Docking a boat is one of the most stressful tasks for any boater. Now, Brunswick Corp says its Simrad AutoCaptain can do it with the push of a button.
Brunswick Corporation, the world's largest recreational marine company, announced the Simrad AutoCaptain system in July 2026. It uses advanced AI and sensor fusion to autonomously dock and undock boats, eliminating a major source of anxiety for boat owners.
Boat docking accidents cause millions of dollars in damage annually, and even experienced captains struggle in tight slips or windy conditions. Brunswick's move addresses a clear pain point: according to industry surveys, nearly 60% of boaters cite docking as their most stressful maneuver. AutoCaptain leverages Brunswick's existing Simrad electronics ecosystem, adding a layer of machine learning algorithms trained on thousands of docking scenarios.
Key details include 360-degree sensor coverage using radar, LiDAR, GPS, and cameras. The system processes real-time data on wind, current, and nearby obstacles, then executes a docking sequence—or aborts if unsafe. Brunswick has not yet released pricing, but the system will first appear on select 2027 models from brands like Sea Ray and Bayliner. An aftermarket upgrade for existing Simrad-equipped boats is expected later.
Industry observers see AutoCaptain as part of a broader push toward autonomy in leisure boating, analogous to advanced driver-assistance systems in cars. "This is the Tesla Autopilot moment for boats," said one analyst, though Brunswick itself emphasizes that AutoCaptain requires the captain to remain at the helm and monitor the process. Competitors include Volvo Penta's Assisted Docking and Yamaha's Helm Master EX, but AutoCaptain is the first to claim full autonomy for both docking and undocking in a single package.
Looking ahead, Brunswick plans to expand capabilities to include autonomous navigation in open water and automatic mooring. Regulatory approvals from the U.S. Coast Guard and other bodies may take time, but the company expects AutoCaptain to set a new standard for safety and convenience. If successful, it could accelerate adoption of AI in marine industries and reshape how recreational boat owners think about technology.
Technology
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Brunswick’s AutoCaptain Takes Over Boat Docking With AI Help
Brunswick Corp's Simrad AutoCaptain is taking the scare out of docking and undocking recreational boats by doing the task autonomously using AI and other technology.
Ed Garsten, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
- Brunswick Corp's Simrad AutoCaptain autonomously handles docking and undocking for recreational boats, reducing a major source of boater stress and accidents.
- The system uses 360-degree sensors (radar, LiDAR, GPS, cameras) combined with AI algorithms trained on thousands of real-world docking scenarios.
- AutoCaptain will debut on select 2027 models from Brunswick brands like Sea Ray and Bayliner, with aftermarket retrofits for existing Simrad-equipped boats planned.
- Industry analysts compare AutoCaptain to Tesla's Autopilot for marine, but Brunswick requires the captain to remain at the helm to monitor the autonomous process.
- Brunswick has not released pricing, but the system is expected to compete with Volvo Penta's Assisted Docking and Yamaha's Helm Master EX, offering a full autonomous docking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
AutoCaptain is an AI-powered system from Brunswick's Simrad brand that autonomously docks and undocks recreational boats. It uses sensors and machine learning to handle all maneuvers.
It uses 360-degree sensor coverage, GPS, and AI algorithms to detect obstacles, wind, and current, then calculates and executes precise docking sequences.
As of July 2026, Brunswick announced AutoCaptain for select models, with wider availability expected in 2027.
Initially, AutoCaptain will be available on new Brunswick boats equipped with Simrad electronics, with aftermarket kits planned for existing boats.
Yes, by automating the most stressful part of boating, AutoCaptain aims to reduce collisions and damage, making boating safer for all skill levels.
Pricing has not been announced, but industry analysts expect it to be a premium option comparable to advanced car driver-assist systems.
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www.forbes.com
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