AI Docks Boat: Sea Ray's Autonomous Technology Debut

CNBC's Contessa Brewer takes to the waters of Manhattan aboard a 36-foot Sea Ray, not just for the scenic views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty, but to experience the cutting edge of marine technology. This particular Sea Ray is equipped with advanced systems designed to assist the captain, mirroring the advancements seen in road vehicles. The video highlights the debut of Sea Ray's autonomous docking capability, offering an exclusive first look at how artificial intelligence is making its way onto the water.

Introducing Advanced Marine Technology

The Sea Ray featured in the report is outfitted with sophisticated technology aimed at enhancing the boating experience. This includes GPS, which provides real-time chart data similar to that in cars, allowing captains to precisely track their location. Additionally, radar is integrated to offer early warnings of both stationary and moving obstacles, such as other vessels. These systems work in tandem to provide a comprehensive view of the surroundings, aiding the captain in navigating busy waterways.

Autonomous Docking: A New Era for Boating

A significant highlight of the segment is Sea Ray's recently launched autonomous docking feature. Brewer demonstrates this technology by showing the boat's position on a marine display and then virtually dragging it into a slip. She explains that docking is often the most stressful maneuver for boat captains. With the touch of a button, the Sea Ray then initiates its autonomous docking sequence, showcasing a remarkable advancement in marine automation.

Pricing and Features

For those interested in acquiring a Sea Ray with these advanced capabilities, pricing information is provided. A base model without the advanced features is estimated to cost around $550,000. However, to experience the full suite of autonomous features, including autopilot, auto-captain, and autonomous docking, the price tag increases to approximately $880,000.

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