Simrad Marine Electronics Unveils Simrad® AutoCaptain™ – A Breakthrough in Autonomous Boating Technology, Advancing Brunswick’s ACES Strategy
Brunswick (NYSE: BC) brand Simrad Marine Electronics launched the Simrad AutoCaptain Autonomous Boating System on October 7, 2025, debuting at IBEX in Tampa.
AutoCaptain offers full autonomous docking, undocking, short-distance maneuvering, 360-degree situational awareness, and dynamic adaptation to new marinas. It exclusively integrates with Mercury Marine propulsion and a Simrad display app. Initial commercial availability includes on-water demos and sales on Boston Whaler 405 Conquest at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, with broader rollout and a CES 2026 display planned.
Brunswick (NYSE: BC) marchio Simrad Marine Electronics ha lanciato Simrad AutoCaptain Autonomous Boating System il 7 ottobre 2025, in anteprima a IBEX a Tampa.
AutoCaptain offre l'attracco autonomo completo, lo stacco autonomo, la manovra a breve raggio, la consapevolezza situazionale a 360 gradi e l'adattamento dinamico alle nuove marine. Si integra in esclusiva con la propulsione Mercury Marine e un'app display Simrad. La disponibilità commerciale iniziale prevede dimostrazioni in acqua e vendite sulla Boston Whaler 405 Conquest al Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, con una distribuzione più ampia e una vetrina al CES 2026 previste.
Brunswick (NYSE: BC) la marca Simrad Marine Electronics lanzó el Simrad AutoCaptain Autonomous Boating System el 7 de octubre de 2025, debutando en IBEX en Tampa.
AutoCaptain ofrece atraque autónomo completo, desatraque, maniobras a corta distancia, conciencia situacional de 360 grados y adaptación dinámica a nuevos muelles. Se integra exclusivamente con la propulsión Mercury Marine y una app de display de Simrad. La disponibilidad comercial inicial incluye demostraciones en el agua y ventas en el Boston Whaler 405 Conquest en Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, con un despliegue más amplio y una exhibición planificada en CES 2026.
브런즈윅(NYSE: BC) 브랜드인 Simrad Marine Electronics가 Simrad AutoCaptain Autonomous Boating System를 2025년 10월 7일에 출시했고 탬파에서 IBEX에 데뷔했습니다.
AutoCaptain은 완전한 자율 도킹, 자동 이탈, 짧은 거리 기동, 360도 상황 인식 및 새로운 마리나에 대한 동적 적응을 제공합니다. Mercury Marine 추진 시스템과 Simrad 디스플레이 앱과 독점적으로 통합됩니다. 초기 상용 가능성은 해상 시연 및 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show에서 Boston Whaler 405 Conquest 판매를 포함하며, 더 넓은 롤아웃과 CES 2026 전시가 계획되어 있습니다.
Brunswick (NYSE: BC) marque Simrad Marine Electronics a lancé le Simrad AutoCaptain Autonomous Boating System le 7 octobre 2025, en avant-première à l'IBEX de Tampa.
AutoCaptain propose un amarrage autonome complet, un démarrage autonome, une manœuvre à courte distance, une connaissance situationnelle à 360 degrés et une adaptation dynamique à de nouveaux marinas. Il s'intègre exclusivement à la propulsion Mercury Marine et à une application d'affichage Simrad. La disponibilité commerciale initiale comprend des démonstrations en mer et des ventes sur le Boston Whaler 405 Conquest lors du Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, avec un déploiement plus large et une exposition prévue au CES 2026.
Brunswick (NYSE: BC) Marke Simrad Marine Electronics hat am 7. Oktober 2025 das Simrad AutoCaptain Autonomous Boating System vorgestellt und seine Premiere bei der IBEX in Tampa gefeiert.
AutoCaptain bietet vollständige autonome Andock- und Abdock-Optionen, Manövrieren auf kurze Distanzen, 360-Grad-Situationsbewusstsein und dynamische Anpassung an neue Marinas. Es integriert sich ausschließlich mit der Antriebstechnik von Mercury Marine und einer Simrad-Display-App. Die anfängliche kommerzielle Verfügbarkeit umfasst Wasser-Demos und Verkäufe auf der Boston Whaler 405 Conquest auf der Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, mit einer breiteren Markteinführung und einer CES 2026-Ausstellung geplant.
