Boats of the next decade… Trends…
What will manufacturers need to do to keep boaters interested in the next few years (2020-2030)? That’s a good question, but here’s what the industry’s leading thinkers predict…
In particular, boats will have to get to the speed in terms of communication interface with the boater.
The cockpits will have to become more communicative, not just the current multifunctional screens, but real 20-inch x 40-inch split-size screens that will give that relevant information and pre-analyze and of course connected to the cellular phone and the internet.
What that means, compare boaters to the automotive field. For example, the vessel should alert the captain when the oil change is due, when he leaves the navigation zone (safe GPS corridor), notify the captain if any systems or equipment are about to fail, such as the load of batteries, engine température, etc. and all this with messages on the screen, not just using dials.
Some yachts have such systems, but they are rare and above all very expensive.
In addition, as with cars, boats must have driving aids.
Above image: new SEARAY steering console
When a boater starts a turn, a computer takes over to decelerate the inner engine so that the turn is optimal. Stabilization must also be fully automates including a gyroscope, along with automatic fuel transfer from one tank to another and eliminating old laps (trim-tabs) for dynamic stabilizers (such as the Humphreys). Some manufacturers have been doing this for years, such as Azimut Yachts.
Ideally, the manoeuvre to approach the dock should also be under full assistance. Volvo is working on this concept. The joysticks are very interesting (and the thrusters), but already the boaters are ready for a new evolution.
Boaters are fond of new technology, for example, take the arrival of the Skyhook or DPS, i.e. which allows the automatic positioning of the boat in a stationary mode while waiting at a bridge or for the entrance to a lock made possible by PODS or hydraulic thrusters.
Manufacturers must invest in the concept of an on-board system, communicating easily with the user, in every way possible. Technology must be an integral part of tomorrow’s boats with modern and easy-to-use interfaces.
Remote monitoring should also be part of the innovations. Alerts indicating a bilge pump that operates for more than 30 seconds or more than once per hour, a dock power supply being unplugged, engine starts, engine compartment opening, in short a signal should be sent to the owner automatically for all systems on board that exhibit undesired activity.
There are also interior designing that requires attention. The majority of boaters are not satisfied with galley storage space and traditional way of designing the interior and exterior layouts of the boats are going to require attention as Baby boomers are gradually moving out of the market and millennials moving in with different needs and criteria.
Adventure as a criteria, the versatility of boats, the need to be close to the water, outdoor landscaping are important for new boaters. The proof, day boats are becoming more popular.
Manufacturers who make a “copy paste” of the old boats for their new boats will find themselves in a predicament over the next few years. All must innovate and develop new concepts to take advantage of the new buyer market.
Innovation, new concepts, versatility, technology, look, are criteria that should inspire the designers of the boats of tomorrow.
Another important challenge is to get closer to the automotive know-how during the construction of the boat so as when delivering a new boat to the owner, the number of anomalies present is marginal. Quality control during construction must be the priority of manufacturers.
The brokers at Ita Yachts Canada are here to assist you when buying a new boat. Your purchase must meet your needs and criteria but above all, a boat that will retain an excellent resale value.
Therefore, the systems onboard and the configuration of the boat must be able to meet the exportations of the future buyer of a second-hand boat that will be on the market in 5 or 10 years.
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