Oct 9th, 2018

Boating Industry Canada Editor Andy Adams was at The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) this past week, and attended this exciting awards ceremony at the Annual Industry Breakfast.

The 2018 Innovation Awards, managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), were presented at IBEX during the breakfast. Eight BWI judges with various technical backgrounds in boating selected the new product winners among dozens of entries submitted by marine trade companies.

The winners in each of the 13 categories of the 2018 Innovation Awards are:
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 — ORPHOS
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,” said Alan Wendt, chair of the judging panel, IBEX. “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.”

“Recognizing and encouraging innovation in our industry is what IBEX is all about,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. “The winning products will positively impact boating forever, and it’s very exciting. Congratulations to all the entrants for their dedication to product evolution.”

For more information about IBEX, visit www.ibexshow.com. For information about BWI, visit www.bwi.org. For information about the NMMA and to find a transcript of Dammrich’s industry address from the annual breakfast, please visit www.nmma.org.