برونسويك (NYSE: BC) علامة سيمريد ماريـن إلكترونيكس أطلقت Simrad AutoCaptain Autonomous Boating System في 7 أكتوبر 2025، مع عرضها الأول في IBEX في تامبا.
يوفر AutoCaptain ربط رصيف تلقائي كامل، فصل، مناورات لمسافات قصيرة، وعيان بجملة 360 درجة وتكيّف ديناميكي مع الموانئ الجديدة. يندمج حصرياً مع دفع Mercury Marine وتطبيق عرض Simrad. التوفر التجاري الأولي يشمل عروضاً في الماء ومبيعات على Boston Whaler 405 Conquest في Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show، مع طرح أوسع وتخطيط لعرض في CES 2026.
Brunswick (NYSE: BC) 品牌的 Simrad Marine Electronics 于2025年10月7日推出 Simrad AutoCaptain Autonomous Boating System，在坦帕的 IBEX 首秀。
AutoCaptain 提供全自动靠泊、自动离泊、短距离机动、360度情境感知以及对新码头的动态适应。它仅与 Mercury Marine 推进系统和一个 Simrad 显示应用程序集成。初步商业可用性包括水上演示以及在 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 上的 Boston Whaler 405 Conquest 销售，并计划更广泛的推出以及在 CES 2026 的展示。
- Full autonomous docking and undocking capability
- Real-time 360-degree situational awareness
- Exclusive integration with Mercury Marine propulsion
- Initial commercial debut on Boston Whaler 405 Conquest
- Exclusive Mercury integration may limit non-Mercury installations
- Initial availability limited to specific boat model and partners
- Feature expansion depends on future software updates
Insights
AutoCaptain commercial launch signals a tangible step in Brunswick's ACES autonomy pillar, starting with docking autonomy.
Brunswick's brand Simrad announced a commercially available autonomous docking system with built-in Mercury Marine propulsion integration and a dedicated Simrad display app, positioned as the first product under the company’s "Autonomy" pillar. The offering targets a clear user pain point: close-quarters docking, and it will debut on Boston Whaler 405 Conquest models with on-water demos at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and public exposure at
Dependencies and risks tie directly to stated facts: the system relies exclusively on Mercury Marine propulsion integration and on a hardware platform that will receive future software updates. Adoption therefore depends on OEM uptake and the stated dealer/demo rollout schedule. Watch near-term commercial availability on Boston Whaler units and public demonstrations at the Fort Lauderdale show and
Deep hardware-plus-software integration with Mercury Marine differentiates AutoCaptain from aftermarket assistance systems.
The system combines a network of cameras, propulsion-level control and a Simrad display to deliver autonomous docking, undocking, short-distance maneuvering and position holding, all described as functioning in real time without prior mapping. The product is positioned as a purpose-built OEM integration rather than an after-market add-on.
Primary technical constraints are explicit: exclusive Mercury propulsion integration and the need for the stated hardware platform to support future features via software updates. Key items to track are on-water demo performance at the Fort Lauderdale show, commercial availability timing on the Boston Whaler 405 Conquest, and the broader OEM rollout plans announced for the near future; these milestones will show whether the integration scales as described.
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Simrad Marine Electronics, a brand within Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), today announced the launch of the Simrad® AutoCaptain™ Autonomous Boating System, a revolutionary advancement in marine technology featuring full auto-docking capabilities, including docking, undocking, and short distance maneuvering. Unlike assistance-based systems currently on the market, AutoCaptain delivers true autonomous maneuvering, engineered from the ground up with exclusive Mercury Marine® propulsion integration and a dedicated Simrad® display app experience for a seamless user experience. This innovation marks a significant milestone in Brunswick’s ACES strategy, reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future of recreational boating. AutoCaptain will officially be introduced today during a media presentation at IBEX in Tampa, Florida.
“With the introduction of AutoCaptain, we are rounding out Brunswick’s ACES strategy by delivering true autonomy, starting with one of the most challenging aspects of boating – docking,” said Aine Denari, EVP & President, Navico Group and Brunswick Chief Technology Officer. “As the first solution to be commercialized under the ‘Autonomy’ pillar of ACES, AutoCaptain marks a major milestone in our innovation journey. This system takes the stress out of close-quarters maneuvering, allowing boaters to focus on enjoying their time on the water. And this is just the beginning. The same hardware platform will support an expanding suite of autonomous features that will be rolled out via software updates, enhancing the boating experience by making it more accessible and intuitive for everyone.”
