“The latest ABYC standards update includes critical revisions to E-11, AC & DC Electrical Systems and E-13, Lithium-Ion Batteries, enhancing boating safety and reliability.”

Aug 12, 2025

Free webinar to offer insights on the 2025-2026 publication
 
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has published the 65th supplement of its “Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft”. This annual publication provides the international marine industry with the latest updates on standards that guide more than 90% of boats constructed in North America, helping to ensure consumer confidence, industry consistency, and alignment with evolving regulatory requirements.

“The newest revisions touch just about every corner of the boat: electrical, fuel, water systems, and even seat structures,” said Brian Goodwin, ABYC Director of Standards and Compliance. “If you’re surveying and repairing boats, or working on product design, compliance, and testing, this is critical to you.” 
 
This year’s supplement includes updates to 14 standards and three technical information reports, notably E-11, AC & DC Electrical Systems on Boats, E-13, Lithium Ion Batteries, and H-24, Gasoline (Petrol) Fuel Systems.
 
ABYC supports this supplement with three core compliance tools—the Overview, Compliance Audit Tool, and Test Templates. These resources simplify standards into clear action items, allowing manufacturers, surveyors, and service teams to efficiently verify critical aspects like carbon monoxide detector placement and fuel system leak tests.
 
ABYC members can access the standards and technical tools on ABYC’s website via the standards library or on the ABYC Store.
 
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

On Sept. 17, ABYC will host a complimentary webinar offering an overview of the updated standards and available compliance resources. These resources will assist marine industry professionals in proactively meeting requirements for the 2027 model year.

To purchase “Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft”, Supplement 65, visit www.abycinc.org/publications.

To learn about involvement in standards development, visit www.abycinc.org/getinvolved.

Register for the 2025-2026 Standards Update webinar at abycinc.org/supplement65update.