air horn for yacht

Best Boat Horns: Top 7 (Loud & Clear) Marine Horns in 2022

Boats are large vehicles and as such, they require appropriate means of creating audible signals to alert other vessels to their presence. For that matter having the best boat horns for your boat is tantamount to having a sense of safety and security. It can help you avoid danger while also being capable of warning others to potential dangers as well.

Bells and whistles also fall under the category of audible signals. However due to their non-directional nature, their range of sound is severely on the low side compared to an actual horn.

That said, the best boat horn out there ought to be a really loud boat horn right? While that may be true for the most part, not all horns are made equal and there are a ton of things to consider before purchasing one. We will go through each and every single one of these factors in the guide.

Our 7 Best Boat Horns

For starters here is a list of the boat horns that many boating experts consider being the best.

1. FIAMM 5190512 Marine Horn

This electric marine horn is well suited for boats and fits well with modern-day boat designs. It is made of stainless steel and includes an external grill made of the same material and measures 5” in diameter.

The 5190512 electric horn is powered by 12V of DC voltage and outputs a frequency of 405 Hz. Saltwater corrosion resistance shows that it can withstand salt sprays greater than 480 hours, and continuous operation for more than three minutes at 112dBa at 1 meter.

These are horns manufactured in the USA and made of high-quality materials paired with skilled workmanship ensuring that you get to use this horn hassle-free for the years to come.

All marine horns from FIAMM meet and even exceed requirements for NMMA, ABYC, and Coast Guard specifications ensuring that not only is it legal, but also highly visible.

2. Amarine Made 12v Marine Boat Horn

Here we have another electric horn with a trumpet design. Made of 304 non-magnetic stainless steel ensuring that it will be rust-free even in a marine environment and powered by 12V this horn can output 125dB.

Great if you’d like a trumpet design aesthetic for your horn where it will be placed visibly while at the same time not having to deal with the inconveniences that an air horn setup will give you.

Unfortunately, this model doesn’t have any official certification, but the solid build quality should more than compensate for this downside.

3. Viking Horns

Like a Viking raiding party announcing their arrival, these horns suit their namesake. These are powerful 149 decibels 4 trumpet combination air horns and comes included with a ¼” air hose and a heavy-duty 12V air valve solenoid with mounting hardware.

These horns are made of chrome-plated metal which can offer appropriate corrosion resistance in a marine environment but you should still try to be careful and not scratch the coating off.

As these Viking horns make it on the list of the best boat air horns, take note that this is a horn, hose, and solenoid valve assembly. An onboard air system is still required for this to operate and is sold separately.

4. Marinco Compact Electric Horns

Marinco gives you a plethora of horn designs to choose from at this link. Made of 304 stainless steel and with a 12V 6A rating these electric horns boast a 109 dBa rating at 1 meter.

The horn frequency comes at around 440Hz or 490 Hz and is a completely sealed unit ensuring water spray and corrosion resistance. Although this is not that far away from the best electric boat horns out there in terms of quality and power output, the Marinco Compact Electric Horns shine in their small form factor and simplicity of installation yet packing the punch that you need in a boat horn.

5. Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn Single Trumpet Air Horn + Compressor

An air horn offering from Zento Deals that comes as a set unlike most air horns listed here gives it a really good bang for your buck value. The single horn is powerful and loud enough to emit sound as high as 150 dB ensuring that every single vessel in your immediate area is alerted to your presence.

Made of high-quality material for durability and strength it is said to be sturdy enough to handle most types of weather and even under cold conditions.

The setup uses 12 volts DC for the compressor but does require a lot of current, so be sure the check if your current setup can handle powering this monster.

6. Vixen Horns Loud Powerful Dual Stainless Steel Trumpets

The Vixen Horns are a set combination of two stainless steel trumpets hence the word ‘dual’ written on the listing.

This is by far hands down one of the best electric boat horns out there being specially designed for large vehicles like trucks and yachts. Its stainless steel build along with the chrome finish on the trumpets ensures a waterproof housing for the diaphragm which will give you tens of thousands of cycles on its usage.

It is practically maintenance-free and comes included with mounting options and rubber gaskets to prevent any unwanted vibration and ensuring that all power fed to it is converted to the appropriate sound of a horn.

Like all other electric boat horns, this one also uses 12 volts with a current of no more than 10A and has no need for any onboard air system.

7. SeaSense Air Horn Jumbo 8oz

Now, this is a unique air horn since it is not meant to be a permanent installation and is easily replaceable. A disposable air horn might suit your needs provided your boat is on the smaller side and you rarely go on prolonged boating trips.

Capable of blasting noise at 127 dB although you have to do it manually, it is made of plastic and aluminum which are materials waterproof enough for its intended use.

The main advantage of a horn like this is its portability and ridiculously low price after all it is meant to be disposable.

Why You Need a Boat Horn

Should you even bother with all this, why not just shout or use signal lights at other boats?

Well if you ask the American Boating Association , according to their latest edition of navigation rules, vessels greater than 65.6 ft are required to have some form of sound-producing device to be used for signaling.

Recreational boats in particular are meant to have a horn or whistle capable of being heard at least half a mile away.

Legally speaking for most boats, you’re going to need a boat horn.

Not only is it a means of making other vessels become aware of your presence, but certain sets of short and long bursts of your horn can even allow you to inform them of the kind of maneuver that you are undertaking.

Since it also goes both ways, boats that have audible horns help you navigate around them and result in an overall safer and more efficient use of waterways.

Different Types of Boat Horns

To begin with, horns used on land vehicles such as trucks or cars may be used on boats. However, they may have limited range and the humidity will significantly decrease their expected lifetime.

