitting the diagnostic information to the technician’s Android or Apple smartphone or tablet. 

Balmar SG200

The SG200 is the first marine battery monitor that presents a state of health, showing how a battery has aged throughout its life. The SG200 learns and displays all critical battery parameters including: state of charge, state of health, charge/discharge current flow, time remaining and history, faults and alerts. 

Blackfin Boats 332CC

The 332CC features a wide array of standard features and amenities such as forward-console seating with molded-in storage for buckets and dive tanks, an insulated baitwell and lockable rod storage, integrated sea chest, tackle rigging station, patent-pending pantographic head door, stowaway bow backrests, integrated visibility step, recessed anchor system with windlass, anchor wash-down, and storage for an extra anchor, as well as soft touch latches. 

BOTE Rover Aero

The inflatable BOTE Rover Aero is a combination of a paddleboard and skiff that can transform from travel bag to BOTE and back. While paddling, the Rover Aero lies flat, with a channeled, deep-v nose and generous rocker, allowing it to ease through various water conditions. Using up to a 9.9hp outboard motor, Rover Aero users can move at speeds up to 19 miles-per-hour and travel distances up to almost 180 miles per day.

Bryant Surf Calandra

Bryant’s Surf Calandra includes twin, low-profile subfloor ballast tanks that add up to 1500 pounds of weight without stealing away storage space, Wake Worx surf tabs enhance the wake on either side, and Zero Off, GPS-based speed control to lock in speed. All coupled with the trimmable Volvo Forward Drive, which safely tucks props underneath the hull, creating a total customizable surf experience.

CDK Global Recreation LightspeedEVO Texting

Dealerships can now text and receive texts from customers within the LightspeedEVO DMS. Texting capability is located in each module: Parts, Service, Sales, Rental/Storage, and Accounting. All text communications to and from customers are recorded within the customer record. Each department can see all text (and email) communication that took place with that customer within the entire dealership, allowing everyone to stay on the same page in regards to expectations for customers. 

Chaparral 300-OSX

The Chaparral 300-OSX is a boat truly designed for outboard power, rather than converting a sterndrive into an outboard application. The hull and running surface is unique to the 300-OSX for achieving optimal center of gravity and performance. The 300-OSX is a bow rider with over-nighting capabilities. Its cockpit seating design and layout was chosen specifically for comfort and multi-functionality.

Chevron Lubricants Techron Protection Plus Marine Fuel Treatment 

Chevron Lubricants has formulated a more comprehensive, high-performance fuel additive; combining protection with the cleaning power of the Techron brand. Formulated without potentially damaging alcohol or emulsifiers, this is a unique marine solution designed to address issues with ethanol-blended fuels. This exclusive formula also addresses the harsh environments and tough operating conditions boat engines and fuel systems face every day. 

Chris-Craft Launch 28 GT

Key design features of the Launch 28 GT include a starboard side dive door that can be used to board the boat from a dock as well as for swimming while out on the water. Design elements include a walk-through transom and a large, reversible sun pad that can shift aft for L-seating in the cockpit, or shift forward to create a lounging area when not underway. The Launch 28 GT is offered with either sterndrive or outboard propulsion. 

Cobalt A29

The new Model A29 features the company’s new fully powered, patent-pending Splash & Stow inflatables management system, which enables owners to deploy, retrieve and store their inflatable toys. Comfort elements include an oversized day cabin/head, 36 cubic-feet of floor storage, an optional galley with refrigerator, and optional air conditioning at the helm. A full-beam swim platform with Cobalt’s signature folding swim step is standard.

DockMaster Mobile App

The App, compatible with Android and iOS devices, has three key features designed to empower your service technicians: Mobile Time Clock, Mobile Time Card, and Mobile Scheduler. Technicians will be able to enter time on work orders using the Time Clock or Time Card feature and will be able to review their assigned jobs from the Scheduler, all while seamlessly syncing with DockMaster.

Dockwa Contracts 

With Dockwa’s new Contracts tool, marinas can easily create personalized contracts with custom rates, timeframes and add-ons, and then send contracts to customers, monitor contract completion statuses, and process payments. A real-time dashboard displays the status of all guest contracts in one place, and marinas can process contract payments right within Dockwa’s free cloud-based software, just as current customers do with transient reservations.

