The American Boat & Yacht Council announced ten recipients of the Outstanding Technician Awards, recognized for their exceptional customer service, technical skill, training and mentorship.
“In reviewing the nominations, it was exciting to see such strong technical ability, along with a commitment to mentoring others,” says Tim Murphy, education director at ABYC. “It was tough to narrow it down to 10 winners, and that really reflects the depth of the talent we have across the marine industry.”
Awarded during International Marine Service Technician Week, the awards are now in their fifth year, and included New Achiever Awards recognizing emerging professionals in the marine service industry who demonstrate strong potential and technical skill. Nominations are judged by a panel that includes previous award recipients, and recipients receive a $100 Visa gift card and a technician prize pack.
This year’s recipients are Kevin Anderson of Crate’s Lake Country Boats in Orillia, Ontario; Julia Briggs of Irish Boat Shop-Harbor Springs in Harbor Springs, Michigan; Dan Derfler of MarineMax Nisswa in Nisswa, Minnesota; Corey Mugaas of Hurst Marina Ltd. in Ottawa, Ontario; Andrew Sigler of Boston Whaler in Edgewater, Florida; Adam Smith of Marine Technical Services in Deale, Maryland; Scott Stephen of Walstrom Marine in Harbor Springs, Michigan; Chris Teal of Irish Boat Shop-Charlevoix in Charlevoix, Michigan; Tim Vandenheuvel of Emerald Marine in Anacortes, Washington; and Ryan White of Boyne Boat Yard in Boyne City, Michigan.
The 2026 New Achiever recipients are Nikita Davadilla of Solvere Technical Group in Virginia Beach, Virginia; Sam Hansz of Boyne Boat Yard in Boyne City, Michigan; and Alex Plante of Flux Marine in Bristol, Rhode Island.
For more information on the winners, visit abycinc.org/2026outstandingtechs.
To learn more about Marine Service Technician Week, visit abycinc.org/thankyoutechs.