Thus for the purposes of this guide, we’ll only be focusing on marine boat horns solely because this is aimed towards marine vessels, and so marine grade boat horns will be what you will encounter in this guide.

Presently there are two main types of boat horns that you can find available on the market. Each has its own sets of advantages and disadvantages and we will try to highlight them here for your convenience in comparing them.

As the name suggests, air horns use compressed air as their power source and force this air through the horn making a sound.

Electric Horns

Electric boat horns, on the other hand, act just like the speaker on your smartphone or home theater system, it uses electricity to move a diaphragm and this movement produces sound.

Which One You Should Buy Based on Boat Size

Common suggested types of horns based on boat size will be decided on which category the boat’s size falls into.

There are three main categories:

Small-sized Boats with Lengths Less Than 39.4ft

For this category of boat, they must have either a bell, air horn, or whistle on board for signaling other vessels. A larger horn is acceptable as well, although do consider the increased cost such a horn setup will cost you.

With a vessel as small as these chances are you are going to be grouped up with similarly sized vessels and these audio signaling devices should suffice for most use case scenarios.

Medium-sized Boats with Lengths Between 39.4ft and 65.6ft

Now moving on to slightly larger boats, they should still be equipped with a whistle loud enough to be audible for at least ½ of a nautical mile and a bell with at least 7.87 inches in diameter.

Given these specifications, your horn should roughly be around as loud as these if you want to be able to signal other vessels within your vicinity and the loudness of which would be relatively proportional to the size of the vessel.

Large-sized Boats with Lengths Beyond 65.6ft

Unless these are very specialized boats, chances are these vessels would probably be regarded as ships and will have their own set of rules and regulations well beyond the scope of this article.

With all this said we would still recommend that you consult with your local authorities and regulations as these requirements may vary depending on your location.

What to Consider and Look For When Buying a Boat Horn

Since now you have a general idea of what you would like in a boat horn whether it be air or electric, and approximate size, what other factors should be taken into account when shopping for one?

Sound/Loudness

This is a bit of a difficult question to answer but choose the loudest one that you can afford for your budget. Do expect that a larger vessel will require a louder horn.

Your choices are plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, and chrome finished metals. If possible choose stainless steel followed by aluminum, as these are the most corrosion-resistant materials and are quite durable.

Usually, it should be installed in the front of the vessel, but ideally, it should have no problem being heard in all directions. Thus you shouldn’t place it in a location where it might end up being obstructed.

Ease of Installation

Some may not come included with mounting solutions, and others can just be screwed on the roof of your boat. Also, electric horns tend to be easier to install since they only need wires and a switch.

USCG Requirements

Again consult your local regulations for compliance when choosing an appropriately sized horn for your boat. Regardless of regulations, you will always need some form of the audible signal.

Power Requirements

This is an especially important consideration when it comes to electric horns as not supplying enough power will make it sound weak and inaudible at distance.

As for air horns, take note of the compressor’s power consumption as this will eat up the bulk of your power.

Once you’ve complied with any and all specifications and regulations required of your boat horn, let us not forget one of the more noticeable factors that really add some personality to your boat.

Some prefer a stealthy and hidden aesthetic on their boat horns, noticeable only once it does its thing, and others prefer the shiny chrome-finished multiple trumpet design that looks like a squad of angels descending on your boat signaling your presence towards all nearby vessels.

Regardless of which aesthetic you go with, that is up to you and is purely personal preference, we suggest you pick the one that catches your fancy the most.

In summary, always consult your local regulations and be informed of what is needed in your boat horn for it to be legal.

Marine boat horns are your only choice and pick whichever is more convenient for you in terms of installation between air and electric, and that is how you choose the best boat horns you need for your boat.

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Sail With Safety Ensured Using the Best Boat Air Horns

If you have some experience with the sea and boating, you realize that disaster can strike at any time. Even when you are having the time of your life with your loved ones, anything can happen. Instead of falling prey to such circumstances, it is always better to take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Among countless safety products on the market, one that grabs the most attention, quite literally, is the boat air horn. These horns will allow you to become the focal point of everyone’s attention in case you catch yourself in a pickle. What makes them unique is their small size. Don’t judge the product by its size, though. An air horn can emit a powerful, loud noise that works wonders when you’re boating or sailing at the mercy of the mighty sea. Now that you realize how important they are, we’ll fill you in on the premium boat air horns in 2024.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to have a yacht or a boat to purchase one. Rest assured, we don’t plan on leaving you after introducing the products. We’ll pair this up with a comprehensive buying guide that will enable you to make the right purchasing decision. This will ensure that you don't fall for the wrong product that fails you when you need it most.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: SeaSense Large Air Horn Shop Now ➔
• Best Size: Boating Safety Canned Air Horn Shop Now ➔
• Best for Outdoors: Shoreline Marine Eco Air Horn Shop Now ➔
• Best Color Variety: Super Blast Non-Flammable Horn Shop Now ➔
• Best High Impact Buzzer: Seachoice Signal Horn Shop Now ➔
• 1 Things You Need to Watch Out For
• 5 Extra parts
• 7 Advantages Of Air Horns

How long do air trumpets usually work?

What makes an air buzzer louder, do refillable air trumpets exist, related content, detailing our favorite boat air horn of 2024, best overall.

SeaSense Large Air Horn

First up, we have a product by SeaSense. This air trumpet is made of aluminum, which grants it the durability that you are looking for. It is made in the United States, and the product itself is easy to operate. 

The can is safe to use. To protect you from getting hurt, it comes with a safety release point. You can remove the top to go for the “Push Button” in case you feel endangered. This will release a quick, strong sound. The can is water-resistant, impact-resistant and its special, unique design allows it to emit an extraordinary noise that will save you when you need help. 

