Boating NZ travels to the Netherlands for a peek inside the world’s largest marine equipment trade show, and a preview of the newest gear now coming to market.
Talk about a boatie’s candy store. The annual Metstrade marine equipment trade show is the biggest showcase of new marine kit in the world, with more than 1,700 exhibitors from across the globe filling the vast RAI Amsterdam convention centre with all manner of maritime goodies. The world’s largest marine equipment showcase offers literally everything one could imagine, from keels to pennants and everything in between. Closed to the public and open only to the maritime trade and invited media, this is where boatbuilders and national equipment distributors come to shop for the newest and greatest gear.
The 2025 Metstrade was set to be the biggest yet, so with our own VIP invitation firmly in hand, we hopped on a jet and headed to the Netherlands for a first-hand look.
First impression? OMG!
If anything, Metstrade proved beyond any doubt that boatbuilders are focused on attracting new buyers into the fold with exciting new gear, including new electronics, new electric propulsion options, and all manner of devices aimed at making boating safer and easier than ever. There’s far more new stuff that we could ever cover, but here are just a few examples of the new goodies that will be making their way to dealerships across New Zealand in the coming months.
ACR Electronics
Marine safety equipment manufacturer ACR Electronics used Metstrade to debut its latest innovation in maritime safety technology – the Pathfinder AIS search and rescue transmitter.
The new device builds upon the success of its predecessor, the ACR Pathfinder Pro, by adding cutting-edge AIS technology to provide increased visibility at sea. AIS signals emitted by the device help rescuers in vessels or aircraft pinpoint boaters in distress, and can even be picked up by shore stations over a longer range.
By utilising GPS technology, the Pathfinder AIS can transmit the vessel’s exact location and status and provide more accurate positioning information. In addition to its AIS functionality, the Pathfinder AIS also provides users with near-field communications capabilities to help rescuers pluck you out of the chop.
Dockmate
Belgian wireless yacht control system manufacturer Dockmate made a splash at Metstrade with the launch of its Dockmate Pro wireless remote.
The newest model in Dockmate’s line of remote helm controllers offers truly proportional engine and thruster control rather than basic binary on-off commands, enabling more precise, tactile operation that mirrors the natural feel of manual throttles, according to the firm. Each control lever features dual independent channels with both magnetic and capacitive, delivering redundancy that ensures continued operation even in the event of a single system fault. A two-inch backlit black-and-white Dockmate Clear View sunlight-readable LCD display provides immediate, clear access to status updates, configuration settings, and alarm codes.
With dedicated buttons for Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) activation, control mode selection, command handover, and intuitive on-screen menus, the remote is designed for one-handed operation. A stop button provides instant shutdown, while a built-in accelerometer automatically halts all commands if the unit is dropped, preventing unintended steering inputs.
With an IP67-rated casing and remote wireless charging via a Qi charging cradle, the floating remote boasts an operating range of up to 50m, allowing captains to control the vessel during docking manoeuvres from anywhere onboard – and from wherever they have the best vantage point instead of being confined to the helm.
ePropulsion
There were a lot of new electric motors unveiled at Metstrade, including the all-new Spirit 2 from ePropulsion.
Powered by a 2kW motor, the Spirit 2 features a lightweight yet robust design suitable for a broad range of boating applications, according to the company. A newly-introduced 3kW boost mode delivers extra power when needed, without compromising the system’s efficiency and quiet operation. The motor is paired with a 1,539Wh quick-connect battery – said to be the largest in its class – providing extended range and dependable performance.
The compact motor weighs just over 9.9kg, while its battery scales 10.4kg, providing ease of handling both on and off the water.
New features on the Spirit 2 include a detachable clamp, foldable tiller with an adjustable-length arm, and a full-colour display to further enhance comfort, control, and overall usability.
Functional upgrades include shallow-water trimming, a 90° tilt function, an integrated steering lock, and a kill switch with pigtail line for added safety. The motor also includes ePropulsion’s advanced hydrogeneration technology, which produces electricity while sailing between three and 16 knots. The firm says it can generate up to 380 watts at 10 knots, extending the battery life during longer trips.
In addition, Spirit 2 includes a 45W USB-C output for device charging. An optional battery inverter accessory transforms the Spirit battery into a portable power station, offering greater flexibility for off-grid use.
FLIR
Intended for the superyacht market, FLIR’s new M460 and M560 maritime camera platforms are described as “complete marine-imaging systems” that combine a high-performance thermal sensor with a 4K, low-light visible camera, a 12KM ITAR-free laser rangefinder, and a long-range laser spotlight in a single unit.
