Tech: Brunswick Marine is Advancing AI Boating
January 22, 2026
By Mike Gridley
AI is the hot topic across all aspects of business, tech, medicine and more. It is an area of computer development that is full of promise and some caveats. But while AI is already expanding rapidly in software, insurance, finance, and other computer-driven industries, it has been slower to roll out in other areas, including boating. But not anymore.
AI is coming to the marine industry, and quickly. So how will this emerging technology benefit boaters?
Developments in electronics and systems have been leading change and enhancements in the marine industry and significantly impacting the boating experience since the mid 2000s. The next wave of developments bringing AI onboard should prove to be dramatic, enhancing our experience on the water.
One of the companies investing significant resources into AI is Brunswick Boat Group. Brunswick Boat Group initially launched a strategy to enhance and transform the future of recreational boating through Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification, and Shared Access (ACES). Like all acronyms, unless you are an insider, its meaning is lost. To bring these strategies to boaters, Brunswick has rolled them into what they call “Boating Intelligence,” employing AI to integrate AI capabilities throughout its products and brands.
“The development of Boating Intelligence reflects Brunswick’s commitment to making boating experiences simpler, safer, smarter, and more sustainable,” Brunswick’s Navico Group Senior Director of Program Management Brandon Ferriman said.
“By leveraging AI, Brunswick is enhancing vessel autonomy, predictive maintenance, real-time diagnostics, and intelligent navigation systems. These innovations not only improve safety and ease-of-use for boaters but also align with growing consumer expectations for connected and eco-conscious marine technologies.”
“Boating Intelligence builds on Brunswick’s history of digital transformation and its leadership in marine innovation. It represents a strategic evolution of the ACES framework, where AI acts as a catalyst for delivering intelligent features that elevate the boating lifestyle and support Brunswick’s long-term vision of a more accessible and technologically advanced marine ecosystem,” Ferriman said.
Brunswick’s “Boating Intelligence” ACES strategy is broad, diverse, and focuses on four key pillars.
The first is Autonomy/Assistance. Brunswick’s teams are advancing technologies for AI-powered autonomous docking systems that provide real-time assistance, guidance, and troubleshooting. These innovations aim to evolve boats from passive vessels to intelligent partners that enhance the user experience through smart decision-making and adaptive support.
Connectivity solutions allow the boat’s systems to seamlessly integrate with mobile devices, providing remote monitoring, diagnostics and control onboard or at home. Electrification addresses electric propulsion and on-board power systems. Mercury continues to expand its line of Avator electric outboards, addressing sustainable boating alongside traditional marine engines.
Navico Group is also focusing on onboard system development and Lithium-ion power management with its Fathom power system. This system provides advanced digital control and power consumption monitoring on demand for peak efficiency. This maximizes the power available from Lithium-Ion battery banks and reduces time needed to charge batteries by running a generator or connecting to shore power.
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