We’ve chosen this as our best overall product due to its simplicity, great sound projection and efficiency. Pick this up and you’re sure to have a boat horn that fits your needs.

• Easy to use
• Projects a strong noise
• Good cost for value
• Can quality could be improved

Boating Safety Canned Air Horn

Are you looking for a small, portable air trumpet for your next boat trip? Our second pick is just what you’re looking for then. This marine air horn will fit conveniently in your boat safety equipment kit. Whether you’re going to jet ski, canoe, or kayak, don’t leave without this one by your side. What makes this horn different from the rest that fall in the same category is that this one can be heard from ½ mile away! This allows the air trumpet to come in line with the U.S. coast guard requirements. On top of that, it’s easy and hassle-free to use. To make it work, just press the button on top of the air horn and release. 

Be careful, despite its small size, the buzzer might knock your socks off! When it comes to the quality, don’t fret because the product is made in the United States after testing against industry standards.

• Works brilliantly to protect yourself
• Emits a powerful sound
• Aligns with U.S. Coast Guard requirements
• Sound may be jarring for some

Best for Outdoors

Shoreline Marine Eco Air Horn

ur next product is ideal for boats that go up to 64 feet in size. It is meant to be used for sporting events, boating, and other similar purposes. The small size of the air buzzer makes it a cracker of a product to have alongside you on your next boating trip. Unlike other similar horns out there, this one is available in a variety of sizes. You can choose between 1.4 oz, 3.5 oz, and if you’re looking for something bigger then go for the 8 oz horn. 

The noise level of this air buzzer is up to 120 dB, which is sufficient for signaling purposes in case you find yourself in trouble. On top of that, the sound it emits can be heard from a mile away. To ensure your confidence and safety, the product comes in line with the requirements set by the US Coast Guard. To operate the can, simply take the horn and canister out and place the thread on the top of the canister. Then, tighten the horn as much as you can. Finally, just use the push button to make a loud sound.

• Great bang for your buck
• Small and portable
• Large effective radius
• Tightening the canister can be difficult

Best Color Variety

Super Blast Non-Flammable Horn

Available in an assortment of colors, our next pick is a sporting horn that is meant to scare away all of your fears when you are in the sea. This air buzzer is capable of emitting a loud noise, which makes it an ideal choice for alerting others near you. To make sure that you have no trouble on the water, this product works fine for boats up to 65 feet, which is the requirement of the US Coast Guard. 

What stands out when we talk about this sporting horn is that it’s non-flammable. Unlike others that become a source of potential danger in summers, this one won’t concern you one bit. This means you can use it for sporting events, boats, and other similar purposes.

• Works for a long time
• Loud and effective
• Non-flammable and safe to use
• May occasionally leak compressed gas

Best High Impact Buzzer

Seachoice Signal Horn

Do you travel on unknown waters at night? Does poor or low visibility scare you? Anyone well-versed in boating adventures would say yes. To ensure your safety, you need this mini signal horn kit as your travel guide. Made from high-impact plastic, you can expect the horn to last for a decent amount of time under your care. On top of that, the gas in the canisters is 100% non-flammable and ozone-safe. 

The product does not come by itself. The package includes a trumpet and two 1.4 oz canisters in case you run out of one. Now there’s no reason to feel endangered by nearby boaters anymore, explore all you want! You can use Seachoice’s signal horn as a backup signal device on multiple occasions and circumstances. Since it is approved by the US Coast Guard for boats that go up to 65 feet, you don’t need to worry about its quality.

• Reliable and loud
• Small and effective
• Kit provides great value for money
• Not as long-lasting as other products

Finding Your Next Boat Air Horn: Buying Guide

Air horns are usually forgotten when it comes to a boat’s safety system. On boats, primary and backup signals are important. People who live in high-visibility areas might not think of this product but traversing foggy water without these bad boys by your side is not a good idea.

Things You Need to Watch Out For

Even if you don’t happen to own a giant boat, or if you’re not a pirate then you might still need this air buzzer. As we mentioned, it works as a signal. People who are out on the waters will understand how unpleasant it can be to land in a storm. The sea is largely unpredictable, even after technology and instruments. Luckily, there’s one instrument that can make a difference in your life. This product works exceptionally well even for those people who just want to enjoy the sea and catch some fish with their family and friends.

We’re focusing on the most important factor before anything else. That is, without a doubt, how loud the air buzzer is. If its noise doesn’t alert nearby boats of your presence, why bother buying such a product? You need to check the dB (decibels) of the air trumpet. It should be enough to let boats nearby know that you’re there. This comes to use when the weather is unpleasant or in case it is foggy out there. At night, the visibility can get low which might result in collisions. If you wish to avoid such unpleasant occurrences make sure the product you are buying packs a heavy punch.

Of course, the air trumpet should work without fail. This is where the quality of the materials comes in. What is the canister made of? More importantly, what is the material of the trumpet itself? The quality and grade of the plastic will determine how long it lasts. Usually, you can expect air trumpets to last for a while because they are not used that often. On top of that, if you happen to break an air buzzer then there’s something wrong with the quality of the product.

Often, the materials come apart, making the buzzer unusable. This is what you want to avoid at all costs. Imagine a boat coming near your vessel. Would you want the product to come crashing into your hands? We’re afraid not. The situation could be much worse, but the gist of the matter is: you want the air trumpet to work at all costs. The button that makes the buzzer work should be easily accessible.

If we had to explain how the air buzzer should be: the product should be virtually indestructible. This means, even if you expose it to high-pressure conditions, it should still work and fulfill its purpose.