Both offer AI-driven target tracking capability that can identify common marine objects like vessels, buoys and swimmers, then automatically track the target with dynamic pan and tilt control. The tracking system is said to work even in rough seas, crowded waterways, or during high-speed manoeuvres.
The cameras also feature a three-axis gyro stabilisation system that compensates for pitch, roll, and yaw, ensuring smooth, distraction-free imagery and exceptional long-range image quality.
The M460 camera uses a high-sensitivity, long-wave infrared (IR) thermal sensor to deliver improved contrast, spatial filtering, and image sharpening. M460’s thermal sensor is equipped with a 5x optical zoom lens for early detection of distant targets.
The M560 uses a high-sensitivity, mid-wave IR thermal sensor and 14x optical zoom lens to further enhance detection capabilities, image quality and to deliver long-range performance. Both cameras offer Colour Thermal Vision (CTV), combining the colour visual elements from the visible camera to enhance and provide context to the thermal scene.
With CTV, navigation marks appear in their natural red and green, while vessels and shoreline features are easier to identify with colour overlays.
Both the M460 and M560 feature an integrated tight-beam laser spotlight with the ability to illuminate objects up to 1km away and enhance 4K camera performance, as well as an available ITAR-free laser rangefinder to accurately measure target distance at ranges of up to 12 km.
Garmin
Garmin made a big splash at Metstrade with several new product launches, including the official debut of its OnBoard man overboard platform. The system uses eight wireless tags worn by crew, pets, or other things that shouldn’t go over the side, with loss of signal tripping an alarm at the helm and immediately marking a waypoint on the chartplotter. The system comes with seven tags, which can be worn on a wristband, a carabiner, or a key ring float, along with a unique captain’s tag, which further triggers an engine cutoff if it goes over the side. Captains can also disable the engine via a button located on the tag if needed.
The company also showed new 25, 33 and 43cm touchscreen multi-functional displays in its flagship GPSMAP 9000xsv Series. All feature the company’s integrated xCHIRP traditional sonar and UHD scanning sonar, 5Ghz Wi-Fi connectivity for over-the-air software and map updates at ultrafast speeds, and premium screens with up to 4K resolution.
HikoTerra
Auckland-based HikoTerra made a splash at Metstrade with the official introduction of its H4 hybrid power system for large yachts. Said to offer an unparalleled level of efficiency, scalability, integration, and ease of installation for marine and mobile power requirements, the H4 product line is designed as a battery-first system flexible enough to deliver home-like onboard comfort.
The H4 hybrid power system is comprised of four separate components: a high-efficiency bi-directional inverter, advanced LiFePO4 battery modules, an intelligent battery charger, and a mounting rack. The lightweight inverter offers 97% efficiency with low no-load power consumption, continuous operation at full rated power up to 40°C, solar inputs, and NMEA 2000, fibre-optic and Ethernet connectivity. The latest-generation LiFePO4 8kWh battery has a built-in internal battery management system, fuses, and safety disconnect switches that will auto-disconnect from the rack in case of fault, allowing the system to operate using remaining batteries, eliminating downtime. The 200A battery charger can use multiple voltages for shore power input, has a built-in isolation transformer, and has dual 250A alternator inputs for charging off main engines while underway. The system can also restart completely discharged batteries from shore power or alternator, with no technician required.
At the heart of the system is the innovative rack and mounting design. The rack is modular, allowing boaties to configure the physical rack layout depending on space and location requirements. The rack eliminates many of the external fuses and switches, and the internal backplane means most heavy-gauge cables, lugs, and bolts are not required. The system offers a maximum capacity of 16 rack slots, 30kW inverter capacity, three charger modules, and 12 batteries delivering 96kW hours of storage depending on requirements.
RAD Propulsion
Also showing a new electric propulsion platform was English firm RAD Propulsion, which revealed its newest 120kW electric drive.
The new RAD 120 is described as “a new electric drive system designed to meet the growing demand for higher power marine propulsion solutions.” Building on the success of the previous RAD 40 system, the new RAD 120 is engineered for both leisure and commercial vessels, providing high thrust and zero-emission operation. Delivering 120kW of continuous power, the system operates at 350 volts to 450 volts, maintaining compatibility with RAD’s existing voltage architecture while offering motor speeds of up to 5,000rpm with propeller speeds of approximately 3,000rpm. The drive can accept very large blade area propellers up to 43cm in diameter, enabling high-thrust applications across diverse vessel types.
Available in long and extra-long shaft length configurations to suit different hull designs, the 175kg drive includes built-in 180° steering capability (90° to port and starboard) eliminating the need for external steering mechanisms.
