“ For marine, there’ s instances where we can use [ AI ] in the future, we’ re just not using it today,” Dunn said.“ For example, we don’ t necessarily make the cameras needed to do this, but theoretically, in a few years we could partner with somebody like FLIR, and through AI you could have object avoidance where it could use the camera to identify objects and display it on an MFD. We don’ t do that stuff today, but it’ s feasible to think it’ s coming in the near future.”
In the dealership
As technologies advance and new technologies surface, dealers and service teams must adapt. Like Garmin, some OEMs and suppliers offer brand-specific technician training to support dealers.
“ We are very focused on training,” Dunn said.“ We have regional sales managers who interact with the dealers daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on how the dealer wants to be communicated with. Their job is to keep them up to speed on everything that’ s going on and changing, and help with customers and installs.”
Along with in-person training, Garmin provides training content and seminars, and service field engineers are also available to assist with technical issues.“ We are very invested in the dealers, whether it be retail or mom and pop type shops,” Dunn said.
Volvo Penta collaborates with Universal Technical Institute( UTI) to offer manufacturer-specific training, covering joystick docking technology and the Electronic Vessel Control system among other things, to support dealers. Honda Marine also partners with UTI to provide students with electrical diagnostics and computerized engine management training.
Garmin ' s GC 245 Camera allowes boaters to set up guidance lines to assist object avoidance in marinas.
Garmin ' s GPSMAP 9000 chartplotter series can connect to compatible exisiting Garmin marine systems via NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 networks.
Consumer response
As consumers become more accustomed to seamless digital experiences, the expectation for easy-to-use products is higher than ever. According to Dunn, Garmin’ s ability to meet this need is evident through the company’ s consistent growth. Garmin’ s marine division revenue grew 12 percent in 2024, surpassing $ 1 billion.
“ We pay a lot of attention to direct customer feedback too, and that can influence products and things that we do, whether it be support or promotions,” Dunn said.“ We try to stay connected with the customer as much as possible.”
Garmin’ s performance highlights the growing demand for simplified, safe, and connected boating – something dealers and OEMs must consider in product and service decisions.
Increasing connection
Whether through improved connectivity, automation, AI-powered features, or enhanced cybersecurity practices, the future of boating looks more connected than ever. The industry is becoming more integrated and efficient, and as technology manufacturers advance marine products, the industry is poised to offer boaters a more seamless, intelligent, and environmentally conscious experience on the water.
Reedenauer expects advancements in boat connectivity to enable real-time data sharing; maintenance needs or equipment failures will be communicated ahead of time to service providers. This kind of predictive service, already used in the commercial sector, is expected to become more common in recreational boating. Boats may even share data like radar from nearby vessels to enhance safety due to the growing cloud and satellite connectivity.
“ You can just see all the possibilities,” he said.“ It’ s really all tied back to connectivity and cloud. There’ s a lot of other satellite means that are coming to compete with Starlink that we’ re going to see within the next years.”
“ All of that stuff is possible, it’ s just too expensive to do it today,” Dunn added.“ But as things come down, you’ ll see boats become more intuitive through things like digital switching, internet, all those things. In 10 years, your boat will be closer to where your car is today.”
www. boatingindustry. com may 2025
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