The Future of Boating Has Arrived
The age of self-driving boats is officially here. Simrad Marine Electronics, part of Brunswick Corporation, has unveiled the groundbreaking Simrad® AutoCaptain™ Autonomous Boating System — a leap forward in marine technology that allows your boat to dock, undock, and maneuver autonomously.
Unveiled as part of Brunswick’s ACES Strategy (Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification, and Shared Access), AutoCaptain represents the first true autonomous docking solution built for recreational boaters — and a major milestone for the marine industry.
“With the introduction of AutoCaptain, we’re delivering true autonomy, starting with one of the most challenging aspects of boating – docking,” said Aine Denari, EVP & President of Navico Group and Brunswick’s Chief Technology Officer.
Precision Docking, Effortlessly Executed
AutoCaptain goes far beyond traditional joystick docking. Using real-time 360° situational awareness, the system analyzes wind, current, and obstacles to safely dock or undock the boat — automatically and smoothly.
Unlike GPS-based systems that require returning to mapped locations, AutoCaptain works anywhere. Whether visiting a new marina or exploring unfamiliar waters, the system dynamically adapts in real time, giving boaters confidence and control in any situation.
AutoCaptain can even hold position against the dock, letting captains and crew secure lines and fenders with ease — no stress, no guesswork.
Fully Integrated with Mercury Marine Propulsion
Developed in close collaboration with Mercury Marine®, AutoCaptain seamlessly connects to Mercury’s propulsion and joystick controls. The result is a fully integrated experience through the Simrad display and AutoCaptain app, giving boaters intuitive control and visibility without aftermarket add-ons.
This purpose-built integration not only enhances performance but preserves vessel aesthetics — creating a cleaner, smarter, more capable helm station.
Smarter, Safer, and Future-Ready
As part of Brunswick’s broader ACES vision, AutoCaptain is designed as a scalable platform — capable of evolving through software updates. Future releases will expand its capabilities beyond docking, advancing toward fully autonomous cruising and enhanced situational safety.
Whether you’re a seasoned captain, a short-handed cruiser, or a new boater gaining confidence, AutoCaptain makes boating more accessible, enjoyable, and safe.
Where to See It First
AutoCaptain will debut on Boston Whaler® 405 Conquest models at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where visitors can experience it firsthand through on-water demonstrations.
It will also be showcased at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, marking the first time a commercially available autonomous boating system takes center stage at the world’s largest consumer technology event.
Oakdale Yacht’s Perspective: The Next Wave of Boating
At Oakdale Yacht Sales, we’ve seen firsthand how innovation is reshaping the boating world. From advanced joystick systems to now fully autonomous docking, technology like Simrad AutoCaptain™ is helping make boating more approachable and enjoyable for everyone.
As Long Island’s trusted Mercury Marine and Simrad dealer, we’re excited about what this means for our customers — and we’ll be among the first to share updates on when you can experience AutoCaptain on our docks.
If you’ve ever wished for stress-free docking, that wish is about to come true.
Learn More
Visit Simrad-Yachting.com/AutoCaptain for full system details and safety information.
To stay updated on availability, demonstrations, and new model launches featuring Simrad AutoCaptain™, contact Oakdale Yacht Sales today.
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