Over the last 2-4 years, there has been an incredible development in image sensor technology and image processing by ISP processors. Today good CCTV cameras see in full colour at night with normal street light / lamps. In full darkness You need
IR light and switch to BW mode, but some light (boats lights + full moon) should allow for colour image.
The problem is not that You have 4MP cameras - You don't need more pixels. You need big sensor with big pixel (in size) and good optics to catch more light. And You need optical zoom (not fake digital one) to see more to front / at distance. No more mega pixels - this will give You almost nothing at cost of pixel size (more pixels in the same size sensor = much smaller pixels = less light).
The most popular cameras here are Dahua 5442 / 5449. They are 4MP cameras with big premium image sensor (1/1.8") and very good image / AI processing. The 5442 / 5449 contains many models with different chassis, zoom options, light type (IR / white).
In my opinion the best for front visibility on boats should be varifocal bullets. Varifocal means they contain OPTICAL ZOOM - like in profesional cameras.
I gave You 2 options - first one (ZE or ZHE) have wide zoom range with 47° to 115° degree field of view. So You can observe objects up to 23 - 52 meters (depending of zoom level You will setup)
Second (Z4E) will give you narrow zoom range with 15° - 43° degree field of view. So you can't see a very wide (like go pro) image. But with this model You can observer up to 158 meters.
If you need more - there are PTZ cameras. They have 25-32-48x zoom range and they can see in any direction (not only to front);
SD5A425GA-HNR
www.dahuasecurity.com
This is 25x zoom PTZ with the same 4MP 1/1.8" size sensor. this camera will give You option to observer up to 689 meters in any direction.
PS. all those cameras contain IR light (models with more zoom have more range for IR light) and they see in infrared mode at any light condition. Minus you will have black and white image.
