By day four of the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025, innovation was everywhere — but one technology stood out—Avikus’ NeuBoat Dock II. Developed under HD Hyundai for commercial maritime use, this advanced 360° situational awareness system is now enhancing safety, precision, and peace of mind for leisure boaters. From 30-foot owner-operated vessels to fully-crewed superyachts, NeuBoat Dock II is changing how captains dock, maneuver, and navigate with AI-powered clarity. Enjoy this conversation with Chief Marketing Officer at YATCO, Onno Ebbens and Parrish Westbrook, Sales Director at Avikus.
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Video Transcription:
From Commercial Shipping to Superyachts: The Origins of NeuBoat Dock II
Onno Ebbens: “I think it’s already Saturday — it’s day four of the Palm Beach Boat Show and we’re always looking for really cool new technologies out there. You guys have got this great product, right? It’s called NeuBoat, if I’m not mistaken?”
Parrish Westbrook: “Correct, yes.”
Onno: “Yeah, so what is NeuBoat?”
Parrish: “So NeuBoat Dock II is part of the NeuBoat brand. It’s a lifestyle-enhancing technology that delivers confidence and situational awareness into the leisure boating market. We’re implementing 360° cameras on boats to create a bird’s eye view — like what you see in trucks or SUVs — now tailored for marine environments.”
Onno: “Okay, but this didn’t come from automotive, right?”
Parrish: “No, not at all. It actually comes from our commercial division. Our parent company is HD Hyundai, and we developed this technology for use on large commercial ships. Now, we’ve adapted it with a softer touch and marine-friendly aesthetics for yachts and recreational vessels.”
Onno: “I love it when technologies start in commercial industries. It means it’s been stress-tested. So, why was it developed originally?”
Parrish: “Our commercial clients wanted to reduce the number of onboard crew. So, we built a system to support captains and crews with 360° visibility, reducing reliance on human watch and minimizing fatigue while improving safety.”
Designed for Both Owner-Operators and Crewed Yachts
Onno: “So this system helps reduce the need for extra watchkeepers and enhances safety through tech?”
Parrish: “Exactly. It offers better awareness, less fatigue, and more confidence for everyone onboard—something that translates perfectly into the leisure market.”
Onno: “And I assume it was well-tested in commercial before adapting it for yachts?”
Parrish: “Yes, extensively used and proven effective on merchant vessels.”
Onno: “Who’s the ideal user—the solo boat owner or larger crewed vessels?”
Parrish: “Both. Owner-operators of 30- to 80-foot boats get a huge safety boost during docking and maneuvering, but it’s just as beneficial for captains and full crews aboard larger yachts.”
Onno: “Privacy is a big concern for ultra-high-net-worth clients. What about data security?”
Parrish: “Our system is a closed network, like CCTV. There’s no cloud connection or data storage outside the vessel. It’s fully local and streamed through multi-function displays (MFDs) that integrate with top marine electronics brands.”
AI-Powered Precision: Docking Made Safer and Smarter
Onno: “And now the million-dollar question — is it AI-powered?”
Parrish: “Yes, to a degree. We have a unique user interface with built-in AI that calculates distances from three to 16 feet between objects. It doesn’t just show boxes — it uses pixel data to create a visual overlay that’s detailed and intuitive, alongside the live video feed.”
Onno: “That’s essential—especially since boats don’t have brakes. You can’t just stop instantly.”
Parrish: “Exactly. That’s where real-time clarity becomes critical. NeuBoat Dock II delivers that clarity.”
Onno: “Fantastic. Parrish, thank you for your time. We’re heading over to film some shots at the Azimut stand now — excited to see NeuBoat Dock II in action.”
Parrish: “Absolutely. Thank you!”