Extra parts

The canister and the trumpet are two parts of a product. Well, we want you to purchase a product that doesn’t use parts that are hard to replace. Its parts should be readily available in hardware stores in case a piece or two goes missing or if it breaks. Then again, would you rely on a buzzer that comes apart easily? It is worth mentioning here that you would only need an air horn if the situation is dire. In case the product is incomplete, it won’t produce the sound that you’re looking for.

Buyers complain that while using the air buzzer, they often come across products that leak at the bottom. This means that every time you use the horn, you will worry about your hands. This is a defect in the product that should not exist. A heavy-duty bottom will prevent this from happening.

Advantages Of Air Horns

Before anything though, why should a person purchase an air horn in the first place? Is this product worth it? Contrary to popular belief, air buzzers are useful for sailors, especially if you are out on the sea every other day.

Secondly, people who are into boating will understand how chaotic it can get out there, especially when you’re about to face a storm or if the waters are against your favor. You might think here that lights may save your day, but in case it is foggy, even lights would bail on you. Low visibility can be extremely scary, and dangerous at the same time. If you feel that you and your crew, or your family is in trouble you can sound the horn and let others near you know that you need their assistance. When faced with peril, this handy buzzer can pull you out of the mess in a jiffy.

People Also Asked

It depends on the company, but generally, one air trumpet can last for around 1 to 3 years. Depending on the quality of the product, its shelf life could be more or less.

Air buzzers that are compact will probably make a louder noise. Their miniature size allows them to produce a deeper noise.

Yes, they do. You can find air trumpet kits that come with extra canisters if you don’t find refillable air buzzers.

Article Contributors

Sail magazine review team.

SAIL Magazine Review Team reports on best-selling products in sailing and boating. SAIL Magazine is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.

To ensure questions about product testing or a specific article are addressed, please contact [email protected]

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Boat horns serve several purposes on your vessel and according to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Navigation Rules, they are a requirement on most crafts. Boats over 65.6 feet in length are required to have a sound-producing device, and most recreational boats must have a whistle or horn that can be heard for up to one mile away. These marine horns help ensure safe passage on the waterways and alert other watercraft of issues or dangers. Boat horns can come in a variety of different styles, from brass ship bells, electronic signal horns, air-horn compressors, and dual horns. Wholesale Marine carries them all.

Shop the top marine horn brands like AFI , Innovative Lighting , Sea Dog Marine , and more. For a more decorative but functional choice, the stainless steel single trumpet electric boat horn is a great option for smaller vessels. For larger craft, the Dual Trumpet Chrome Brass Air Horn is approved for boats up to 66 feet and produces sound levels from 120-127bD. It comes with everything needed for a quick and easy installation. For a more discrete option, AFI carries a Mini Hidden Boat Horn with Bracket . Its durable stainless steel materials will stand up in harsh marine environments.

If you are looking for a more traditional option that is more in keeping with marine decor, Sea Dog manufactures Chrome Ship Bells in different sizes and finishes. These classic boat horns are decorative yet functional choices.

We Carry Marine Horns For Every Craft!

No matter what your needs are, Wholesale Marine stocks everything you need to be USCG compliant. Not sure which horn is right for your size vessel, our experienced team of boating enthusiasts is here to help answer your questions. Contact us at 877-388-2628 Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 5:30 PM. We offer same-day, flat rate shipping. Be sure to ask about our Captain’s Club Rewards Program for savings on all your future boating purchases at Wholesale Marine.

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Pair who tried breaching virginia marine base are jordanian nationals.

The two people whom the Marine Corps prevented from breaking onto an installation in Virginia on May 3 were Jordanian nationals, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Criminal Investigations Division of Marine Corps Base Quantico , Virginia, arrested the pair for trespassing and notified ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, or ERO, office in Washington, office spokesperson James Covington told Marine Corps Times in a statement Thursday.

Deportation officers arrested the two people, whom Covington described as “Jordanian noncitizens.”

“Both individuals will remain in ERO custody pending removal proceedings,” Covington said.

The pair had driven up to a gate of the base in a box truck and, when questioned by military sentries, claimed to be Amazon subcontractors making a delivery to the town of Quantico, Virginia, which is accessed through the base, Marine spokesman Capt. Michael Curtis told Marine Corps Times on Tuesday.

When military police directed the two to go to a holding area to undergo standard vetting procedures, the driver instead went past that area and attempted to drive onto the base, Curtis said. The base’s law enforcement put up the vehicle denial barriers, blocking the truck from getting farther onto the base, and detained the pair.

Chinese national detained after breaking onto Marine base in California

Potomac Local News first reported the attempted breach.

The Virginia base is home to Marine Corps Combat Development Command, which is dedicated to modernizing the force, along with some of the service’s training schools and other elements. Other Defense Department components and federal law enforcement agencies also have a presence on the base.

Irene Loewenson is a staff reporter for Marine Corps Times. She joined Military Times as an editorial fellow in August 2022. She is a graduate of Williams College, where she was the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper.

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Prominent plastic surgeon, 2 kids set to graduate from lsu id’d as those killed when plane breaks apart midair in tennessee.

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A well-known Louisiana plastic surgeon and his two adult children — who were both two days away from their college graduation — were killed when the small plane they were in broke apart in the air, officials said.

The single-engine Beechcraft V35 fell apart over Tennessee just south of Nashville around midday Wednesday as it was headed from Gonzales, Louisiana, to Louisville,  according to News Channel 5.

Dr. Lucius J. Doucet III and his daughter Giselle and son Jean-Luc were killed in the midair disaster, officials said.

The two were set to graduate from Louisiana State University, where Giselle studied veterinary medicine and Jean-Luc was an engineering student, according to WAFB 9 .

