Ben Taylor Podcast

In this episode, Ben Taylor speaks with Nikita Achkasov, CEO of Bespoke Projects, to explore how his Barcelona-based team delivers high-precision interior and exterior solutions for the superyacht sector. Nikita reveals how the company evolved from specialist teak decking into a full-spectrum interior engineering partner, supporting refit and new build yards across Europe. The conversation unpacks their use of CNC machining, 3D scanning, advanced finishing, multi-material fabrication and emerging 3D printing applications that unlock new design possibilities. Marine professionals will gain insight into how engineering-led craftsmanship, adaptive workflows and cross-material expertise can elevate refit quality, reduce risk and deliver designer intent with technical accuracy.

Key Points:
- Design-to-delivery interior engineering for complex superyacht projects
- Multi-material fabrication supporting refit and new build yards
- 3D scanning and 3D printing expanding creative possibilities

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

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.

In this episode, Ben Taylor speaks with Marcus Hamilton, CEO of Propspeed, to explore the business thinking behind the company’s recent expansion and product diversification. Marcus outlines how disciplined channel strategy, transparent partner engagement, and real field data have shaped Propspeed’s growth over the past five years. The discussion examines why the team moved beyond its core Propspeed coating to develop Foulfree - a broader foul-release solution engineered for multiple substrates and a significantly larger vessel market. Marine and superyacht professionals gain insight into long-term product strategy, sustainable coating technology, and how Propspeed is building scalable, partner-led growth in a changing marine environment.

Key Points:
- Channel rationalisation strengthens scalable partner growth.
- Industry feedback drives Foulfree product development.
- Diversification expands the addressable vessel market.

In this episode, Ben Taylor speaks with John Shinske of Teakdecking Systems, exploring the company’s expanding role in superyacht deck manufacturing, sustainable maintenance products, and distribution across Europe. John shares how TDS integrates R&D, logistics, and installation expertise to support shipyards, refit yards, and captains seeking durable, environmentally responsible deck solutions. From vacuum-bonded systems to non-caustic cleaning products and extended warranties, the discussion highlights how material reliability, supply planning, and ecological compliance shape today’s yacht builds and refits. A focused conversation for marine professionals navigating evolving deck technologies, long-term maintenance strategies, and high-stakes procurement decisions.

Key Points:
- Europe-wide distribution supports shipyards and refit programs.
- Eco-friendly cleaners reduce deck degradation and environmental impact.
- Extended warranties reward correct application and maintenance discipline.

This episode explores Dometic's entry into the gyro stabilisation market with the new DG3 Gyro Stabiliser, introduced by Steve Watson at Metstrade. We break down the DG3's fully electric actuator, low-RPM flywheel architecture, and integrated 48-volt spin battery that reduces power draw, accelerates spin-up, and enables regenerative braking. Steve explains how Dometic delivers active stabilisation in inconsistent sea states, improves installation reliability, and supports OEMs and retrofit dealers with a complete systems package. For marine and superyacht professionals, this episode highlights how next-generation stabilisation technology supports efficiency, safety, and a more refined onboard experience.

Key Points:
- Electric actuator enables true active stabilisation responsiveness.
- Low-RPM architecture cuts power consumption by 40 percent.
- Integrated 48-volt system simplifies installation and reduces load.

In this Metstrade interview, Ben Taylor speaks with Emeric from Dometic to explore the award-winning CSX refrigeration system - a compact, fully electric unit designed to turn any compartment into a reliable cold-storage space. Ideal for boatbuilders and refit teams, the CSX offers tool-light installation, no gas connections, modular configurations, and full ISO-compliant durability for harsh marine environments. Emeric outlines how Dometic integrated modern design language, a digital thermostat, low-GWP refrigerant, and flexible installation options that scale from small craft to superyachts. This episode is essential for marine professionals evaluating new refrigeration technologies that strengthen sustainability, ease installation, and enhance onboard client experience.

Key Points:
- CSX converts any insulated compartment into refrigerated storage.
- Low-GWP refrigerant supports next-generation sustainability standards.
- Modular options fit vessels from 5m boats to megayachts.