The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has published Supplement 66 of its “Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft.” This annual publication provides the international marine industry with the latest updates to standards that guide more than 90 percent of boats built in North America.

“What really stands out in Supplement 66 is the new capacity label,” says Brian Goodwin, ABYC standards and compliance director. “The ‘not exceeding’ language and pictograms make the numbers instantly clear. With the U.S. Coast Guard now recognizing S‑7 as equivalent to federal regulations, builders get both clarity and confidence.”

ABYC will host a complimentary webinar Aug. 27, offering an overview of the updated standards and the tools available to help marine industry professionals proactively prepare for the 2028 model year.

Those resources include an Overview Document highlighting major changes, a Compliance Audit Tool that organizes key requirements into a practical checklist and Test Report Templates to help manufacturers document product testing and compliance.

Updated standards include:

• A-27, Alternating Current (AC) Generator Sets
• C-1, Primer Bulbs (available online)
• C-2, Carbon Canisters for Marine Applications (available online)
• H-2, Ventilation of Boats Using Gasoline
• H-5, Boat Load Capacity
• H-25, Portable and Semi-Portable Marine Gasoline Fuel Systems
• H-26, Powering of Boats
• H-27, Seacocks, Thru-Hull Fittings, and Drain Plugs
• H-28, Inflatable Boats
• H-33, Diesel Fuel Systems
• H-35, Powering and Load Capacity of Pontoon Boats
• P-6, Propeller Shafting Systems
• S-7, Boat Capacity Labels
• S-8, Boat Measurement and Weight

Technical Information Reports:

• T-5, Safety Signs and Labels
• T-32, Design and Construction in Consideration of Aquatic Invasive Species