Molabo
German electric propulsion systems manufacturer Molabo took advantage of Metstrade crowds to debut its new 48-volt serial hybrid propulsion system, which integrates Molabo’s low-voltage Aries drive with Fischer Panda’s lightweight and compact AGT-series generators. The combination is said to extend range and power while maintaining Molabo’s signature safe-to-touch simplicity and efficiency.
Originally developed for Team Malizia’s IMOCA racing yacht, the new hybrid system allows boatbuilders to combine fully electric operation with generator-assisted cruising, offering flexible and ultra-efficient energy management.
The 6 to 22kW integrated DC generators are compatible with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a promising sustainable biofuel.
Torqeedo
Electric propulsion fans at Metstrade also got to witness the launch of three new outboards from Torqeedo – the newly upgraded Cruise 3.0 and 6.0 48-volt motors, along with the all-new Travel XS.
At the centre of the company’s exhibit were the enhanced Cruise models, which feature a new foldable tiller with a high-resolution display, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and compatibility with larger batteries, including a new 5kWh cell. The upgraded Cruise models stand out with standardised 48-volt architecture, modern design, and full connectivity to the TorqView app.
But what captured the most attention was the new Travel XS, Torqeedo’s entry-level model with 700W of power. Packaged with the new Travel Battery XS (648Wh), the kit is expected to hit dealer showrooms worldwide in early 2026.
Iris Innovations
Marine camera manufacturer Iris Innovations says its Photon ultra-low-light 4K night vision camera is designed for safe nighttime navigation whether cruising after dusk, fishing before sunrise, or exploring remote coastlines. Making its world debut at Metstrade, the Photon camera yields high clarity and full-colour imagery in near-total darkness without the need for infrared or thermal imaging, which the company says can struggle in low thermal contrast conditions.
With a minimum illumination of just 0.0003 lux and an ultra-high-definition 4K resolution, Photon is said to set a new benchmark for performance and value in marine imaging. The outer casing is rated to IP67 for long-lasting performance in saltwater and harsh weather. Compatible with major navigation systems, including Raymarine, Navico, Furuno and Garmin, the camera is designed to easily integrate with modern helm displays.
Lowrance
Navico Group raised a few eyebrows at Metstrade with its new Lowrance Ghost X 47-inch electric trolling motor.
Designed for freshwater applications, the new motor features an enhanced precision directional indicator, increased power, and new internal engineering to make it the company’s quietest motor yet, according to the firm. Comprehensive sonar integration capabilities include enhanced views with the included Active Imaging 3-in-1 nosecone and full compatibility with Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 mounting brackets, providing access to live sonar. The new trolling motor includes a new visual indicator to provide greater visibility for both sonar and motor direction, and a 20% increase in thrust compared to the original Ghost trolling motor for greater power and quieter operation. Increased connectivity allows functionality with any compatible multifunction display with NMEA 2000 integration, says the firm.
ZeroJet
New Zealand-based ZeroJet used Metstrade to formally announce its new collaboration with AB Inflatables to market an electric variant of the popular Lammina AL RIB platform – one the companies say introduces a new high-performance, cost-effective electric tender option to the market.
This new product line will combine ZeroJet’s Generation 3 system, delivering 15kW of continuous power from two 2.7kWh semi-solid-state LiPo4 batteries. The system’s new 48-volt battery architecture with a minimum of two packs creates redundancy and a low-profile design, says ZeroJet. The Lammina 11 AL RIB weighs 180kg with the jet and batteries, delivering an operating range of up to 48km. With the option to add up to two range-extending batteries, users can achieve a cruising range of over 37km at 22 km/hr.
ZeroJet is so confident in the new system’s reliability that it provides a three-year jet and battery warranty as standard, with no service requirement during this period.
The new ZeroJet-powered AB Inflatables RIB package will be sold through authorised AB Inflatables and ZeroJet dealers, with the initial launch to focus on the US and European markets, with availability in Australia and New Zealand to follow.
SmartGyro
In a nod to boaties who can live without the incessant hum of a generator, SmartGyro used Metstrade to launch a new battery integration feature for its popular SG20 stabiliser.
The battery-enabled SG20 is designed for captains and crews who seek not only stability but also silence, whether enjoying dinner at anchor, a peaceful night on the water, or a serene pause between destinations, according to the firm.
The project originated following direct feedback from owners of yachts in the 12m to 17m range, who wanted to benefit from stabilisation without keeping the generator running continuously. The system utilizes a 6kWh Mastervolt battery pack that offers up to five hours of generator-free operation, making it ideal for quiet anchorages.