Fusion Apollo RA770

The Fusion RA770 features a one-piece glass touchscreen display, making trying to locate the correct button a thing of the past. Wi-Fi streaming ensures the highest quality audio streaming available, while Digital Signal Processing automatically provides premium audio delivery to all speakers in any environment. The PartyBus function gives boaters the power to command the party across an entire vessel, or quietly relax to their tunes in a single cabin. 

Garmin Panoptix LiveScope

Garmin Panoptix LiveScope is a live-scanning sonar that gives anglers higher-resolution and easier-to-interpret images of structure, bait and fish swimming below and around the boat than ever before. Garmin’s Panoptix all-seeing sonar technology was the first to deliver live sonar images in real-time – forward, backward, sideways and below the boat – even while stationary. 

Glomex ZigBoat

With the new ZigBoat from Glomex Marine Antennas USA, owners have absolute peace-of-mind that the boat is safe and protected, no matter its size. It’s a modular wireless system that can monitor everything from water in the bilge to movement on the deck. It’s all easily tracked on a smartphone and if something goes awry, it will trigger a notification and can instantly send an SMS message.

Grady-White Canyon 456

The new flagship for Grady-White features seating for seven in its Grady-exclusive Sea Command Center, under a fiberglass AV2 T-top, as well as ample lounge seating on the forward deck. The Canyon 456 also features CZone digital switching technology for all of its on-board systems, a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer, Zipwake dynamic auto-leveling trim control systems and much more. Below deck, the Canyon 456 offers a console cabin with ample seating, galley, storage space, head and stand-up shower, and integrated fishing rod storage throughout. 

HCB Center Console Yachts 65 Estrella

This 65-foot Estrella offers comfort and space aboard with a large cockpit, standard bow and stern thrusters, and an 1,800-gallon fuel capacity. The cabin boasts sleeping for up to five people and a bathroom with separate walk-in shower. There is a European-inspired bow seating area and front lounge for those wishing to sun worship. Aft is a customizable rear mezzanine seating area with a variety of feature configurations. Finally, for the mechanically inclined there is a walk-in machine room.

Honda Marine BF200, BF225, BF250 V6 Outboards  

The refreshed Honda BF200, BF225 and BF250 models include a new style, streamlined maintenance and an expanded number of rigging options for ease of use. Key takeaways for the redesign include the new BF200 and BF225 being powered by a new engine, the 3.6-liter V6 engine that powers the BF250 outboard motor, improved corrosion resistance and decreased maintenance time, and multiple rigging options for a customized on-the-water experience. 

Ilmor One Touch PRO 

Ilmor One Touch PRO is an available upgrade on the One Touch joystick system for twin-engine installations on recreational sterndrive vessels. The PRO system features: Anchor Assist and Planing Assist. Anchor Assist is Ilmor’s virtual anchoring system, designed to hold a fixed position, and offers three anchoring modes standard: Anchor Assist, Heading Assist, and Location Assist. Similar to other systems, Ilmor’s Planing Assist helps a captain with bringing the boat on plane by controlling bow rise through the drive trim. Additionally, the system evaluates fuel burn in relation to drive trim constantly, and strives to provide the most fuel-efficient operating condition.  

Lowrance HDS LIVE

HDS LIVE delivers powerful real-time sonar, charting and connectivity features including Active Imaging, LiveSight, Genesis Live and LiveCast smartphone integration. Active Imaging provides clear sonar detail. LiveSight delivers detailed views of fish as they swim in and around cover. HDS LIVE harnesses the power of Genesis Live charting, which creates real-time depth-contour overlays on your charts. Finally, LiveCast lets users view their smartphone in full-screen or split-screen windows via HDMI connection. 

Lumishore Smart Lighting

Smart Lighting by Lumishore is the world’s first and only marine DC system with tunable color and white light, able to be controlled from a boat’s MFD or a user’s personal smart device. The system’s Lumishore “Black Box” makes it plug and play compatible with an MFD or Lumishore display via Ethernet cable. 

