COLOR: BLUE – Dabbling in hull color is not new; however, never has there been so much of one color. While blue seemingly is the obvious choice to evoke marine vibes and has been used forever on interiors, this year, it stands out in the range of blue hues and the placement on hull sides. Hues ranging from traditional, deep mariner blue to lighter, softer shades, the color is seemingly the ultimate replacement to the traditional whites. Blue is the perfect boating color and is known for symbolizing serenity and open spaces. Why not bring it from the interior to the exterior?
MATTE FINISH – We are all familiar with the high gloss, shiny finishes as well as the uber sparkly, glittery surfaces of boats over the years. This year, matte finish is making an appearance both on fiberglass hull sides and pontoon boat fences. The finish is more subdued than glistenifng, yet it stands out for its sophisticated look. It is mostly non-reflective so even in the brightest of sunlight there is no glare off the boat side.
QUILTED UPHOLSTERY – Quilted seats and benches in boats this year are everywhere. Quilting, when not overdone, subtly adds
just a bit of pizzaz to the interior décor without too much contrasting color. This extra touch of sewing transforms the seat material into a designer-specific pattern that coordinates with other elements in the boat’s interior. The prevalence of these
design elements this year stood out across every boat segment – from pontoon boats to saltwater fish boats, mega yachts and cruisers to runabouts and deck boats.
AUTONOMOUS TECHNOLOGY – Docking your boat can be one of the most intimidating parts of boating. New autonomous features in boating have made it easier! Assisted Docking system that’s as high tech as it sounds. Using sensors, GPS-based dynamic positioning, joy sticks and advanced algorithms you can find yourself pulling up to the dock with precision and ease. There’s also exciting new technology like the Seakeeper Ride that senses the boats activity and automatically uses the boat’s rotary blades to reduce the 
pitch and roll for a more comfortable ride.
BOAT CUSTOMIZATION – The advent of custom 3D printed accessories, such as cleats and speaker grills, alongside the growing popularity of luxury features like premium finishes, reflects an increasing demand in the maritime market. From fully equipped sport boats to luxury yachts that allow owners to personalize every detail down to the stitch color, boat enthusiasts worldwide are actively pursuing
customization options that seamlessly align with their unique lifestyles.
LARGER CENTER CONSOLES – Though smaller boats are increasing in popularity, it doesn’t mean the thrill of a larger center console isn’t still in demand. More space means more room for fun and your favorite boat brands are making it happen. Center consoles are typically thought of as a versatile boat and popular models.
HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ON THE WATER – The demand for connectivity has satellite technology, like Starlink, increasing significantly in 
popularity for yacht owners. Starlink offers the capability for streaming, making video calls, and playing video games while underway or anchored just as you would on land. Additionally there are options for utilizing cellular data, Marine WiFi systems that are a plug- and- play device, or using a more portable BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) that works like a mobile hotspot.