Saxdor Yachts Introduces Simrad AutoCaptain Autonomous Docking Technology

Saxdor Yachts is taking another step toward smarter and more intuitive boating with the introduction of Simrad® AutoCaptain™, an advanced autonomous docking and maneuvering system developed by Navico Group. The Finnish boatbuilder unveiled the technology at the Genoa International Boat Show, highlighting its growing focus on connected technology and intelligent onboard systems.

Saxdor is the first boatbuilder outside the United States to integrate Simrad AutoCaptain into its boats, marking another milestone in the company's technology-driven approach to modern boating.

Saxdor Yachts introduces Simrad® AutoCaptain™

Simrad AutoCaptain Makes Docking Easier

Docking and low-speed maneuvering are among the most demanding aspects of handling a motorboat. Tight marinas, strong crosswinds, currents and limited space can make even a routine approach challenging, particularly for less experienced boaters.

Simrad AutoCaptain is designed to simplify these situations by providing real-time 360-degree awareness of the boat's surroundings. The system continuously monitors the environment and can respond to changing conditions, including wind, current and nearby obstacles.

Rather than relying solely on a pre-mapped marina or fixed route, AutoCaptain is designed to assess the situation around the boat in real time. This allows the system to provide intelligent assistance even when approaching an unfamiliar berth or marina.

The objective is not to replace the captain, but to make close-quarters maneuvering more precise, predictable and less stressful.

“AutoCaptain perfectly aligns with how we think about technology on board Saxdor: not simply automating a task but making the entire experience more intuitive and giving the captain greater confidence. Its real-time 360-degree awareness allows the system to continuously respond to wind, current and obstacles, rather than relying on a previously mapped environment.”

Ludvig Liljequist, Chief Technology Officer, Saxdor Yachts

Integrated Technology from Simrad and Mercury Marine

Unlike standalone docking aids, AutoCaptain has been engineered as an integrated onboard system. The technology works exclusively with Mercury Marine's advanced propulsion systems and is operated through a dedicated Simrad® display application.

The integration is intended to provide a seamless user experience, bringing propulsion, navigation and maneuvering assistance together within the boat's existing electronic architecture.

According to Navico Group, the technology represents another step toward making advanced autonomous boating functions accessible to everyday recreational boaters.

“AutoCaptain marks an important milestone in the evolution of recreational boating,” said Yasser Nafei, President, Electronic Solutions, Navico Group. “As vessels become increasingly intelligent and connected, technologies like AutoCaptain help make advanced capabilities more intuitive and accessible for everyday boaters.”

Saxdor Expands Its Digital Boat Ecosystem

The introduction of AutoCaptain is part of a broader strategy by Saxdor to develop a connected digital ecosystem around its boats.

The company's technology portfolio already includes the MySaxdor App, Saxdor AI, Digital Showroom and Boat IQ, with artificial intelligence increasingly becoming part of the ownership experience.

Boat IQ is designed to operate directly through the boat's multifunction displays, giving owners access to information and assistance related specifically to their vessel without having to switch to a separate application.

The system is connected to Saxdor AI, a digital knowledge platform developed in collaboration with Cadentia.

AI Comes to the Helm

Saxdor says its AI platform is already being used across its sales, production, delivery and dealer network.

Since its launch in 2026, Saxdor AI has handled more than 10,000 customer enquiries, supported hundreds of boat owners and been adopted by more than 40 dealers across 30 countries.

The platform is designed to connect customers, dealers and the boatbuilder throughout the entire lifecycle of a vessel, from the initial enquiry and quotation through production, delivery, ownership and after-sales service.

“Saxdor AI connects customer, dealer and boatbuilder throughout the boat’s life, from first enquiry and quote through production and delivery to ownership and service. Every boat gets its own digital product record, keeping owners, dealers and the brand connected.”

Tatu Heikkilä, Chief Executive Officer, Cadentia

What Does Autonomous Docking Mean for Boaters?

The growing use of autonomous technology in recreational boating raises an obvious question: will boats soon be able to dock completely on their own?

Saxdor's approach is somewhat more practical. AutoCaptain is designed as an intelligent assistance system rather than a replacement for the captain.

The skipper remains responsible for the vessel, while the technology assists with some of the most precise and demanding low-speed maneuvers. In real-world conditions, that could mean greater confidence when entering a narrow berth, maneuvering in a crowded marina or dealing with changing wind and current conditions.

For boat owners, the biggest benefit may ultimately be a simple one: less stress when docking.

Saxdor Pushes Further into Smart Boating

With Simrad AutoCaptain joining its existing digital ecosystem, Saxdor is positioning itself at the forefront of smart boat technology and autonomous marine systems.

The combination of advanced propulsion, integrated marine electronics, artificial intelligence and real-time environmental awareness points toward a broader transformation in the recreational boating industry.

For Saxdor, autonomous docking is not an isolated feature but another piece of a much larger technology strategy – one focused on making modern motorboats easier, more intuitive and more enjoyable to operate.

The next generation of boating may not be about removing the captain from the equation. Instead, it may be about giving the captain better information, better tools and, when needed, an intelligent helping hand at the helm.

source: Saxdor