Dozens of entries were submitted by marine trade companies

The winners of the 2018 IBEX Innovation Awards were announced this morning at the show’s industry breakfast. Winners in 13 categories were selected by a panel of judges from Boating Writers International (BWI).

Eight BWI judges with various technical backgrounds in boating selected the new product winners among dozens of entries submitted by marine trade companies.

The 2018 IBEX Innovation Awards winners are:

  •     Boat Care and Maintenance: AWLGRIP North America, Quick Build
  •     Boatbuilding Methods & Materials: Structural Composites Inc, Advanced Marine Coatings (Honourable Mention: Dowco Marine, Nextoon)
  •     Covering: Taylor Made, Pole-less Self-Draining Pontoon Cover (Honourable 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 (Honourable Mention: Suzuki Motor of America Inc, Multi-Function Gauge)
  •     Outboard Engines: Yamaha Motor Corp, 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 at 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.”

“Recognising 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.”

Attendees of the Industry Breakfast were treated to a presentation from keynote speaker Rich Karlgaard, Forbes publisher and global futurist, economic leader, entrepreneur and author, who spoke about the events changing the world and how they’re impacting the marine industry.

Preceding Karlgaard’s keynote speech, NMMA president Thom Dammrich addressed the more than 750 marine professionals that attended the breakfast, discussing the future of the industry, with the theme Recreational Boating in 2035.