Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show 2019 Innovation Award Winners Announced
The Innovation Awards judges’ committee is comprised of eight BWI members who perform product testing throughout the year and have specific expertise in marine products and equipment. The judges’ committee is Co-Chaired by Zuzana Prochazka and Alan Wendt, and was comprised for the first time of 50 percent male judges, 50 percent female judges. Other judges were: Alan Jones, Kim Koditek, Frank Lanier, Pat Rains, Greta Schanen, and Ben Stein.
The 2019 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show Innovation Award winners are:
Boat Care and Maintenance, Padxpress, Valen SAS: “This pressure-activated, all-in-one polisher with integrated compound is a gelcoat and plexiglass regenerating system that reduces labor. Now you have time to actually go boating,” said Frank Lanier.
Center Console/Walkaround Fishing Boats, 332CC, Blackfin: “A fully-featured fishing boat packed with features normally found on much larger center console designs,” Alan Jones.
Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software, Aurora, SIOnyx, LLC: “More than just a night vision camera, the Aurora serves up full color detail providing easier navigation even in extremely low light,” said Ben Stein.
- Honorable Mention: Sail-Sense, Spinlock USA
Consumer Safety Equipment, Galaxy-INFL8, Shakespeare Electronics: “This compact antenna can restore full VHF performance in seconds – it’s a must have for emergency use in your life raft or dismasting,” said Ben Stein.
Cuddy Cabin and Bowrider Boats, A29, Cobalt Boats: “Cobalt has incorporated a number of lifestyle experiences like the fun Splash n Stow and the hi-tech Medallion Instruments vessel control system for today’s active family,” said Alan Wendt.
Deck Boats, 160 Super Sport, Boston Whaler, Inc.: “Great entry level boat with simple and adaptable seating that may excite a new generation of boaters,” said Kim Koditek.
Deck Equipment, ComfortGrip, Edson International: “A must-have for long trips when you’re white-knuckling a wet rail on a rough water run, this is a simple, versatile and affordable solution when you need to get a grip,” said Frank Lanier.
Docking and Fendering Equipment, Dry-Dock Seapen, Solstice Watersports/Seapen: “This docking system helps you keep your boat growth-free and ready to go – an alternative to davits or lifts,” said Greta Schanen.
Electric Motor/ Battery Powered Propulsion/Hybrids, Deep Blue 100i, Torqeedo: “Torqeedo keeps turning up the juice with electric propulsion for two new target markets – one for large torque needs as well as one for high speed applications like tow boats,” said Pat Rains.
Environmental Award, Untangled Collection - Baffin, Costa: “Made of recycled fishing nets, these lightweight sunglasses remove plastic from our oceans and give fishermen incentive to turn in their old gear,” said Greta Schanen.
Fishing Equipment, Gear and Tackle, SeaTrace 3000, FT-TEC USA Corp.: “A new fishing light watertight to 3,000 feet with inductive charging, programmable sound and colors for attracting different species,” said Greta Schanen.
Inboard Engines, 2.3L Ecoboost, Indmar Marine Engines: “The successful marination of a compact and powerful engine creates room in the boat for things you want to carry like gear or extra ballast,” said Alan Jones.
Jet Boats, 275 series featuring DRiVE, Yamaha WaterCraft Company: “Yamaha’s DRiVE system makes handling a big jet boat at slow speeds intuitive and confidence-building,” said Kim Koditek.
Outboard Engines, Integrated Outboard Propulsion, Volvo Penta: “The marriage between Volvo Penta and its 7 Marine division clearly demonstrates innovation in highly integrated and smooth-shifting helm to prop outboard propulsion systems,” said Alan Wendt.
Personal Watercrafts, Sea-Doo FISH PRO 155, BRP, Inc.: “With fishing being the most popular on-water activity, Sea-Doo is the first to create a purpose-built small craft fishing machine that’s just as happy inshore as offshore,” said Alan Jones.
Propulsion Equipment and Parts, MicroTuners ®, Nautique Boat Company, Inc.: “A simple way to tame a ski boat wake to soften its impact on slalom skiers - both hard core competitors as well as beginners will love it,” said Pat Rains.
Tow Boats, X24, MasterCraft Boat Company: “When 95% of your customers are wake surfing, the ability to switch and enhance the wave is key. Mastercraft’s Switchback tank opens up the sport to expert riders, kids and goofy-foots like never before,” said Kim Koditek.
Watersport Equipment, WakeBooster® Wake Enhancer, Yamaha WaterCraft: “Yamaha harnesses the power of the jet to enhance the surf wake for less than $1000 - including line and board. It mounts with existing hardware and is retrofittable to older boats,” said Alan Jones.
Celebrating the thousands of innovative products, ideas and services showcased each year during the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, presented by West Marine, the Innovation Breakfast featured a host of presentations focused on propelling the recreational boating industry. The Innovation Breakfast was presented by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF).
For questions about the Innovation Awards, please contact Rachel Harmon at [email protected].
The Innovation Award winners will be on display through the show’s final day, February 18. Visit www.MiamiBoatShow.com for show details.