In this episode of the Ben Taylor Podcast, brought to you by Garmin, we explore EmpirBus and its role in shaping the modern smart yacht. Recorded live at METSTRADE on the Garmin stand, the discussion unpacks how distributed electrical systems connect lighting, climate, entertainment and safety into a single, intuitive onboard experience. Learn how EmpirBus integrates with NMEA 2000, Garmin OneHelm and third-party systems to simplify operation, improve situational awareness and meet rising owner expectations. From automation and modes to robustness, weight reduction and OEM collaboration, this episode offers practical insight for yacht builders, integrators and marine decision-makers navigating the future of onboard systems.

Key Points:

• EmpirBus unifies onboard systems into one intelligent experience
• Simplicity and situational awareness drive modern yacht design
• Robust, distributed architecture supports reliability and weight reduction

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the Ben Taylor Podcast.

Recorded in the Garmin Sound Room at METSTRADE, this episode explores how Garmin is redefining marine audio through its Fusion and JL Audio brands. Kevin Lott explains how purpose-built marine sound systems are engineered for harsh environments, complex hull designs, and evolving owner expectations. The conversation dives into OEM collaboration, real-world acoustic tuning, and how advanced DSP, NMEA 2000, Empire Bus, and Garmin MFD integration create a seamless onboard experience. From sports boats to 70-foot cruisers, this episode shows how audio, lighting, and user interfaces now work together to elevate performance, usability, and customer satisfaction across the marine industry.

Key Points:
- Marine audio demands purpose-built engineering, not adapted car systems.
- OEM collaboration directly shapes R&D and acoustic performance.
- Garmin MFD integration transforms audio into a holistic onboard experience.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the Ben Taylor Podcast.

In this episode of the Ben Taylor Podcast, Gareth Evans of Lumishore explains how intelligent lighting is reshaping onboard experience and system integration. Recorded in the Garmin Sound Room, the discussion traces Lumishore’s evolution from high-power underwater lights to fully integrated above and below-water lighting controlled through Garmin MFDs. Gareth outlines how intuitive UI design, zoned lighting, scene control, and sensor integration enable owners, designers, and builders to create adaptable moods across the vessel. He also shares why UK-based manufacturing, premium components, and Garmin’s engineering culture are central to reliability, innovation, and future product development for the marine and superyacht sector.

Key Points:
- Integrated lighting controlled directly via Garmin MFDs
- Zoned scenes enhance onboard atmosphere and usability
- UK manufacturing underpins reliability and system performance

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the Ben Taylor Podcast.