ABYC Publishes Updated Standards for Boat Building and Repair

The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) has published its 64th supplement of the Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft. This annual publication provides the international marine industry with the latest updates to boat building and repair standards used for more than 90% of boats constructed in North America.

This year's supplement includes comprehensive updates to 10 standards and two technical information reports, introducing numerous safety enhancements addressing critical areas related to navigation lights, attachment points and visibility from the helm.

"ABYC actively collaborates with industry stakeholders, including boat builders, equipment manufacturers and regulatory bodies, to ensure the standards in Supplement 64 are practical, relevant, and aligned with global requirements while maintaining a high level of safety," said Brian Goodwin, ABYC technical director. "This year, for example, we updated H-1, Field of Vision from the Helm Position. The ability of the boat operator to see their surroundings is a critical safety element. Simply put, you cannot avoid what you cannot see."

ABYC members can access the standards and technical tools on ABYC's website via the standards library or on the ABYC Store.

On Aug. 14, ABYC will host a complimentary webinar, offering an overview of the updated standards and the available compliance resources. These resources are designed to assist the industry in proactively meeting the demands of the 2026 model year requirements.

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