The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) is the nonprofit organization that sets the standards used by our industry. ABYC publishes an annual supplement to guide construction and repair standards on more than 90% of boats built in the U.S. and Canada. The “Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft” cover everything from wiring and fuel systems to seating and drainage, ensuring boats are built to be safe, reliable, and consistent.
ABYC just released its 65th annual supplement of updated standards, and the 2025–2026 edition brings some of the biggest changes in years.
What’s New?
14 standards and 3 technical information reports were updated. Major focus areas include AC & DC electrical systems on boats, lithium-ion batteries, and gasoline fuel systems.
- Electrical Safety: Major revisions to E-11 (AC & DC Systems) and E-13 (Lithium-Ion Batteries) improve reliability and reduce fire risks.
- Fuel Systems: Updates to H-24 (Gasoline Fuel Systems) further strengthen protections against leaks and hazards.
- Everyday Systems: Even areas like water systems, bilge pumps, and cockpit drainage have been refined for better safety.
- Comfort & Durability: Standards for seat structures and propulsion controls were also updated to improve long-term performance.
Who’s Affected? Surveyors, repair professionals, product designers, compliance officers, and testing teams.
Updated Standards Include:
- A-14, Gasoline and Propane Gas Detection Systems
- A-24, Installation of Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Alarms
- A-31, Battery Chargers and Inverters
- E-2, Cathodic Protection
- E-11, AC & DC Electrical Systems on Boats
- E-13, Lithium-Ion Batteries
- H-4, Cockpit Drainage Systems
- H-22, Electric Bilge Pump Systems
- H-23, Water Systems for Use on Boats
- H-24, Gasoline (Petrol) Fuel Systems
- H-31, Seat Structures
- P-1, Installation of Exhaust Systems for Propulsion and Auxiliary Engines
- P-14, Mechanical Propulsion Control Systems
- P-28, Electric/Electronic Control Systems for Propulsion and Steering
Technical Information Reports:
- TE-4, Lightning Protection
- TH-29, Sewage Systems
- TY-28, Boat Lifting and Storage
In summary: this is a big year for electrical and lithium-ion safety, and ABYC is pushing resources to make adoption smoother across our marine industry.