The winners of the 2018 Innovation Awards across 13 categories were presented at the International BoatBuilder’s Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) on October 2. The awards are judged by eight professionals from the Boating Writers International (BWI) and managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). The winners were:
- • Boat Care and Maintenance: AWLGRIP North America, Quick Build
- • Boatbuilding Methods & Materials: Structural Composites Inc., Advanced Marine Coatings
- Honorable Mention: Dowco Marine,
Nextoon
• Covering: Taylor Made, Pole-less Self-Draining Pontoon Cover
- Honorable Mention: Quality Mark, Pop-A-Pole
• Deck Equipment and Hardware: Dripper Guard, Dripper Guard PRO
• Electrical Systems: Balmar, SG200 Battery Monitor
• Entertainment: FUSION Entertainment USA Inc., Apollo 770
• Furnishings and Interior Parts: SHOXS, X Series Shock Mitigated Pedestals
• Lighting: Megaleds Ind,
• Mechanical Systems: Blue Guard Innovations, BG-One
• OEM Electronics: Raymarine Inc., Axiom ClearCruise Augmented Reality
- Honorable Mention: Suzuki Motor of America Inc., Multi-Function Gauge
• Outboard Engines: Yamaha Motor Corporation, V8 XTO Offshore
• Propulsion Parts, Propellers: Mercury Marine, Tiller Handle Assembly for Portable Outboard Motor
• Safety Equipment: Medallion Instrumentation Systems, Docking/Trailer Camera
“This year’s entries were very focused on improving the boating experience,” says Alan Wendt, the chair of the IBEX judging panel. “From solving simple issues with canvas to more complex engineering challenges with hardware and composites, there is ample evidence of innovation underway in a thriving industry.”
For more information about the event, visit ibexshow.com.
