The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has published Supplement 65 of its Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft. This annual update is widely adopted across North America and helps boat builders, surveyors, and service teams align with current best practices and regulatory expectations.
This year’s release updates 14 standards and three technical information reports, with notable changes to:
- E-11 (AC & DC Electrical Systems on Boats)
- E-13 (Lithium-Ion Batteries)
- H-24 (Gasoline/Petrol Fuel Systems)
ABYC is also highlighting three companion tools — the Overview, Compliance Audit Tool, and Test Templates — to streamline compliance checks (think: CO detector placement, fuel system leak tests, electrical verification) for builders, repair yards, and surveyors.
What’s updated (2025–2026):
- A-14 Gasoline & Propane Gas Detection Systems
- A-24 Installation of Carbon Monoxide Detectors & Alarms
- A-31 Battery Chargers & 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 & Auxiliary Engines
- P-14 Mechanical Propulsion Control Systems
- P-28 Electric/Electronic Control Systems for Propulsion & Steering
Technical Information Reports:
- TE-4 Lightning Protection
- TH-29 Sewage Systems
- TY-28 Boat Lifting & Storage
Free webinar: On September 17, ABYC will host a complimentary webinar walking through the 2025/26 changes and the available compliance resources — useful for teams planning for the 2027 model year.
Access and registration:
- Members can view the standards and tools via the ABYC Standards Library or the ABYC Store.
- Purchase Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft, Supplement 65 at abycinc.org/publications
- Learn how to participate in standards development at abycinc.org/getinvolved
- Register for the webinar at abycinc.org/supplement65update
If you design, build, survey, or repair small craft, this supplement is the current reference point for electrical, fuel, water, structural, and propulsion control updates heading into the next model year cycle.
