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.

Vitters Services' Bas Peute joins Ben Taylor to discuss the evolution of Vitters Shipyard and its commitment to large custom sailing yachts. Bas explores the yard’s deep specialism in advanced sailing systems, complex engineering, and lifecycle service support, before revealing details of Project Zero - a 69-metre fossil-fuel-free sailing superyacht. The conversation highlights the technical breakthroughs enabling fully electric propulsion, onboard energy generation, and extreme efficiency design. Bas also outlines trends shaping the next generation of superyacht builds, including hybrid propulsion, electrified sailing systems, and digital helm interfaces. A focused, insight-led episode for marine professionals seeking clarity on sustainability, engineering complexity, and future-ready yacht construction.

Key Points

• Why Vitters specialises in large sailing superyachts
• How Project Zero enables fossil-free, all-electric global cruising
• The shift toward hybrid systems and electrified sailing gear

Discover how Yacht Trace is focussing on the safety and efficiency of superyacht operations with their tender monitoring system. As tenders increase in size and towing becomes more common, the risk of loss or damage grows, impacting insurance costs and operational flexibility. This episode delves into the strategic importance of moving beyond traditional tracking to comprehensive monitoring, offering insights into insurer-approved technology that enhances asset protection. By predicting and preventing issues before they arise, this system not only secures high-value assets but also enhances the overall client experience. Tune in to grasp how such advancements could redefine operational standards and create competitive advantages in the marine industry.

- Tracking vs. Monitoring
- Insurer Benefits
- Plug-and-Play Monitoring

Find out more about Yacht Trace here.

Jim Bungard from Global Services joins Ben Taylor at Metstrade 2025 to unpack how early-stage procurement shapes successful superyacht new builds and refits. Jim explains how Global Services supports shipyards, project managers, and new build captains from concept through delivery, managing thousands of specialist components and leveraging long-standing supplier relationships across Europe. The discussion highlights why outsourcing procurement optimises build efficiency, fit-out quality, and lifecycle continuity as vessels transition into operational service. Essential listening for marine professionals seeking to streamline project complexity, reduce procurement risk, and strengthen supply chain resilience in the expanding superyacht sector.

Key Points:
- Early procurement dramatically reduces build complexity and cost.
- Fit-out sourcing requires global supplier networks and expertise.
- Seamless data handover boosts operational procurement efficiency.