What’s new and useful in boating and boat building were the focus of several award routines during recent marine industry gatherings with products and processes reviewed by panels of boating journalists.
IBEX
The 2018 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) Innovation Awards were presented October 2 following scrutiny by eight BWI judges with various technical backgrounds in boating. “This year’s entries were very focused on improving the boating experience,” said Alan Wendt, chair of the 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.” Other BWI members serving as judges were Zuzana Prochazka (co-chair), Capt. Sergio Atanes, Phil Gutowski, Glenn Hayes, Heather Maxwell, Craig Ritchie and Ben Stein.
BWI Supporting members recognized in various categories were:
- Boat Care and Maintenance: Awlgrip North America, Quick Build
- OEM Electronics: Raymarine Inc., Axiom ClearCruise Augmented Reality
- Electronics 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
To see the complete list of 13 Innovation Award winners and three honorable mentions, go to http://www.nmma.org/press/article/22262.
NMEA’s Expo
Ten manufacturers took home awards across 17 categories in the annual National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Product of Excellence Awards. Presentations were made at the combined NMEA and RTCM (Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services) Marine Electronics Conference & Expo, held in late September.
NMEA members selected the Product of Excellence Award winners through an online voting process and at the Conference & Expo.Said Mark Reedenauer, NMEA President & Executive Director, “We saw a 25% increase in vetted votes this year, which means more members are engaging and taking part in their industry.”
BWI Supporting members receiving awards included:
- Radar—Furuno DRS4DNXT
- Fish Finder—Furuno DFF3D
- Satellite Communications Antenna—KVH TracPhone V7-HTS
- Commercial—Furuno FAR2127 IMO Radar
- Satellite TV Antenna—KVH TracVision TV3 with HUB A+
- AIS—Furuno FA170 Class A
- NMEA 2000® Sensor—Furuno SC33
- Marine Camera—FLIR M625CS
The NMEA Technology Award was presented to Garmin’s Panoptix LiveScope. The annual award recognizes benefit to boaters, practicality and value. Judges included NMEA Certified Marine Electronics Technicians Dave Luce of Atlantic Marine Electronics and Dave Laska of L&L Electronics, along with Sport Fishing executive editor Chris Woodward and Marine Electronics Journal editor Jim Fullilove. Additional details and a list of all award recipients is posted at www.nmea.org/Assets/nmea-names-2018-award-winners%20(002).pdf.