“It does appear that the flight did break up in the air,” Williamson County Sheriff Mark Elrod  told reporters during a Wednesday news conference.

“We are devastated to hear this news, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Doucet family and all those close to them,” the school said in a statement.

“This is heartbreaking for the LSU community, but especially for those who know and love these two students, and those who were expecting to share graduation with them.”

The small aircraft was owned by Lucius Doucet, who practiced in Baton Rouge and was remembered by colleagues as an “exceptional surgeon” who loved to fly planes,  the Advocate reported.

“Dr. Doucet was not only an exceptional surgeon, but also a compassionate man who touched the lives of countless individuals within our community,” Williamson Cosmetic Center said.

“His dedication to his patients was unmatched, and his kindness and empathy were felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

The wreckage from the plane left “a rather large debris field” spanning over half a mile that authorities would continue searching through Thursday, Elrod said.

Rough weather might have been a factor in the crash, a National Transportation Safety Board official said Thursday, according to the Advocate.

“If weather didn’t cause the accident, weather was a factor in the accident,” said NTSB aviation accident investigator Aaron McCarter at a news conference.

Emergency responders received a 911 call from a resident who said they saw an explosion and debris — and said there might have been a plane crash, around 12:05 p.m. Wednesday.

“It was quickly evident that this would be a search-and-recovery operation, not a search-and-rescue operation,” Elrod said.

Audio from air traffic control discussed the plane starting to descend from 9,000 feet — and revealed there were options for it to land 16 miles north, according to News Channel 5.

Air traffic control continued trying to reach the plane, but it wasn’t clear from the audio how the pilot responded.

“It sounds like contact lost,” the tower said.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Fire, Williamson County EMA and Williamson Health EMS responded to the crash.

According to the sheriff, authorities have received some calls about debris in yards and driveways, but no structural damage has been reported.

Authorities have asked residents to avoid the area while crews continue to search and clean up the scene.

The FAA, the sheriff’s office and the NTSB are investigating the incident.

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A Boat Designed to Be a Breath of Fresh Air

The creators of the latest vessel from Azimut Yachts went to great lengths to reduce its emissions, but even they won’t call it green.

By Ian Volner

Reporting from Milan

This article is part of our Design special section about water as a source of creativity.

In the middle of Milan Design Week last month, in the middle of the Bagni Misteriosi — a historic bathing complex in the Porta Romana neighborhood — the Italian luxury shipbuilder Azimut Yachts hosted an unusual exhibition. It was a celebration of the company’s latest offering: the Seadeck 6, which made its debut last year and features interiors by the design team of Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez.

Having been lowered into the facility by crane, the nearly 60-foot vessel was set afloat in an outdoor swimming pool. There it bobbed, traversed by hordes of well-coiffed guests while a concealed apparatus shrouded it in bursts of atmospheric steam. Surreal, elegant, not a little absurd, it was a scene straight out of Fellini, with overtones of Werner Herzog’s boat-hoisting epic “Fitzcarraldo.”

But the thing that made it most unusual? “Azimut wanted to make this the most sustainable boat on the market,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “We tried to do that.”

The ultimate playthings for the ultrawealthy, high-end pleasure craft would not seem optimal candidates for greening. Yet a growing number of manufacturers and designers are trying to change that, producing yachts both large and (comparatively) small assembled from fewer and less carbon-intensive materials, requiring a fraction of the power to run and drawing more of their energy from renewable sources.

In a peculiar twist for an industry uniquely exposed to supply-chain shocks and the vicissitudes of geopolitics (the loss of the once-lucrative Russian market continues to smart), global brand leaders appear to be making the move toward energy efficiency of their own accord, rather than in response to any explicit demand from their clientele.

“We will have to see if the world is ready,” said Giovanna Vitelli, Azimut’s chairwoman, as she stood aboard the Seadeck 6 during its not-quite maiden, not-quite voyage.

It is an approach that entails some risk. In January, Silent Yachts — an Austrian solar-electric catamaran company with facilities in Fano, Italy — was reported to be approaching bankruptcy amid problems with both its corporate parent and a key subcontractor. A former client stepped in to rescue the brand from insolvency, yet challenges remain. In a recent interview with the trade publication Superyacht News, the company’s new chief operating officer, Fabrizio Iarrera, spoke of the “costs associated with creating an entirely new market.”

Still, the push toward more sustainable yachting appears to be barreling forward, part of a broader shift in the role of design in the industry. Seven years ago, Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture in New York — known for its plush hotel interiors for the hospitality magnate Ian Schrager — was invited by Azimut’s sister company Benetti to develop a new yacht concept, the Oasis. It was one of the rare instances in which Benetti, founded in 1873, had sought out collaborators with no previous maritime experience, and all parties took it as an opportunity to import a set of values they viewed as lacking in the boating world.

According to Enrico Bonetti, the architecture firm’s co-founder, boat design previously favored grand spaces that no one actually liked. “There’s always this big table nobody’s using, then you step into another place with shiny things,” he said. “We didn’t follow that.” With its open, airy living space, wood paneling and notable lack of gold leaf, the Oasis represented a more humane vision for the yacht of the future, one constrained by at least the appearance of refinement and reserve, though it was ritzy nonetheless.

That low-key tendency is very much in line with the decarbonization campaign now underway at Azimut and other builders. In recent years, design studios like Zaha Hadid Architects and Pininfarina have turned out yacht proposals that pair sleek visuals with reduced reliance on fossil fuels; later this year, Yves Béhar, the Swiss-born product and furniture maestro, will unveil his own take on the trend — a catamaran designed for an as-yet unnamed manufacturer. “It’s essentially an E.V.,” said Mr. Béhar, who was also in Milan for the design fair.

