Manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market have been recognised with the Miami Innovation Awards.
Judged by the NMMA and Boating Writers International, 14 recipients and two honourable mention awards were presented at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show.
“At this moment, I can’t think of anybody luckier than an NMMA Innovation Awards judge,” said chair Tim Murphy.
“For two very full days, seven of us had the chance to move through the Convention Center aisles and down the docks along Collins Avenue, stepping abroad the very latest boats and examining the newest new products. What a year!”
He added: “We saw fresh thinking in the shapes of boats and how they move through water; in the propulsion we’re using to drive them; in the electrical power to run the appliances that make boating ever more comfortable.
“We saw electronic devices that help us look farther and deeper into dark places using sonar and lidar technology, as well as stereoscopic and thermal cameras.
“And we saw the way these sensors can help drive our boats remotely and even autonomously.”
The winners are:
Alternative propulsion: ePropulsion, Spirit 2
Cabin cruisers, Motor Yachts, Trawlers: Azimut, Seadek 7, dual winner Hurricane Boats, SunDeck 3200
Centre console/ walkaround fishing boats: Regulator Marine, Regulator 35
Consumer electronics, mobile applications and software: Lowrance, Active Target
Honourable mention: Mercury Marine, Mercury Keyless System
Consumer safety equipment: LUMINSEA, Smart Channel Marker
Cuddy cabin, bowrider, deck boats: Chris Craft, Launch 27
Deck equipment: Chaparral, Chaparral E-Z Step
Fishing equipment, gear and tackle: Lee’s Tackle, The Ultima Extend Outrigger
Honourable mention: Dropback Catch, Dropback Catch
Mechanical and electrical systems: SmartPlug Systems, Electric Fishing Reel Plug and Receptacle System
Outboard engines: Mercury Marine, Boost
Personal water craft: Yamaha, Yamaha CrossWave WaveRunner
Propulsion equipment and parts: Dockmate, Dockmate PRO, dual winner Avikus, Avikus Control