Malibu Wakesetter 25 LSV

The new 25 LSV takes towboat safety to a new level. Safety features include: deeper gunwales and a higher freeboard, easy storage for the windscreen up front, along with battery storage also improves the weight distribution for better performance. For 2019, it features multiple wireless phone charging locations made from triple-coil marine-grade Qi wireless technology. The 2019 25 LSV features a bow camera for easy docking and trailering, multi-view bench seat with its built-in table for convenience and customization of seating, as well as Malibu’s patented flip down swim seat to allow easy entry back into the boat.

MasterCraft X24 

The 24-foot wake boat from MasterCraft features the company’s Transverse Ballast Tank, able to hold 1,000 pounds of water and designed to fill completely when using the advanced wakeboard profile, but only 75% when surfing. The FastFill ballast system of the X24 cuts the time to fill up to 4,300 pounds in additional ballast in half. MasterCraft’s Dual-Screen Dash is also an option for the X24, offering a more integrated experience for users.

Mercury Marine 400hp Verado

Mercury Marine’s 400hp Verado outboard engine is the company’s highest horsepower Verado-branded outboard engine in its portfolio. However, what makes this engine stand out is its weight, weighing just 668 pounds. It will exclusively use the 5.44-inch 1.75 heavy duty gearcase and is available in Phantom Black and all three shades of white: Warm Fusion, Cold Fusion, and Pearl Fusion. It is also compatible with Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards.

Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor 

For the first time, anglers will have the option to select Ultrex trolling motor with Built-In MEGA Down Imaging. The Humminbird MEGA Down Imaging transducer will now be integrated into the trolling motor to provide a clean set up at the bow for anglers. With Built-In MEGA Down Imaging, the transducer is housed in the durable lower motor unit and the wiring runs through the composite shaft providing clean rigging that is protected from wear and tear. 

Nautic Alert Nevata HD

Nautic Alert Nevata HD is a new machine-learning controller for the Nautic Alert platform that monitors and automatically controls bilge pumps. Not only can Nevata HD detect and deal with a multitude of issues with full redundancy, but the detailed cycle data it provides to the cloud enables pre-failure detection of bilge equipment. The key to Nevata HD’s unique design that enables machine learning intelligence is its ability to learn what’s normal and not normal. 

NAUTIC-ON Smart Boating Platform

The NAUTIC-ON smart boat platform uses connectivity to provide peace of mind that the boat is working and secure, and also facilitates the diagnostic and resolution process if something goes wrong. The new platform is modular and expandable according to a boater’s needs. It is also able to provide a broader range of systems’ information through SmartCraft and NMEA 2000 ports.  

Nautique Boat Company 2019 Ski Nautique

In addition to a unique build process, Nautique introduced its patented MicroTuner Technology in the 2019 Ski Nautique. These MicroTuners automatically deploy into the water at the transom of the hull and disturb how water flows behind the boat. That disturbance fills in the troughs of the wake, which greatly reduces the disruption skiers typically feel in those areas. The offset 12.4-inch LINC Panoray Touchscreen and  Helm Command rotary dial are both ready to control all of a users major functions.

Power Products Battery Terminal Mount Switch by Blue Sea Systems

These simple, compact, and affordable battery switches provide a solution for battery management on smaller outboard boats. With a 150A continuous rating, they are powerful enough to control the master power on smaller motors. The compact footprint easily fits into most battery boxes. In addition, it is the first battery terminal mount switch that is ignition protected, so it can be used in compartments containing fuel, and is ABYC compliant. The battery mount switch is available in two versions: Post mount and Stud mount. 

Prospec Electronics Infinity by Harman RGB Kappa 8-inch Three-Way Speaker

This speaker allows the flexibility to remove the 3.5-inch mid tweeter from the 8-inch speaker body, and install the mid tweeter at a higher location on the boat. A 3.5-inch faux pod pops back into the 8-inch body to complete the look. Installing the 3.5-inch mid tweeter at a higher location raises the soundstage, which the manufacturer claims to provide a better sound environment. This speaker also incorporates two forms of lighting: center mount and a built-in perimeter light band. 