Underlying the designer eco-yacht phenomenon is the intuitive sense, as Antonio Rodriguez put it, that “silent luxury” is fast displacing opulence. Where previous generations of yachters sought to flaunt their wealth, today’s owners may be less keen to draw attention to their own affluence. In reducing their carbon footprint, boatmakers are hoping to lure customers eager to reduce their profile, while still allowing them to ply the seven seas in style.

The Seadeck 6 certainly does that. With a crisp, white exterior — the work of the veteran yacht designer Alberto Mancini — the ship sleeps up to eight in three below-deck cabins. Topside, guests can sprawl in fore and aft lounges, or take lunch prepared in a semi-concealed galley, served on an elegant foldout table. The interior palette is muted, the contours soft, and everywhere, Ms. Vitelli said, the intention was to let people “feel close to water” rather than immuring them in an oceangoing penthouse.

Relatively speaking, the Seadeck’s ecological credentials are also impressive. Nearly every feature has been retooled for minimal environmental impact: replacing the customary teak deck with sustainably sourced cork; covering the walls and upholstering the seating with organic and recycled materials; even sealing the hull with something the company refers to as an ‘eco-gel finish.’” Most important, the craft incorporates a still-novel (for marine propulsion) hybrid engine, capable of a top speed of 33 knots with the ability to navigate about 200 miles offshore — enough for a quick spin from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas.

Add it together, and the company claims the Seadeck 6 and its larger cousin, the 71-foot Seadeck 7, achieve an operational carbon output 60 percent that of comparable vessels.

It’s a start, but only that. A comparative analysis with a similarly sized Azimut product — coupled with statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency — suggests that the cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau would contribute roughly 4,400 pounds of carbon dioxide on the Seadeck 6, well over what the average American produces in a month.

And then there are the more immediate costs: around $2.8 million for the Seadeck 6 and $4.25 million for the Seadeck 7. Ms. Vitelli said the company hopes that enough buyers will come aboard to make price reductions possible in future.

A lot is riding on these hopes. Elsewhere in Milan, at the giant exhibition hall of the Salone del Mobile furniture fair, a talk session with a group of yacht experts underscored the stakes: During the panel, Stefano de Vivo, the chief commercial officer of the luxury yacht brand Ferretti Group, presented a slide showing Italy’s dominance in the custom-yacht sector, with domestic manufacturers taking a large share of the $9 billion global marketplace.

Mr. de Vivo declared sustainability essential to shipbuilding’s ongoing success and spoke of a general convergence with the design field at large. “As a shipyard, we’ve had to become less ‘marine,’” he said.

Back at the Bagni Misteriosi, mariners did seem in somewhat short supply, as various design lovers and Salone personalities (including the celebrated architect Michele de Lucchi, who helped create an on-site installation for Azimut) swanned around the bathhouse garden and its waterborne centerpiece. As an image of an ecologically sensitive future, the spectacle seemed off the mark — but then the Seadeck’s creators are careful not to make any overly sweeping claims as to whether their yacht, or any yacht for that matter, can truly be deemed an ecological asset.

“We don’t really like the word ‘sustainable,’” Mr. Rodriguez said. “We prefer to say it’s ‘conscious.’”

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Marine charged with threatening mass shooting of white people

A man who was discharged from the Marine Corps on Friday after serving for less than a year was arrested Monday for making online threats to kill white people.

Former Pfc. Joshua Cobb, 23, of Trenton, New Jersey, was charged via complaint with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey said in a news release.

Records of the alleged threats start in December 2022, when a social media user with an IP address linked to Cobb’s residence in New Jersey declared he was planning to “erase” white people in a shooting, according to the complaint.

Chinese national detained after breaking onto Marine base in California

A chief patrol agent with the border patrol said the man was in the country illegally..

“I want to cause mayhem on the white community,” the user wrote. “The reason i specifically want to target white people is because as a black male, they will NEVER understand my struggles.”

On another social platform, a user who went by the name “1dayUsuffer” posted in spring 2023 of his hope of becoming a serial killer.

The user made several posts expressing a desire to commit mass violence, and said the posts would serve as “evidence” and “clues” for “when im done.”

“I’d probably (overdose) on my own adrenaline after the 10th body goes down,” he wrote in one post.

In another post, the user said he had killed his cat with a crossbow.

“Very bloody scene and I loved it,” he wrote.

The user described a family history of schizophrenia but said he refused to get evaluated lest he lose his firearms license.

FBI agents later used IP addresses and other clues to link Cobb to the account, the complaint said.

In June 2023, Cobb started boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Marine spokeswoman 2nd Lt. Giselle Cancino said in an emailed statement to Marine Corps Times on Tuesday. He became a private first class in September 2023.

He checked into Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, in February, as a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, according to Cancino.

FBI agents seized Cobb’s phone and interviewed him on the California base April 2, according to the complaint.

During the interview, Cobb admitted he had written the posts, and he specified the gym and grocery store he had considered as targets for an attack, the complaint said. He told the FBI agents he had access to guns through people he knew, including a relative who legally owned firearms.

When FBI agents informed him that his cellphone was being seized, Cobb became irate and said, “These are the things that make someone want to do the things we talked about,” according to the complaint.

On his phone were notes from April 2023 and May 2023 expressing his desire to kill and detailing how to bring guns into New Jersey, according to the complaint.

The Marine Corps discharged Cobb on Friday, according to Cancino, who did not specify the nature of the discharge. During his brief time in the Marine Corps, Cobb received a Certificate of Commendation but no personal awards, and he did not deploy, the spokeswoman said.

Cobb has been in federal custody since his arrest Monday, according to court records. His bail hearing is set to occur this Friday.

