The Dockman Explores The Detroit Boat Show 2025

This year’s 2025 Detroit Boat Show at the Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Hall) was packed with incredible innovations, cutting-edge marine technology, and some of the best minds in the boating and dock industries. I had the opportunity to explore the show, interview industry professionals, and get hands-on with some of the newest products designed to make life on the water better. Here’s what stood out.

A Conversation with Nick Mazurek of Ankor Marine Construction

One of the highlights of my visit was catching up with Nick Mazurek from Ankor Marine Construction. With years of experience in the marine construction industry, Nick gave me a deep dive into the world of tugboats, barges, pile driving, and dredging. Working on the water presents a unique set of challenges that land-based construction doesn’t have to deal with, and Nick shared some great insight into how his team overcomes those obstacles. It’s always great when a couple true dockmen can get together for conversation and story, one story Nick shared was with the sinking tugboat. Nick’s firsthand experience was a reminder of how unpredictable and demanding marine work can be.

Tyler Rowski and the Game-Changing Tilt Ladder from Swede Marine

Next up, I got to chat with Tyler Rowski from Swede Marine about their new tilt ladder system. This isn’t just any dock ladder—it’s designed to eliminate wear, tear, and algae buildup while making it easier to access the water. What makes this product even cooler is its history. The original concept was developed 80 years ago by the company CEO’s grandfather, and today the design has been modernized and brought to market.

Lightning Lift’s Innovative Boat Lift System

To round out my day, I spoke with Jay from Lightning Lift about their new boat lift system. Unlike traditional lifts that rely on direct or friction drive mechanisms, this system uses an innovative approach that eliminates the need for heavy battery transport. Instead, it’s powered by a lithium drill, making it lightweight and efficient.

Jay walked me through the inspiration behind the design, explaining how they wanted to create a boat lift that’s easier to use and doesn’t require the hassle of dealing with big, bulky batteries. It’s a clever solution for boat owners looking for a more streamlined way to keep their vessels secure.

Conversation with a Leader of the Industry, Ron Wilson.

We got a chance to catch up with Ron Wilson, who happens to be a mentor to Waters Edge Dock and Hoist in the early days. We got to thank Ron for his help working with young entrepreneurs in our area. I gifted him one of the first bottles from my vineyard, The Wilson Estate Vineyard. Even though our last names are the same, there is no blood relation between the two of us.

Money Pit Boating

I also chatted it up with Mark from Money Pit Boating, he shared some of his adventures creating their Youtube Channel. These guys created their own pontoon boat, and sailed it down the Clinton River, and filmed the entire thing. Clearing logs, and almost flipping over, hand crafting solutions, this is a fun hands on channel to follow. Adventurous, dockmen indeed!

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Detroit Boat Show proved once again why it’s one of the most exciting events for boating enthusiasts and marine industry professionals alike. From incredible new products like Swed Marine’s tilt ladder to game-changing engineering from Lightning Lift, it’s clear that innovation is alive and well in the marine world.

A big thanks to everyone for sharing their knowledge, new products and stories. If you’re passionate about boating, docks, or marine construction, be sure to check out these companies and keep an eye on the latest developments in the industry. Until next time, this is The Dockman, signing off!