As we say goodbye – and perhaps good riddance – to 2008, it's a natural question to ask what's in store for us in 2009. In the boating world, there's a great deal ahead.

While we will leave the financial forecasts to the prognosticators and talking heads, there is much to say about what we will see in vessel design, technology and electronics.

Sure, there are the things we all hear about, like pod drives, giant outboards, broadband sonar, HD radar, computer-based navigation software and networked electronics with large 3D displays. But there is also much that flies below the radar.

So, as you plan your course for the next year, here are five trends to watch.

#1 – HYBRID BOATS

In 2008, we saw the birth of hybrid production boats – those that can run both on fuel-driven and electric engines – in sizes from 14 to 40 feet. This year, we'll see the technology start to mature – and we'll see if they sell.

The concept is not as radical as it sounds. Hybrid cars have become increasingly popular, introducing the notion to consumers. And while the boat market and the car market are two different things, hybrid propulsion has a history on the water.

Think about it: Anybody who has bolted on an electric trolling motor to his or her gas- or diesel-powered boat has in effect created a hybrid. It only makes sense that manufacturers would take the next step, creating more sophisticated ways to drive vessels without burning fuel.

Last year marked the debut of the Island Pilot DSe Hybrid, a 40-foot catamaran that runs on diesel and solar power. The boat, which carries a base price of about $600,000, can travel at 6 knots in good weather burning no fuel at all, according to the company. It premiered at the Fort Lauderdale boat show.

We also saw the launch of the Scout Boats 145 Hybrid, a 14-foot fishing boat that runs on a gas-powered outboard or two electric motors. The boat carries a base price of about $17,000 and can travel at 8 knots for eight hours under battery power, according to the company.

Hybrid boats offer significant advantages in fuel economy, and they are environmentally friendly. In short, they offer a smart design for our times. If the technology holds up and the prices are in line, we should see these boats endure.

#2 – MOTORSAILERS

While motorsailers are nothing new, maligned for years as a poor compromise between power and sail, the concept is enjoying a renaissance. And blue-chip manufacturers – brands like Hunter, Nordhavn and Island Packet – are driving this trend.

Brand-new motorsailers from 26 to 56 feet have been designed or launched in the last year, making models available across several price ranges. More are in store for 2009.

PAE will launch its new Nordhavn 56 Motorsailer this year, offering a single engine, moderate sail plan and cutting-edge technology, such as a controllable-pitch propeller.

Island Pilot's SP Cruiser is already on the market, a 41-footer with a raised pilothouse, external cockpit, diesel engine and a footed jib with a base price of about $450,000. So is Hunter's Edge 27, a sloop rig designed to take a 75-horsepower outboard, with a base price of less than $40,000.

That means there are new motorsailer designs within reach of most boaters' budgets. The designs could appeal to those looking for better fuel economy, or to those who simply want the flexibility to travel under sail or more significant engine power.

That may mean sailors who are considering the move to a trawler; sailors who want more horses for cruising; or trawler owners who want to return to sail, without relinquishing their throttles. This year, we will see if buyers are as optimistic as the companies.

#3 – THE FAMILY FISHING BOAT

While many boat builders have claimed over the years that their boats are great for both fishing and cruising – and some rightfully so – it seems that several manufacturers are getting more serious about making good on that promise. And they're doing so in models less than 40 feet.

Companies like Luhrs and Tiara launched new boats last year aimed at both fisherman and family. The Luhrs 37 Open is the first to offer two cabins and two heads in a fast fishing boat smaller than 40 feet, according to the company. The Tiara 3900 is being marketed as a fast, elegant boat good for fishing or cruising, depending on the options added. The builder went so far as to bring two identical boats to the Fort Lauderdale boat show: one rigged for fishing and one not.

Manufacturers understand that fishing is one of the major reasons that people get on a boat, and you will see many companies fly the "good for fishing and family" flag in 2009.

Need proof? Consider the Nordhavn 75 Expedition Yacht Fisher. Sportfishing is traditionally associated with high horsepower, because many anglers want to get offshore and back fast. Nordhavn is traditionally associated with slow, safe trawlers that get there when they get there. But the Expedition Yacht Fisher is a true offshore cruiser, designed to take anglers to fish in exotic locations. The vessel's 5,000 gallons of fuel give it a range of 1,850 nautical miles at cruising speeds and a maximum speed of about 13.5 knots – fast for a Nordhavn, but slow for most offshore fishermen.

The concept is both contrarian and compelling, and it will be interesting to see if the company can sell it. But the point is that even Nordhavn, the titan of the slow trawler world, is courting anglers.

Forget sex. In the boating world, fishing sells.

#4 – MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

While broadband sonar and Class B AIS may dominate the headlines, don't ignore the technological leaps taking place when it comes to that phone in your pocket.

While there is much talk about the iPhone, there is an increasing number of applications available on all popular platforms, including Palm, Windows Mobile, Symbian and Blackberry. These allow boaters to navigate, plan trips, check weather, examine current and tide predictions, maintain a blog and do many other things – all on a portable phone that can go where you go. And you probably already own one that can do some of this stuff.

The convenience and redundancy factors – and a low barrier to entry – all but ensure that we'll be seeing more boaters exploring what phones can do in 2009. If you're interested, check out Mad Mariner's Going Mobile series. It's a good place to start.

#5 – ENHANCED COMMUNICATIONS

Speaking of phones, look for more advances in onboard communications in 2009. Many companies have been working to improve both how we interface with the outside world and with each other while on board. That means the lowly VHF and cell phone are getting some attention.

Standard Horizon has added Bluetooth capabilities to some VHF units, allowing users to add a wireless headset. Northstar makes units with a wireless handset. Cobra makes a Bluetooth mic for your cell phone. And Piratecom, a relative newcomer, has created full-featured intercom systems, designed for cabin cruisers or center consoles.

Of course, several companies now make handheld VHF units that float or are equipped with a GPS. We are looking forward to seeing what they think of next.