Miami Innovation Awards

The Innovation Awards program presented at the Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show® honors manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products for the boating industry to market. The Miami program offers twenty-one product categories for entry. Complete details can be reviewed on the program webpage.

 
 

Product Categories

  • Alternative Propulsion (electric motor/battery powered, hybrid, hydrogen, solar, and other emerging and alternative propulsion technologies)
  • Boat Care and Maintenance (coatings, chemicals, paints, finishes, additives, oils and tools)
  • Cabin Cruisers, Motor Yachts, Trawlers
  • Center Console/Walkaround Fishing Boats
  • Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software
  • Consumer Safety Equipment
  • Cuddy Cabin, Bowrider, Deck Boats (boats intended for family day use)
  • Deck Equipment (rigging, rope, anchoring equipment, boat covers, canvas work, T-tops/arches, stainless work, mooring gear, steering mechanisms and wheels, exterior and underwater lighting, BBQs, blocks, winches/winch handles, screens, vents, rod holders, outriggers, etc.)
  • Docking and Fendering Equipment
  • Fishing Equipment, Gear and Tackle
  • Furnishings and Interior Parts (appliances, furniture, lighting, testiles, galley, etc.)
  • Inboard Engines
  • Inflatables and Tenders
  • Mechanical and Electrical Systems (AC/DC onboard and shore power systems, batteries, control apparatus, battery management tools, inverters, chargers, air conditioning, heating, plumbing, ventilation, pumps, tanks and fuel systems, solar panels, etc.)
  • Outboard Engines (including trolling, propane and electric motors)
  • Personal Gear, Soft Goods (clothing, footware, etc.)
  • Personal Watercraft
  • Power Multihull
  • Propulsion Equipment and Parts (gauges, trim tabs, propellers, steering systems, thrusters, etc.)
  • Sailboats (multihull and monohull)
  • Tow Boats
Innovation Awards Archive

2025 Innovation Award Recipients
Alternative Propulsion

E-Saildrive, YANMAR Marine International

“Yanmar’s first all-electric saildrive is a specialist rather than a generalist, tailor-made for luxury daysailers and small coastal cruisers. The E-Saildrive is refined by its closed loop oil cooling system, which negates all raw water contact, and by the high-quality, well-thought-through engineering throughout,” said judge Kelsey Bonham.


Cabin Cruisers, Motor Yachts, Trawlers

Azimut Fly 72, Azimut Yachts

Judge Kate Bush said, “Pulling from fresh interior styling trends, the Azimut Fly 72 offers beautiful, functional spaces onboard that have been totally redesigned, from fluid lines, unique salon and galley material selections, and well-thought-out accommodations spaces. The flybridge and bow are two spaces you’ll want to spend a lot of time.”


Center Console/Walkaround Fishing Boats

SOLACE 37Pilot, SOLACE Boats

“The SOLACE 37 Pilot creates a comfortable conditioned space that extends boating seasons or makes boating during the hot summer more enjoyable. The sliding doors stow out of the way ingeniously, and the helm foot pad is the most comfortable place I've ever stood on a boat,” said judge Kelsey Bonham.


Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software

Honorable Mention: Leopard Catamarans App with Marine Chat AI, Leopard Catamarans

NeuBoat Dock V2, Avikus

“Avikus' Neuboat Dock 2 eases one of the most stressful and difficult phases of boating. Their polished user interface delivers critical information and has this judge looking forward to what Avikus will deliver in the future,” said judge Ben Stein.


Consumer Safety Equipment

Atlas 190 DLX Life Jacket, Mustang Survival

Judge Kim Knudsen said, “By meticulously addressing the pain points of their product, Mustang has created a refined and innovative solution that prioritizes both safety and user experience. The Atlas 190 boasts a range of enhancements, including a redesigned buckle, a body-hugging shape that eliminates neck discomfort, and an improved internal bladder. These updates not only elevate safety standards but also ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for the wearer.”


Cuddy Cabin, Bowrider, Deck Boats

Elite 30, Monterey Boats

“It’s rare that this group gets on a boat and says, “Wow.” Said just Tony Esposito. “The overall design, forward beam, and automotive styling in the helm made many of us say, “Wow!”

Honorable Mention: Chris-Craft Sportster 28 Outboard Edition, Chris-Craft


Docking and Fendering Equipment

Honorable Mention: Slotted Bunks, Golden Boat Lifts & Marine Systems

Liftbar, Sunstream Boat Lifts

Judge Ben Stein said, “Sunstream raises the bar for boat lifts again. This time with the LiftBar, a self contained, 12-volt lift that delivers installation flexibility and reliable operations. LiftBar is pre-assembled and can be installed by two people in just a few hours. A true game changer!”


Fishing Equipment, Gear and Tackle

Lee's Ultima Outrigger, Lee's Tackle

“For anyone who has had to contend with the messy piles of line left over when outriggers are stowed, this system deals with that problem. Its carbon-fiber construction also makes the riggers lightweight and easy to deploy and stow,” said Gary Reich.


Mechanical and Electrical Systems

Dual Winner: Dometic DG3 Gyrostabilizer, Dometic

“Dometic’s DG3 stabilizer is a complete rework of an existing concept, with impressive results. The first all-electric precession control gyro fully winds up in 16 minutes and draws from a dedicated battery to do so, then recaptures energy back into its battery during wind down. The leap in efficiency is more than significant,” said judge Kelsey Bonham.

Dual Winner: S2460 Sodium-Ion Battery, Lithium Pros

Judge Ben Stein said, “Lithium Pros' S2460 is the first sodium-ion battery in the marine marketplace. Bringing operating flexibility in extreme conditions, tolerance to full discharges, and enhanced safety to a start of the art starting battery. The S2460 is an exciting glimpse into the future of battery technology.”


Personal Watercraft

Yamaha JetBlaster WaveRunner Series, Yamaha WaterCraft

“Yamaha's new JetBlaster WaveRunner Series prioritizes practicality and function for consumers, dealers, and service providers. As an entry-level offering, the three-piece deck system and the removable mid-deck makes maintenance and customization easier at all stages. From a performance perspective, the JetBlaster's lightweight truly delivers a PWC that's fun for everyone --from first-time riders to adrenaline junkies and performance racers,” said judge Kim Knudsen.


Tow Boats

XStar, MasterCraft Boat Company

Judge Kate Bush said, “The MasterCraft 2025 XSTAR’s asymmetrical hull provides an even, tailored wave for watersports enthusiasts, while the MAAX transom audio system is directed right towards riders and the patented murphy seat delivers a clever way to add more seating to the cockpit.”