October 18, 2011 | Posted in 
Thirteen marine manufacturers were honored in mid-October at the 2011 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) Innovation Awards presentation in Louisville. Organized by NMMA and judged by BWI, products are recognized that are distinctly innovative, benefit the marine industry and/or consumer, are practical and cost-effective. A total of 65 new products were entered in this year’s Awards program.
“One of the motivators for writers involved in the Innovation Awards is the ability to see and touch the future. This is our Discover Boating, and this year’s product submissions didn’t disappoint,” stated Alan Wendt, BWI’s committee chair for the IBEX Awards. Other members serving as judges included BWI President, Zuzana Prochazka, Frank Lanier, Susan Canfield, Roger McAfee, Brady Kay, and Patricia Kearns.
IBEX Innovation Awards were presented to the following companies in these categories; also provided are brief comments from the judges:
Deck Equipment & Hardware
Nautilus Marine Group, Windlass V500: “The well-engineered windlass tension band keeps the rope and chain splice in constant contact with the chain wheel easily handling knots and hackles of life at anchor.” Honorable Mention: Ameritex Fabric Systems, Four-in-One Boat Cover
Electrical Systems
Charles Industries, Intelligent Marine Charger: “The IMC 40 eliminates the need for multiple onboard battery chargers. The built-in redundancy will get you home.”
Furnishing & Interior Parts
Thetford Curve, Porta Potti: “Serious thinking time was spent addressing multiple ways to improve and innovate one of life’s basic necessities.”
Inboard Engines
Indmar, 5.7L Assault 345 Inboard: “Wakesurfing is rapidly growing in popularity and Indmar has a workhorse for these rugged watersports.”
Mechanical Systems
Attwood, Universal Sprayless Connector: “This Connector stood out in both simplicity, ease of adaptation and global application.”
OEM Electronics
Raymarine, e7D Multifunction Display: “Where Apple iPad integration, pop culture and intuitive operation meets useful maritime technology.”
Outboard Engines
Two Awards: Mercury 150 FourStroke Outboard and Honda Marine BF 250 Outboard Engine: “Mercury found a way to trim 24 pounds of their new 150 FourStroke, while helping to satisfy the growing need for superb fuel efficiency and performance;” “Honda offers the first dual-circuit induction system that provides improved combustion.”
Propulsion Parts, Propellers
Powertech Propellers, Power Stop Propeller: “Brilliantly crafted reverse thrust propeller, providing new levels of control without harming overall performance.”Honorable Mention: Livorsi Marine for its improved Raw Water Flow System.
Safety Equipment
Protomet Corporation, Panoramic Mirror System: “Provides a second set of eyes on your kids while towing them in any variety of watersports.”
Environmental
US Marine Products, EFOY Fuel Cell: “A green solution to providing on board power with a fuel cell that converts methanol into 12 to 24 volt power.”
More detail on the Awards and products can be found at www.nmma.org/news.aspx?id=18041.