Precision Docking, Effortlessly Executed
AutoCaptain goes beyond basic assistance. With real-time 360-degree situational awareness, the system autonomously performs docking and undocking maneuvers, even in tight quarters and challenging situations. Intelligent adjustments counteract wind, current, and nearby obstacles detected by the system, ensuring every movement is smooth and deliberate while under the watchful eye of the captain at the helm. While some systems rely on GPS and require returning to a previously mapped location, AutoCaptain is designed to work anywhere – not just where the boat has been before. When arriving at a new marina or navigating unfamiliar waters, the system dynamically adapts to the environment in real time, giving boaters the freedom and confidence to explore without constraints. The system also features the capability to firmly hold the vessel against the dock, maintaining position while users prepare the lines, fenders, and secure the vessel to dock.
Seamless System Integration
Developed in close collaboration with Mercury Marine®, AutoCaptain exclusively integrates with Mercury’s advanced propulsion system and intuitive joystick controls. Leveraging a network of cameras, cutting-edge propulsion technology, and real-time monitoring via a Simrad® display, AutoCaptain delivers a truly unified control experience. Unlike aftermarket solutions, this fully integrated system is built directly into the vessel’s design, preserving its aesthetics while providing unparalleled precision, ease of use, and situational awareness. This purpose-built integration unlocks a control experience that no piecemeal solution can match.
Built for the Future
AutoCaptain is designed as a scalable, future-ready platform. With the flexibility to support enhancements over time, the system is built to evolve – delivering smarter, safer, and more intuitive boating experiences as new capabilities become available. Whether navigating a marina or docking the boat, AutoCaptain ensures boaters are always one step ahead.
“AutoCaptain shows the strengths of Brunswick synergies, becoming a powerful future-ready platform for OEMs and their customers,” said Jeremiah Clark, VP of Product Management, Electronic Solutions for Navico Group. “This system is designed for every level of experience – whether a short-handed captain, new boaters looking for added confidence, or a seasoned captain navigating tight spaces – the system delivers dependable support when it’s needed most. It’s a smart, intuitive solution that enhances the boating experience today and evolves with the needs of tomorrow.”
Simrad® AutoCaptain will make its official debut on Boston Whaler® 405 Conquest models at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where it will be available for purchase and on-water demonstrations. This marks the beginning of a broader rollout, with plans to expand availability through additional boatbuilder partners in the near future.
AutoCaptain will also be on display at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, January 6-9. Following an extensive concept and development phase, this will be the product’s first appearance at CES as a commercially available solution.
To learn more about AutoCaptain and review important system and safety-related information, please visit www.simrad-yachting.com/autocaptain/.
About Simrad Yachting
Simrad Yachting is part of Navico Group, a division of Brunswick Corporation, (NYSE: BC), and features leading marine electronics and navigation products including chartplotters, fishfinders, radars, autopilots, trolling motors and more for both commercial marine and recreational boaters with a history going back 75 years. The Simrad trademark is licensed for use to Navico Group which distributes Simrad products in over 100 countries worldwide. For more, visit www.simrad-yachting.com.
About Navico Group
A division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Navico Group is the world’s leading supplier of integrated systems and products to industries ranging from marine to recreational vehicle and beyond. The Navico Group portfolio is comprised of industry-leading brands in power management, digital control & monitoring, networked devices, and marine electronics. Some of the many brands that make up Navico Group include: Ancor, Attwood, B&G, BEP, Blue Sea Systems, C-MAP CZone, Lenco, Lowrance, Marinco, Mastervolt, Progressive Industries, ProMariner, RELiON, Simrad, and Whale.
Lee Gordon — Chief Communications Officer M: (904) 860-8848 | O: (847) 735-4003
FAQ
When did Simrad AutoCaptain launch and where was it introduced for NYSE: BC?
What autonomous functions does Simrad AutoCaptain provide for BC customers?
Which propulsion system does AutoCaptain exclusively integrate with for NYSE: BC products?
Where will Simrad AutoCaptain be available for purchase and demonstrations first?
When and where will AutoCaptain be shown after its Fort Lauderdale debut?
Will AutoCaptain receive new features after launch for BC owners?