Scout 530 LXF

The 530 is built on Scout’s carbon fiber epoxy-infused, double-stepped fuel-efficient hull. The Epoxy-infusion process utilizing Carbon/E-glass provides a Class-A finish, with more stability in the hull while reducing the overall weight in the boat. Standard features on the model include a Seakeeper 6; a glass helm enclosure with electronically-sliding windows port and starboard; a cockpit island with a forward-facing bench seat, aft facing bar stools that retract and stow out of the way, and more.

Sea-Doo FISH PRO

The Sea-Doo FISH PRO is the first factory designed and produced fishing-specific PWC. The FISH PRO’s integrated features include: Garmin EcoMAP, modularity with the LinQ system and an ergonomic design to make fishing comfortable and practical. The ROTAX 155hp NA engine is complemented with an oversized fuel tank for extended trips and the Trolling Mode allows nine different, hands free speed settings. 

Sea Ray SLX-R 350 Outboard

A first-of-its-kind, limited-edition package of Sea Ray’s new SLX 350 Outboard, the SLX-R 350 Outboard is powered by Mercury 400 Racing engines. The SLX-R features a joystick piloting system, NextWave innovations such as quietRIDE technology and Dynamic Running Surface. Technology highlights include an exclusive dash with experience-based software and displays from Simrad, Lowrance and B&G; a Mastervolt NMEA 2000 charging system; and a FUSION Marine audio system. 

SeaDek Dek Magic

Dek Magic from SeaDek Marine Products introduces a new cleaner into the market that not only cleans SeaDek material, but also can be used as a general purpose cleaner for most substrates associated with the marine industry and lifestyle. Dek Magic cleans oil, grease, fish blood, gasoline, red wine, rust, permanent marker and a host of more stains on marine substrates. The product is also safe to all aquatic life and water.

Seakeeper 2

The Seakeeper 2 assists by improving the boating experience for boaters by virtually eliminating boat roll, the primary cause of seasickness, fatigue and anxiety. Designed specifically for boats 27-32-feet or up to seven tons, it’s the only stabilization system in the world available for boats of this size. Additionally, it only requires 12V DC power to operate, and can be installed in a customized leaning post, making refit installations quicker and more economical.

SeaStar Solutions Optimus Electric Steering Actuator

About the same size as the SeaStar Tournament Cylinder, SeaStar Solutions’ new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator mounts directly on the outboard in place of the present hydraulic cylinder. With its powerful drive train, integrated proprietary position sensors and embedded electronics, it eliminates the need for separately mounted hydraulic actuators used in the Optimus Joystick and EPS systems. 

Seven Marine & Volvo Penta Integrated Outboard Experience

The new Volvo Penta Integrated Outboard Propulsion Experience was developed by Volvo Penta and Seven Marine in collaboration with Tiara Sport, and features a complete helm-to-prop outboard propulsion system built around Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control backbone utilizing IPS controls and integration; Seven Marine’s 527 outboard available in multiple configurations; lower units with DuoProp counter-rotating propellers; Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit; joystick controls; integrated autopilot and dynamic positioning system; and Volvo Penta EasyConnect mobile app for remote visibility into the engines and propulsion system. 

Shakespeare Galaxy-INFL8 VHF, Inflatable Emergency & Special Purpose Antenna

The Galaxy-INFL8 VHF allows for easy stowage and rapid deployment of a 5-foot full 3dB, VHF antenna. The INFL8-5, utilizes a CO2 cartridge for inflation of the antenna. This revolutionizes boating safety devices, as the INFL8-5 will increase range by up to three times any other emergency VHF antenna currently available. 

Simrad Halo24

The Simrad Halo24 pulse compression radar boasts 60-rpm high-speed rotation at distances up to 1.5 miles, allowing for increased safety and improved performance. Delivering a full 360-degree sweep every second, this extremely fast refresh rate gives users an almost real-time view at close range. The 24-inch Halo dome offers different power level options ensuring high-speed radar coverage when and where it’s needed. 

Skier’s Choice Supra Vision Control System

Vision Control System offers captains full view and full control of their vessel. The system features a 12.3-inch display screen to toggle between boat information, entertainment, live camera feed and GPS navigation. The system also features an ergonomically positioned control screen with one-touch access to every key component of the boat. On the passenger side, an infotainment screen gives the passenger power to control the boat’s music and accent lighting. 