He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the news release.

Saverio Viggiano, a federal public defender with the District of New Jersey who is representing Cobb, said the public defender office doesn’t comment on cases.

Irene Loewenson is a staff reporter for Marine Corps Times. She joined Military Times as an editorial fellow in August 2022. She is a graduate of Williams College, where she was the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper.

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Trending topics, marines fly av-8b harrier at cherry point air show in final public performance.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Just after noon on Sunday, a dark-gray AV-8B Harrier slashed across the cloud-embroidered eastern North Carolina sky at nearly 400 miles per hour, blasting by tens of thousands of spectators staring upwards at the jump jet’s last public demonstration.

The 2024 Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Air Show opened the previous day with at least 80,000 attendees. That stampede dwarfed the 16,000 or so residents of Havelock, a military town that boasts little more than the base and a collection of fast-food stop offs for beachgoers headed east.

Lt. Col. Paul Truog, commanding officer of the “Ace of Spades” of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231 took the Harrier through its paces, wrestling the stick-and-rudder aircraft through simulated attack runs, high-G turns and an abrupt halt from 500 knots to a hovering standstill.

Truog then spun the vertical/short-takeoff-and-landing (VSTOL) jet through pirouettes and hover maneuvers using the last hydraulic flight control system in the U.S. military’s fighter inventory. With 2,000 hours in the Harrier, Truog will oversee his unit’s transition to the F-35B Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter beginning next year.

“This aircraft was designed to land on highways, rearm, refuel and get back to the fight,” said Capt. Michael Fucci, who narrated Truog’s demonstration flight. “It is impossible to find a Harrier pilot who wouldn’t say that it’s the most rewarding aircraft they’ve ever flown.”

Consolidated to several East Coast squadrons in 2022, Truog’s VMA-231 is the last unit flying the AV-8B II-plus, the most-modern version of the AV-8A originally built by Hawker-Siddeley in the United Kingdom and introduced in 1969. The AV-8B, built by McDonnell Douglas, which is now Boeing, first flew in 1981 and entered service four years later.

The II-plus version currently flown sports a more powerful version of the Rolls Royce Pegasus 11 engine that produces 23,800 pounds of thrust. It also features a forwarding-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, night-vision goggle capability, APG-65 radar and targeting pod.

At least 80,000 aviation enthusiasts crowded the tarmac on Saturday, the first of two days packed with aerobatic performances and military aircraft demonstration that included the final public display of the Marines’ AV-8B.

The Harrier squadron completed its last deployment in March with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which operated in the Middle East and Mediterranean Sea for more than eight months.

It’s fitting that VMA-231 should usher out the Harrier’s service after four decades of service. The squadron was founded in 1919 at Marine Flying Field, Miami, having evolved from the Northern Bombing Group deployed to France during the World War I. The Marine Corps’ first aviation unit was then flying the Curtiss JN-4D Jenny biplane.

It soon will be equipped with the most-advanced fifth-generation short-takeoff and vertical landing aircraft flying, the F-35B, which will fill the role flown by the Harrier and the F-18 Hornet. Maj. Zachary Ybarra of Marine Fighter Fighter Attack Squadron 542 (VMFA-542) flew an F-35B earlier in the show.

After taxiing and taking off to Mötley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Heart,” Ybarra, a former Harrier pilot, demonstrated the F-35’s minimum radius turn, which pulled his body into the seat with seven times the force of gravity.

Where the stick-and-rudder, hydraulic-controlled Harrier has a slight but noticeable wobble in the hover, the fly-by-wire F-35B appears to sit absolutely still as if suspended by an invisible wire. The high-tech Lockheed Martin-built F-35 never deviated from its pilot-prescribed hover altitude as it performed spins and slides along the tarmac.

The Marine Corps Aviation Plan has the VMA-231 transitioning to the F-35B beginning next year and safe for flight with six STOVL jets in the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2026. The plan calls for a total 16 F-35Bs within 24 months from reaching initial operational capability.

A second squadron at Cherry Point, VMA-223, began operating six F-35Bs last fiscal year and should have its full complement of 16 aircraft by FY 2025, which begins Oct. 1.

Already flying the F-35B is VMFA-542, which received its first Lighting II in May 2023 and became the first East Coast squadron flying the jet after being declared safe for flight in August of that year. That squadron has already deployed to Evenes Air Station in Norway for the Nordic Response 2024 NATO exercises.

Cherry Point is also home to a Harrier training unit, VMAT-203, which flies both the AV-8B and TAV-8B two-seat training aircraft. That unit will sundown in FY 2026, according to the service’s aviation plan.

Perched atop brownish columns of superheated exhaust from its four swiveling nozzles and wingtips, Truog ended his demonstration with the Harrier’s signature hover-to-vertical-landing maneuver. Rising to a deafening roar, the AV-8B descended and touched gently down, bounced slightly on extended landing gear and ended its final demonstration flight.

Truog described the performance as “bittersweet.” But the show was not quite over.

To send the AV-8 out in a blaze of glory, another Harrier joined in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration later in the show. During a high-speed low flight over dismounted Marines flown in on both a CH-53E Super Stallion and the Marine Corps’ newest heavy-lift helicopter, the CH-53K King Stallion, another Harrier simulated an attack run, igniting an 800-foot wall of flames.

Dan Parsons

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Storied Marine Corps Jet to Make Final Appearance at Cherry Point Air Show as Service Transitions to F-35

The Marine Corps is bidding farewell to a decades-old jet and plans to send it off with fanfare and contrails of shimmering vapor in one of its final public appearances.

