7x50 are for seeing the boat, image stabilized let you read the boat name and whether they're drifting or have a rode out.

IS binos are higher power because they are steady enough to be useful at those magnifications. Standard 7x50 can't be beat for all-around dependable use, especially at night, but they're different tools.

If I could only have one it would be a standard 7x50, but it's nice to have both when you want to see that extra detail. We keep a standard 7x50 Nikon glass (with integrated compass) in a holder mounted on the inside of the bulkhead next to the companionway, in easy reach from the cockpit. It's handy for that "first look" or to take a quick bearing on another boat when the radar is off, and can't be beat for extra light gathering ability at night when scanning the horizon. The Fujinon 14x40 IS comes out when only when we want that extra detail, primarily in day but they are also great for star-gazing. Different tools.