Sunbrella Marine Horizon

Crafted for durability and comfort, Horizon is specially designed to resist bacterial staining, cold-cracking, excess stretching and fading. Available in 30 color options, Horizon is color-matched to other Sunbrella fabrics, ensuring seamless coordination across existing Sunbrella marine products. Horizon is available in 54-inch width.

Supreme Boats ZS Series

At just over 23 and 21 feet respectively, the ZS232 and ZS212 are built on Supreme’s new Tapered-V Hull. The ZS232 is available with as much as 4600 pounds of ballast specifically placed in eight independantly controlled locations. The ZS212 has the same number of weight locations available with as much as 4400 pounds of ballast. Engage the optional QuickSurf System and move the wave from side to side in seconds without adjusting ballast. Both models of the ZS Series are powered by a GM Marine EX3 5.7L engine.

SureShade MTX Pull-Out Boat Shade

MTX Pull-Out Boat Shade is a new stainless steel, self-supported pullout manual shade that is ideal as forward and/or aft shade for center console and dual console boats. MTX has the same look and feel as SureShade’s flagship ATF automated shade – with stainless steel framework and ability to camber components – but operates manually with a simple pullout mechanism. The MTX shade is offered in six-foot and nine-foot extension lengths, making it versatile as a self-supported aft or larger bow shade. 

Suzuki Marine Multi-Function Display and SDS Mobile App

Suzuki’s new gauge and display, available in 7-inch, 9-inch, 12-inch or 16-inch display, integrates engine operating information with a suite of navigation and fish finding data. Additionally, the gauge/display is able to generate QR codes that allow the boat owner, using the SDS Mobile App, to transmit engine diagnostic data directly to their Suzuki Marine dealer. 

TACO Marine Grand Slam 1000 Electro-Hydraulic Outrigger Mount

With a push of a button, the Grand Slam 1000 Electro-Hydraulic Outrigger Mount lets anglers safely lift and rotate poles from the comfort of the helm without climbing on gunnels and having to struggle with manual adjustments. The GS-1000’s electro-hydraulic design and microprocessor-controlled system adjusts the angle of lift from 0 to 75 degrees with incremental stops at 30, 45 and 60 degrees. A 1,000-PSI hydraulic pump drives both the lift and rotation. 

Vesper Marine Vision2

The Vesper Marine Vision2 combines navigation sensor data, GPS and AIS information with intelligent alert logic and triggers alarms in the event of hazardous situations. While traditional AIS transponders only send and receive AIS signals, Vesper Marine’s smart AIS units continuously monitors alerts and notifies accordingly.

Breeze by Webasto

Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America’s new Breeze is the first air conditioning unit developed specifically for bowriders, deck boats and runabouts. Using only the sterndrive engine for power, it envelops passengers in refreshing ambient cool air. Plus, during chillier months, the season is extended with the optional heater element. The control panel has three fan speeds and a temperature setting. 

Wet Sounds Shivr-55 Cooler

The new Wet Sounds Shivr-55 features a 200W internal DSP amplifier and can offer over eight hours of playtime. Features include: heavy duty rope handles for easy carrying, Rotomolded Construction and easy flow drain spout allows you to drain the water, while keeping the ice. Wet Sounds also offers GatorStep Cooler Skin wraps for these to protect and add style to the cooler.  

Yamaha Marine V8 XTO Offshore

The XTO Offshore is a direct injection four-stroke outboard. Atomized fuel sprays directly on the piston at up to 2900psi to help keep it cool, prevent detonation, and increase throttle response and power with greater fuel efficiency. The XTO Offshore also features the industry’s first completely electric steering system. The durability-tested 5.6L naturally aspirated 425-hp V8 provides power, with strong and responsive acceleration made possible by a 12.2:1 compression ratio, and variable camshaft timing using only 89-octane gas. 

Yamaha WaterCraft 275 Series

The Yamaha 275 Series is available in three choices: the base model 275E; the more deluxe 275SE; and the flagship 275SD. The Yamaha 275 Series boats feature twin, supercharged Yamaha 1.8L SVHO marine engines. Other features include: removable seats that can be attached to the stern at anchor; convertible stern seating; a galley area with counter space and sink; and an extra-large head compartment and port side storage area.  


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