The AV-8B Harrier II has been a tactical stalwart for the service since the 1980s -- and even before that, in different configurations -- solidifying it in Marine Corps history as a legendary aircraft. It was involved in several operations around the world, including recently when pilots were hunting down drones in the Red Sea amid turmoil in the region.

On Saturday and Sunday, it will make its final appearance at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina during a biennial air show at the installation that has historically drawn crowds of around 150,000 people.

Read Next: 'They Took My Gift Away': In Interview, Mother of Florida Airman Killed by Police Describes Shock

The service is trading the older jet for the new F-35 Lightning II , and the Harrier can expect to see its final days of service sometime in 2026, according to the Marine Corps' aviation plans. The base air show, which will include one of the jet's final public demonstrations, will be held in Havelock, North Carolina -- a huge event that has racked up several awards in previous years.

"This year includes a demonstration of the AV-8B Harrier II for its last performance at the MCAS Cherry Point Air Show as we continue to transition to the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter ," Maj. Gen. Scott Benedict, the commanding officer of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a released statement. "The AV-8B Harrier II has been a hallmark of Havelock and the surrounding communities, having had more than a 40-year presence in eastern North Carolina after first arriving to MCAS Cherry Point in January 1984."

The jet, which is a short takeoff, vertical landing aircraft, has seen action in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force in 1999 in the former Yugoslavia, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and elsewhere, according to Benedict.

Earlier this year, the Corps trained its final batch of Marines who work on the jet's engine . Five Marines graduated from a 60-day course aimed at taming and troubleshooting its formidable F402 engine; they headed to the fleet to help keep the aircraft up as it sunsets.

Other jet-related jobs are seeing their own sunset, to include the graduation of the Corps' last weapons system officer, or "wizzo," for the F/A-18 whom Military.com interviewed earlier this year.

But during the upcoming weekend, pilots operating some of the Corps' more than 60 Harriers will hit their cockpits and take to the air for one of the last times in front of the public.

"The demo is not too far from what we do every day," Maj. Eric Scheibe, a pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 231, or VMA-231, told Military.com in a statement via email. "It showcases what the aircraft can do and what its capabilities are. It's short takeoffs to simulated attacks. It's nice to be able to showcase that, all the work that has gone into it. The squadron is excited."

The event offers other demonstrations as well, including a Navy Blue Angels flight and F-22 Raptors shooting across the sky. The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band will play, and static displays of military equipment are expected to draw large crowds.

The last air show at Cherry Point took place in September 2021 and saw fewer numbers than usual, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gates for this year's event open at 9 a.m. aboard the installation.

"The air show celebrates our long-standing relationship with our neighbors in the local community and provides visitors a chance to speak with Marines and sailors while showcasing world-class civilian performers, military flight demonstration teams, historical aircraft, and the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force," Benedict said.

Related: The Final 'Wizzo': Marine Corps Captain Graduates as Service's Last F/A-18 Weapons Systems Officer

Drew F. Lawrence

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• Funeral Set for Roger Fortson, the Black US Air Force Member Killed in His Home by Florida Deputy
• Military Ospreys Can't Fly More Than 30 Minutes from Landing Airfield Months After Grounding Lifted
• US Navy Flagship Carrier USS Ronald Reagan Leaves Its Japan Home Port After Nearly 9 Years
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Speak at 2024 Naval Academy Graduation Ceremony

Military Benefits Updates

• Fertility Benefits for Active-Duty Service Members
• How Marines Took an Airfield in the Philippines in a Show Against China
• Privatized Barracks Would Get Deeper Look Under House's Draft Defense Bill
• US Coast Guard Says Texas Barge Collision May Have Spilled Up to 2,000 Gallons of Oil
• Power Outages and an Urgent Warning: NTSB Details Dali Crew’s Scramble Before Key Bridge Collapse
• Coast Guard Tweaks Tattoo Policy to Allow Bigger Designs on Hands, Ink Behind Both Ears

Entertainment

• Jeff Bridges and Dave Bautista Headline All-Star Cast in New Take on 'Beowulf' Epic
• ‘Unconventional’ Demystifies Military Life While Showing the Power of a New Generation of Veterans
• Navy Veteran and 'King of B-Movies' Roger Corman Dies at 98

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Commercial/Military Air Horns

Commercial / military horns.

• Marine Horns and Accessories

These Kahlenberg Air Horns and Electric Horns were developed to withstand the punishing use of commercial and military service. The unmatched reliability of Kahlenberg horns has been proven with extensive in-house durability testing as well as decades of service in thousands of marine installations.

All Kahlenberg Air Horns and Electric Horns meet or exceed IMO Requirements. Various Type Approvals to the regulations are supplied upon request and with every order.

• Less than 20 Meters (65 ft.) 8 item
• 20-75 Meters (65 to 246 ft.) 7 item
• 75-200 Meters (246 to 656 ft.) 10 item
• Greater than 200 Meters (656 ft.) 8 item
• Compressed Air 23 item
• Electric 6 item
• Chrome 8 item
• White 8 item
• Gray 1 item
• Yes 11 item

Blog Categories

• SPARE TIRE DELETE KITS
• TRAIN HORN KITS
• AIR HORN KITS
• WRANGO HORN KITS (JEEP WRANGLER JKU & JLU)
• 24-VOLT TRAIN HORN & AIR HORN KITS
• TRAIN HORNS

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• Battleship Horns (5)
• Nautical Horn (3)
• Train Horn (2)
• Accepts 1/2" Air Line (7)
• Accepts 1/4" Air Line (3)
• HornBlasters (5)
• Kahlenberg (5)
• 12-Volt DC (2)

Below you will find our entire collection of Marine grade air horns and train horns. If you don't already have an air supply on your vessel, check out our available Onboard Air Systems section to complete your system.